The next phase

Moving on – these three images show proposals for both the stone by the “wishing tree” and the way markers. Both are made from cast concrete. The stone at the wishing tree will have words taken from the notes which have been left by visitors. Some would be painted cold. The stone it self would emerge from the ground. An alternative would be to have a number of similar stone –each with less word – laid flat on the ground. Leaves would cover them from time to time. The way markers are again concrete cast from the reconstructed tree trunk. The top section has a viewing hole in it which would be directed to the next marker. The next marker may not be able to be seen and this would again contribute to the theme of Adventure+Play=Discovery. The third image indicate what the stone may look like if cast in reconstituted sandstone.

Man at work

No need to say anything other that " tree monkey"

first images of installed work

See these as a stop gap. I will need to take some better images of the installed work but here are some to be getting on with. The leaves are falling fast and the nests are silhouetted against a dark sky. In general they seem a lot more delicate that anticipated but the rusting metal has a real glow, which is set off by the crispness of the glass - they will only get better. The large Crows nest dominates - as it should - the clearing. To date it's the least debated over, largest and most dramatic in situ. The discussions we have had about ensuring we match "effort" with location / environment are very relevant in our analysis of this piece in particular. The sound boxes and periscope,because of their function, are being consumed very differently by visitors - it's what they do as opposed to what they look like, which is of most importance. This issue has not been discussed by us yet but its clear that if their success is to be measured we have to use a very different set of criteria to that applied to the nests. This is all getting too heavy for a public forum - just get out there and enjoy.

Crows Nest

Two wooden nest have been made. One will be fixed in place in the same way as the stee / glass nests the other will be mounted in a wooden "cradle"

Two wooden nest have been made. One will be fixed in place in the same way as the stee / glass nests the other will be mounted in a wooden "cradle"

Waymarkers - progress

After much discussion Alex and I have agreed to “adapt” the mould making process for the way markers. We believed that by simply reproducing a section of tree in concrete we would run the risk of producing a very second rate replica of something already in existence. Additionally the moulding process - a metaphor for our intervention - would also be “hidden”. As a consequence we have decided to cut the tree into sections and then reassemble it with the addition of planed wood dividers. A mould will be taken of the whole object so that when casts are taken the natural wood and that which is planed will be reproduced in the same material. We believe this will produce a subtle ambiguity in the finished casts. The process will also allow us to cast “slots” which visitors will use to locate their next way marker. Watch out for updated images

lets have it then

I’ve tried to encourage all involved to post on the blog, comments about the “experience” of working on this project. I know from some how rewarding you have found it, particularly in relation to group work. I’m enjoying the freedom of sharing the “mechanics” of the project with you and your hunger to understand fully the context within which we working. There are a lot more benefits to come on both a group and personal level and I’m keen to ensure you get the quality experience you deserve. You have excelled in many ways so please ignore any self doubt. Reflect and smack your thoughts out on the blog. All you have to do is click on the comment tag below each posting and write your bit. Help me to help you.

Things are moving fast

Thanks to the efforts of all involved, and particularly those who have been over to Chester to iron out some of the technical / construction issues, we are now in full production mode. We are working towards an installation date around the 21st September and so the weekend before is likely to busy. If those involved are available that weekend for an hour or two please let me know in advance so that I can timetable who, what and when. The next big part of the job will be the casting of the tree section but for the moment enjoy a short photographic representation of what I’ve described as “production mode”.