Linda Johns

Art in Salcey Forest, Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire
Original trail of nine sculptures May 10th 2008-June 2009.
Five sculptures remain permanently in the forest, see guide below.

The series of nine sculptures was inspired by my observations and experiences whilst walking in Salcey Forest. Made from fine wires and natural materials they are intended to blend with their environment rather than imposing upon it - if you look closely you will discover forms which I hope will add to your enjoyment of this very special place.

The sculptures combine images of archetypal inhabitants our ancestors 'saw' in forests and other wild places, with inspiration from quantum theories of energy and inter-relatedness, and my ongoing interest in depicting three-dimensional forms through line.

A guide to the art walk:
(The nearest car park to the walk is the Horse Box car park off the Bulls Head Road.)

Walk along the main trail from the car park, continue along this trail to a 'cross-roads' of paths where you follow the main trail as it turns sharply right. Follow the trail, passing a table and bench. Continue along the trail to another 'cross-roads' of paths - this time take the path to the left. Near the end of this path, there is a trail to the left and just at the beginning of this trail is a large ash tree on your right-hand side where you will find
Spirit weave II - The 'spirit' of an ash tree emerging from the trunk. Woven using lines of stainless steel wire to represent the patterns of the bark.

Walk along this trail until you come to a trail marker (blue line) which indicates a small path to your right leading off into the trees. Along this path you will see on the left-hand side of the path
Wood spirit - A found object, the weathered roots of a fallen Oak which has always reminded me of a forest spirit. This is such a sculptural object itself that I had to include it in the exhibition - I have subtly accentuated the features using woodstain and sandpaper.

From here, take the left fork on the path and follow the trail markers through this pretty section of forest, turning right after the culvert and then left just before the field to continue on this part of the walk (alternatively take the right fork to the main path, continue on via dogleg right and immediate left). You will walk alongside a lovely area of beech wood. Turn left at the end of the beech trees. Just before the bridge turn off the path and walk along the stream edge - across the stream you will find
Geodesic weave - An inhabitant of the wood, 'contemplating' beside a stream. This sculpture is 'in process' with the clay of the original former gradually weathering away from the brass wire of the final work.

Continue along the path, past two more waymarkers, and follow the path as turns to the left (an overgrown path continues in front) to stay on the Woodpecker trail. Pass information post i6, and continue on until the path forks - take the left hand fork (marked with a blue line trail marker) to continue on the Woodpecker trail, a short distance along you will find to your left in a clearing
Regeneration - Three uprights of machined pine wood with three spirals of hazel as a new 'tree' in an area which is being allowed to naturally regenerate following the removal of the pine tree plantation. A wild honeysuckle has been planted to grow up this sculpture.

And immediately opposite, to the right of the path
Wood spirit II - The top of a fallen ash tree trimmed and placed upright to represent the antlers of another forest spirit. I have added a spiders web, and a 'gift' for the forest - I hope other visitors will add their own gifts to make this a wishing tree.

I can often be found walking around the area, and don't be surprised if you see me making more work, taking photographs, or doing drawings as I continue to be inspired by this forest - do come up and say hello.