Bird Thicket - Royal British Society of Sculptors

Site 1 – The Edgar Horne Ward, Level 4
“Bird Thicket”
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This site has very specific requirements. The sculpture needs to be sensitively
considered from a variety of points of view. The subject matter needs to
intrigue and interest, and yet not disturb. It needs to be kept clean and
sterile, so the finish needs to be smooth and wipeable. It needs to be a focal
point and enhance and lighten the feeling in the area.
To this end I have designed a piece in which the subject matter has some
simplicity about it; 'Bird Thicket' depicts birds perched on a series of linked
rings and arches. The shapes I have used are reminiscent of the forms of the
prickly pear bushes of the Mediterranean, combined with those I saw in Central
Park, New York, earlier this year which were made by large bubble blowing.
There is something otherworldly about these shapes which fits with my wish to
create a scene that feels a little foreign, as if from a childhood story.
The presence of the birds brings life and playfulness as they chatter together
appearing to explore the complexities of the structure.
This sculpture would have the effect of a lattice screen and could be positioned
between the furniture to break up the space into different seating areas. I also
like the idea bringing a sense of the outside coming inside.
This will be a unique one-off piece, but I would wish to reserve the right to
edition the work at a later date if removed from the site.
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Scale Drawing of 'Bird Thicket'
Dimensions:
Width of bronze parts:
Height of front bronze part:
Height of middle bronze part:
Height of back bronze part:
Height including base:
Width of base:
Depth of base:
Height of base:
1161 mm
858 mm
1000 mm
622 mm
1064 mm
1340 mm
430 mm
64 mm
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Materials, Engineering and Fabrication
'Bird Thicket' stands one metre high and 1161mm wide. There are three layers
to the piece, mounted behind each other, creating a sense of movement as one
walks by (see page 13 for diagram of separate sections).
Each section would be modelled directly into wax, with the use of a timber
board with pegs to help support and locate the pieces correctly during the
making of the wax originals. The foundry would cast to bronze directly from
the wax, thus no mould would be required. The thickness of the thicket
strands would not exceed 25mm avoiding shrinkage in the casting, and the
birds and other features would be modelled hollow where necessary.
Each strand of thicket will be about 25 mm thick widening to 50mm at the
base and set 50mm apart.
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I propose a patina of greens and green/blues to slightly differentiate the three
layers. The patina would be sealed with a lacquer and then waxed.
The sculpture would be mounted on a thick plate steel box base/plinth. The
plinth will be powder coated in a suitable colour to work with both the patina of
the sculpture and the surrounding decoration of the space.
The height of the plinth (814 mm) would bring the work to a good height for
viewing from both a seated and a standing position.
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Site 2 – Public Access Garden in Atrium on Level 3
“Sun Birds”
Site 2 - Public Access Garden in Covered Atrium on level 3
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“Sun Birds”
Site 2 is a light airy space within a large high glass ceilinged atrium. There is a
large 10 metre high wall, just over 5 metres wide, on one side. This wall can
be seen from the three floors in the wall opposite, and also from a walkway
that crosses the space at level 4. Because of these various viewpoints it seems
a good idea to make a wall based sculpture, with a free standing element,
which will be visible from all these places.
I understand that it is intended that the patients and their relatives or carers
can use this space for a bit of time away from the confines of the Edgar Horne
Ward, for a change of scene, and therefore I feel that the approachability of
the work is very important.
It is also appropriate that the work expresses movement and physicality in this
space, which is much more open than site 1. The depiction of the activity of a
lively group of birds may serve to stimulate and enthuse the audience.
I propose to make a free standing sculpture of a bush, once again reminiscent
of the rounded shapes of prickly pear cactus plants, but this time with a
solidity to the form. There will be a group of several birds roosting within it
and above there will be a breakaway group of birds in flight moving up the wall
towards the sun.
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Scale Drawing of 'Sun Birds'
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Materials, Engineering and Fabrication
I intend to build these works around armatures made of welded mild steel tube
which will include fixing hooks, threaded parts or bolts to secure the work to
the wall, subject to agreement with the technical support team.
The form of the sculpture will be built up with steel basket panels and
aluminium square gauge wire. Over this I will apply a paper pulp air dry clay
mix which I have found to be very strong and durable. This surface will be
painted and possibly collaged with coloured paper for a subtle texture, then
sealed with matt varnish.
