After some time spent working on this commission I am delighted to post this studio photograph. My construction planning for the work has come together to generate this bench seat from recycled materials. The alternating layers of Brown and Black are especially satisfying, producing a shifting two tone colour scheme as the eye passes over and around the 3 dimensions. This adds to the vitality and movement of a piece which I hope will do justice to the beautiful natural setting of Reynards Hill.
Occasionally, whilst making the bolt holes in each of the layers a little shaped piece of plastic swarf forms. They measure about 4cm x 3cm and it's easy to destroy them when wiping the surface. They remind me me of a solar eclipse, where only that which radiates beyond the disc remains visible. They are so delicate and so beautiful, a tangible bi-product of the creation of empty space.
On a rainy Tuesday afternoon my materials finally arrived.
Kerbside delivery of 1,037kg of recycled HDPE - so it took a little while to move it.
Knowing that these inanimate rectangular sheets can be transformed into something vibrant and full of life is inspiring. It's so exciting to see, feel and smell them, and to get to grips with using this environmentally sound material.
This plaster relief was made by a student at St Joseph's. The combination of organic and geometric forms seem to have an archaeological quality. Like a photograph taken from the orbit of a distant world.
A dusty windblown landscape perhaps, showing the remains of a settlement or installation. Who lived and worked there? What went on in this place and why is it now deserted?
For two days this week I have been working with students at St Joseph's Specialist School and College in Cranleigh. St Joseph's specializes in
working with young people who find education especially challenging. It
has been very rewarding to run workshops with the learners at the school
who have made a wide range of beautiful abstract reliefs.
This cast relief has a wonderful simplicity allowing you to sense the blocks breaking away from the whole into new territory.