East Coast sculpture - artist explains
MY proposed sculpture will, I hope, win public approval. I don t intend to inflict on anyone another lump of iron to go rusty (Letters, April 8). It will actually be made of galvanised steel, the bog oak supported by a steel table cladding the structure
MY proposed sculpture will, I hope, win public approval. I don't intend to inflict on anyone "another lump of iron to go rusty" (Letters, April 8). It will actually be made of galvanised steel, the bog oak supported by a steel table cladding the structure that represents the pommel horse.
Lit at night, the figure will appear to fly. Using solar panels and LED lights, I hope it would be as stunning as the sculpture referred to by Mr Wood. I deliberately avoided exotic materials, and a brilliant golden colour would not, I suggest, fit with the Great Fen Project, where I hope it will stand.
At night it would be seen from a great distance, flying above the surrounding fen. Anchored by day on its bog oak table, the symbolism would be obvious to anyone looking with an objective eye.
I hope the structure would be an uplifting experience, reflecting the achievements of Louis Smith in particular and the young athletes from our region representing the county and country in the Olympics and in the future.
I hope it suggests optimism in these difficult times to serve as a permanent reminder for the inhabitants of this region - not so long ago under water and unfit for human habitation until it was drained by the Dutch.
Much of the farmland will be returned to its original condition, so I suggest it has relevance to its environment. The materials chosen and methods of construction would have a relatively small carbon footprint, employ local labour, encourage tourism and fit comfortably on the fen, seen by rail travellers in a position that would not present a safety hazard.
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The design has changed since the original concept and will no doubt change again. I have talked to engineers and those better-fitted to make the final sculpture and have already made major structural improvements relating to materials, stresses and costs.
This is the very nature of the artistic process - inspiration, development and the drive and ability to see the project through to its ultimate resolution.
DEREK MASSEY
Daintree Road
Ramsey St Mary's