Previous works completed using this technique include: 'Sentinel' and 'Dog
Dream' (see Appendix of Previous Works). This material was used for the main
body of both of these pieces over simple aluminium armature wire and this
material has proved very strong and durable.
The cactus bush will be free standing and securely mounted onto a thick plate
steel base which will be positioned against the wall, thus the body of the
sculpture will be proud of the wall and cast a shadow (see side elevation on
page 18).
The other parts of the installation, the birds and the sun, will be securely fixed
to the wall in deep relief.
The proposal for this site is offered on the basis that the 5 x 10 metre wall will
be made good before the work is installed.
I would be happy to work with the technical support teams in ascertaining the
areas of the wall that may not be appropriate for hanging work from, and
modifying my design accordingly.
I would also be happy to consult the teams when deciding on the most
appropriate fixings for the site prior to manufacture of the sculptures.
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Side Elevation
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Budget for Whole Proposal
The budget, a total of £10,000, would include: material expenses and work
out-sourced, as well as any additional design fees and preparatory work, and
the construction of the sculptures. It does not include installation costs as I
understand a further £2000 has been allocated for this purpose.
Site One:
Wax (Green casting and type B mixed)
£
160
Bronze casting, finishing and patination
£ 5,500
Wood for wax support structures
£
50
Thick steel box base plinth powder coated
£
517
Various transportation costs during manufacture
£
100
£
250
Site Two:
Allowance for appropriate fixings for wall mounted parts
Approx 3 days outsourced steel welding of armatures £
750
Paper clay pulp mix
£
250
Painted collaged finish (paints etc)
£
200
Thick plate steel base powder coated
£
517
Various transportation costs during manufacture
£
100
Artist's Fee
£ 1,606
TOTAL:
£10,000
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Installation Specifications
As previously stated I would be happy to consult the technical support teams
when deciding on the most appropriate fixings for the installation of all works
and their composite parts, both wall hanging and free standing, for both sites,
prior to the manufacture of the sculptures.
Installation has been calculated to take approximately half a day on-site for
both sculptures (estimate from Aston Spinks Art Handling). The Installer would
carry out a Site Survey, and produce Method statements and Risk
Assessments.
All parts of the sculptures and their bases will fit into the service lift.
Maintenance
Site One
The bronze lends itself perfectly to the needs of this ward site. The patina will
be sealed with a lacquer and then waxed. It can then be cleaned with a
detergent and antiseptic so long as the cloth is soft. No abrasives should be
used. It is sturdy enough for handling by both cleaning staff and patients. The
plinth, which also forms the base, will be manufactured out of thick plate steel
finished with a powder coating. It will therefore also be very easy to keep
clean and sterile.
Site Two
The surface of this work will be sealed with a matt varnish and can be easily
maintained. The free standing element will be mounted on a thick plate steel
box plinth with a powder coated surface which will avoid damage to the base of
the work.
There should be no long term maintenance required for either site.
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Risk Assessment
for the 2015 FIRST@108 Public Art Award
at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital
Site 1 – Edgar Horne Ward (level 4)
Area Assessed: Installation and De-installation of Large Scale Public Artwork
What are the
hazards?
Crushing from
weight of work
Who might be
harmed and
how?
Installation
engineers,
passers by
What action is
being taken
reduce risk?
Would
recommend area
be sealed off from
public, patients
and staff during
installation
What further
action is
necessary?
Obtain Method
Statement and
Risk Assessment
from Installation
company
Area Assessed: Exhibition of Large Scale Artwork in Public Space
What are the
hazards?
Who might be
harmed and
how?
What action is
being taken
reduce risk?
What further
action is
necessary?
That the work may Patients, visitors
become unstable
and hospital staff
The artwork will
be securely fixed
to an appropriately
robust plinth
Appropriate
product and public
liability insurance
should be taken
out.
The detailed
smaller bronze
parts may be
sharp
Artist will ensure
that all surfaces
are smooth and
that there are no
sharp parts in the
manufacture of
the work
Cleaners, visitors,
patients and other
staff
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Site 2 – Garden (level 3)
Area Assessed: Installation and De-installation of Large Scale Public Artwork
What are the
hazards?
Falling parts
Who might be
harmed and
how?
People in the
atrium space
What action is
being taken
reduce risk?
Careful installation
should be ensured
by reputable
installation
company
Robustly build
appropriate fixings
for wall hanging
parts will be used
What further
action is
necessary?
