Linda Johns

Art in Salcey Forest
May 10th 2008-May 2009, Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire.

This series of nine sculptures has been 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:
(Leaflets with a map of the walk are available from the information points at both car parks, or can be downloaded (pdf). The nearest car park to the walk is the Horse Box car park off the Bulls Head Road.)

As you walk along the main trail from the car park you can see an area on your right which has been partially cleared, the last oak tree in this area (look for post A) is the setting for
Light - Lines of stainless steel wire, suggesting light pouring out of the tree in five ‘beams', each consisting of nine wires.

Continue along this trail, just before a ‘cross-roads' of paths where the main trail turns sharply right, the next sculpture hangs from a high branch in an oak to the left of the path (post B)
Iris II - Created to replace Iris which was taken from the forest during December 2008. A different perspective on vision - a 360 degree view of a section of forest abstracted into geometric lines. As with Iris, this sculpture is an interpretation of my vision and an invitation for all to closely observe what is around them.

Follow the trail to the right passing a table and bench. Look carefully into the trees bordering the path on your right-hand side where you will find the next sculpture hanging under an oak branch (post C)
Body weave III - A forest inhabitant, ‘relaxing' as though in an invisible hammock under an oak branch in the canopy by the path. Woven from copper wire using a technique learned by observing spiders weaving their webs.

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 (post D) 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 post E and a few feet beyond the post 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 (post F) turn off the path and walk along the stream edge – across the stream you will find
Geodesic weave - Another 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 a few metres before the path turns to the left (an overgrown path continues in front) you will find post G and
Falling seeds - Mild steel rods welded into the pattern of ash seeds falling. Hanging in an ash tree the lines blend into the branches around them until you see the spiral pattern gently rotating in the breeze.

Turn left at the bend 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 (post H) a clearing with
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 (post I)
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.

A number of events will be happening during the year including guided walks and workshops. 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 - if you'd like to see comments, or add your own images or thoughts about the exhibition, please visit the blog.

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.