Art in Salcey Forest - installing the original exhibition

May 10th 2008-May 2009, Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire

I'd like to thank the Forestry Commission for all their support in agreeing, arranging and installing the art walk in Salcey Forest.

This series of sculptures has been inspired by my observations whilst walking in Salcey Forest, the archetypal inhabitants humans have projected onto forests, notions of energy and inter-relatedness from quantum physics and my ongoing interest in depicting three-dimensional forms through line.

Now the works are installed I have been able to stand back and consider the exhibition as a whole. I'm looking forward to seeing the interaction of the sculptures with the forest and its visitors through the various weather and seasonal changes over the coming year. Some images of the sculptures have been made into Giclee prints.

The sculptures The following images show the sculptures during or just after installation - click on each image to see further photos of the sculpture:

 

Light

Light
Stainless steel wire

 

Iris

Iris
Stainless steel and copper wire
This image shows the sculpture just after its initial installation. Unfortunately that evening a member of the public removed the sculpture thinking it was a bird trap. Thankfully we were able to recover the sculpture and I have been able to repair it to the point where it could be reinstalled. Iris was been taken from the forest in December 08 and has now been replaced by Iris II which can be found somewhat higher in the same tree.

 

Body weave III

Body weave III
Copper wire

 

Spirit weave II

Spirit weave II
Stainless steel wire

 

Wood spirit

Wood spirit
Oak (found material)
Regular visitors to this part of the forest may well recognise this particular fallen tree. It is such a sculptural object and so much a part of this area of the forest that I had to include it as part of the art walk. Working carefully with what already exists I have used woodstain and sanding to subtly emphasise and define the 'spirit' I see when walking here.

 

Geodesic body weave    Geodesic weave - Autumn

Geodesic body weave
Brass wire
This sculpture was originally intended to sit on a log over the stream, however the clay proved too heavy and made the figure unstable as it weathered out of the wire form, so the sculpture has been resited across the stream. Eventually only the brass wire figure will remain. The pictures show the initial installation with complete clay former and the figure as it currently is (Autumn) with most of the clay weathered out.

 

Falling seeds

Falling seeds
Mild steel rod
Installation in progress.

 

Regeneration

Regeneration
Hazel and pine

 

Wood spirit II

Wood spirit II
Ash (found material)
The top of a fallen ash tree, selectively worked into 'antlers' and set upright. Intended to be a wishing tree, I hope members of the public will add their own objects and wishes during the exhibition.

 

Details of the exhibition, guided walks and workshops

Getting there
By car:
There are two main car parks in Salcey Forest:
Horse box car park (nearest): parking and information
Cafe car park: parking, information, cafe, children's play area and picnic area

By public transport:
Nearest rail station: Milton Keynes Central or Northampton (see train timetables)
Bus 33 from Northampton or Milton Keynes Central to Hartwell