Appropriate
gantries and
installation
scaffolds should be
used
Would recommend
area be sealed off
from public,
patients and staff
during installation
Obtain Method
Statement and
Risk Assessment
from Installation
company
Area Assessed: Exhibition of Large Scale Artwork in Public Space
What are the
hazards?
Wall based work
could fall.
Who might be
harmed and
how?
People in the
atrium space
What action is
being taken
reduce risk?
Well engineered
appropriate fixings
will be used.
Floor based work
could tip forward
People in the
atrium space
Threaded fixings
will be integral to
the steel armature
and the works will
be securely fixed
to a heavy steel
base of suitable
proportions for
stability.
Recommend
thorough
consultation with
all relevant parties
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What further
action is
necessary
Installation must be
undertaken most
carefully to ensure
safe fixing to the
wall.
Appropriate
product and public
liability insurance
should be taken
out
Appendix of Previous Works
I include these works to demonstrate various relevant skills; competence with
materials, familiarity with techniques, and the ability to simply and humorously
put across story and character.
'Sentinel'
Mixed Media including paper pulp mix and papier mache
91 x 109 x 20 cms
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'Dog Dream'
Mixed Media including paper pulp mix and papier mache
56 x 76 x 25 cms
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'Becalmed'
Bronze
31 x 21 x 12 cms
'Landing Place'
Bronze
14 x 12 x 8 cms
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'Blue Dog Journey'
Mixed media including plaster polymer, fabric, stitch, gold leaf
82 x 94 x 33 cms
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'Island Bird'
Mixed media with plaster polymer, fabric and stitch
31 x 25 x 16 cms
'Fruit Flock'
Commissioned work
Mixed media textile
50 x 36 x 16 cms
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'Cub'
Bronze Resin
101 x 55 x 30 cms
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'What's That?'
Bronze Resin
56 x 61 x 30 cms
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Curriculum Vitae
Exhibitions:
June 2015
May 2015
Dec 2014
Nov 2014
June 2014
June 2013
May 2013
May 2013
Apr 2013
Nov 2012
Sept 2012
July 2012
May 2012
May 2012
Oct 2011
May 2011
May 2011
Feb 2011
Nov 2010
May 2010
Feb 2010
Dec 2009
Sept 2009
May
May
May
May
2009
2009
2009
2009
Nov 2008
Aug 2008
May 2008
Dec 2007
Dec 2007
Sept 2007
Sept 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
May 2007
Mar 2007
Jan 2007
Nov 2006
Selected as one of five finalists in the Royal British Society of Sculptor's First
@ 108 Public Art Award, Exhibition opens October 2015
'Sculpture and Painting for Summer 2015', Moncrieff-Bray Gallery
The Curwen Gallery, Christmas Show
The Curwen Gallery's Macmillan Support Fundraising Weekend
'The United Society of Artists Cork Street Open Exhibition' The Gallery
Cork Street
‘The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition’
‘Sculpture at Bothy Vineyard’ Frilford, Oxfordshire
‘Insight 2012’ New Greenham Arts
AAF Bristol, with Sarah Wiseman Gallery
‘Wild’, Totterdown Art Trail, Courtyard Gallery, Paintworks, Bristol
‘Picandmix 2’ Courtyard Gallery, Bristol
‘Echo’ argeea21 artists at ‘Open Hand Open Space’, Reading
‘Sculpture in the Orchard’, Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire
‘Sculpture at Kingham Lodge’, Kingham Lodge, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
‘Connections’, Courtyard Gallery, Paintworks, Bristol
‘Received Wisdom’ Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury
‘Insight 2011’ New Greenham Arts, Newbury
‘Uncertain Moments – Uncomfortable Truths’, Reading Museum; including
works from the collection and from local artists.
Winter Show, ‘West Ox Arts’, Oxfordshire
Artspace 2010, Barn Galleries, Henley
Group exhibition at ‘West Ox Arts’, Oxfordshire
Rivers Gallery, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, Winter exhibition
‘Dream Landscapes and Inside Stories’ a solo exhibition at The Peacock
Gallery, Wokingham
‘A Quiet Knowledge’ Arlington Arts Centre, The Mary Hare Centre, Newbury
‘Muse’ A group exhibition at The Corn Exchange, Newbury
‘Insight 2009’ New Greenham Arts, Newbury
Sadie Brockbank and Verena Keable, at Mortimer Hill, An Open Studio
exhibtion
Sarah Wiseman Gallery, Oxford, Winter exhibition
Cambridge Contemporary Art Gallery, Cambridge, Summer Exhibition
West Berkshire Community Hospital exhibition as part of the Open Studios
2008 scheme.
No 4, Charterhouse Square, London EC1, group exhibition
Jewell’s Barn Artist’s Christmas Show, Stanford Dingley, Berkshire
‘Art London’ with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
‘Kindness’ Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury, with Vanessa Perry and Diana
Pattenden
Jewell’s Barn Summer Show, Stanford Dingley, Berkshire
Cambridge Art Fair, with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
‘Relationships’ A joint exhibition with painter Audrey H Marshall, Mortimer
Hill, Reading
‘Insight 2007’ New Greenham Arts, Newbury. Part of the ‘Open Studios
2007’ scheme
Affordable Arts Fair, Battersea Park, London, with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
The London Art Fair, Islington, London with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
Barn Acre Gallery’s Christmas Exhibition, Henley on Thames
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Sept 2006
July 2006
June 2006
June 2006
May 2006
May 2006
May 2006
May 2006
Mar 2006
Nov 2005
Nov 2005
Sept 2005
Aug 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
May 2005
May 2005
May 2005
Mar 2005
Jan 2005
Nov 2004
Oct 2004
Sept 2004
Sept 2004
Mar 2004
Dec 2003
Oct 2002
July 1999
June 1995
Dec 1993
Sept 1992
Sept 1991
April 1990
July 1989
Nov 1989
Brighton Art Fair, with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
Open Exhibition 2006, South Hill Park Arts Centre
The Daily Telegraph/House & Garden Fair, Olympia, London, with ‘Four
Square Fine Arts’
Dulwich Art Fair, with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
‘Eclectic’ Barn Acre Studio Gallery, Henley on Thames
‘Insight 2006’ New Greenham Arts, Newbury. Part of the ‘Open Studios
2006’ scheme
Open Studios Artists at West Berks Community Hospital, Thatcham
Chelsea Art Fair, Chelsea Town Hall, with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
Affordable Arts Fair, Battersea Park, London, with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
Brighton Art Fair with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’, Corn Exchange, Brighton
‘29’ Barn Acre Studio Gallery Christmas Exhibition, Henley on Thames
‘Artspace 2005’ – Worcester
Anglia Art Fair with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
Canterbury Art Fair with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
Daily Telegraph/House & Garden Exhibition with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
‘Artspace 2005’ Barn Galleries, Aston, Henley on Thames
‘Insight 2005’ New Greenham Arts, Newbury. Part of the ‘Open Studios
2005’ scheme
‘Open Studios 2005’ Mortimer Hill, Reading
‘Pour Plusieurs Raisons’ Corn Exchange, Newbury, in conjunction with ‘Open
Studios 2005’
Affordable Arts Fair, Battersea Park, London, with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
Work on show at ‘Modern Artist’s Gallery’ Whitchurch, nr Pangbourne
Brighton Art Fair, Corn Exchange, Brighton with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
Urban Interiors, with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
‘20th Century British Art Fair’ at Royal College of Art with Piano Nobile Gallery
‘Hidden and Revealed’ joint show at Nine Clarendon Cross Gallery, Holland
Park, London
Affordable Arts Fair, Battersea Park, with ‘Four Square Fine Arts’
Drawing Open, Bracknell Gallery, South Hill Arts, Bracknell
In retrospect – 40th Anniversary 62 Group, Alexandra Palace, also showing at
RDS Dublin and International Hall, Harrogate in November.
‘The Inner Beast Garden’ St. Donats Castle, South Wales, part of Storytelling
Festival
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
‘Memories and Mysteries’ East West Gallery, Portobello, London
‘Out of the Frame’ Crafts Council, London
‘Crossed Threads, Crossed Lines’ (62 Group) Oxford Gallery Aug 1989
“Guardian Gallery Bristol ‘89”, Victoria Rooms, Bristol
Textile Arts Festival – Bradford ’90, Leeds Polytechnic
’62 Group New Members Exhibition, Hampton Court Palace
“Art Textiles for Interior Design”, Knapp Gallery, Regents Park
Related Work Experience:
July 2010
Produced a series of working drawings of horses for Steven Spielberg’s film
‘Warhorse’
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