Water & Life Sculpture Resource Pack Water & Life Sculpture 1
Introduction Water & Life Sculpture Nature is an infinite sphere whose centre is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere - Blaise Pascal Everywhere we look, the complex magic of nature blazes before our eyes - Vincent Van Gogh Water & Life Sculpture 2
Introduction Who, What, Where The Walthamstow Reservoirs in Waltham Forest, London are currently being transformed into a distinctive urban wetland nature reserve and centre for learning that is unprecedented in size in London. Recast as, the site will open in 2017 and give visitors free access to its natural, industrial and social heritage in one of the capital s most diverse and populous urban areas. The ten reservoirs that make up this 211 hectare site are nationally and internationally recognised as significant for wildlife, particularly overwintering wildfowl. They constitute the largest fishery in London and will continue to be an operational water supply site for Thames Water. The project is being led by the London Borough of Waltham Forest in partnership with Thames Water and key stakeholders including the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Greater London Authority. London Wildlife Trust is delivering the project and will be responsible for conserving and enhancing the site s wildlife and heritage. The Water & Life Sculpture is part of their programme of public engagement activities. Water & Life Sculpture 3
Introduction Sculpture Location The completed sculpture will be located in the Marine Engine House at. With it s swift tower rebuilt, the Marine Engine House is figuratively and literally at the heart of Wetlands, with the sculpture at it s centre. By involving the community in the creation and evolution of the sculpture, it s relevance, reach and sense of community is enhanced - creating a statement of intent that matches the aims and ambitions of the whole project. Water & Life Sculpture 4
Introduction Project Objectives invites schools and the local community to take part in an arts project to express what Walthamstow Wetlands means to them. The objectives of the project are: To promote a better understanding of natural and built heritage ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations to cherish and celebrate. To promote a greater sense of ownership and shared responsibilty for a site that is so important in supplying people in Walthamstow and across London with the water they use everyday in their homes, schools and business s. The Sculpture will be formed from 150 vessels suspended from the crane in the Triple Engine Room in the Marine Engine House. Each vessel will be filled by a different individual / group and just like the Wetlands transformation, once assembled into the finished sculpture, the art work as a whole will be greater than the sum of it s parts. Water & Life Sculpture 5
Introduction Vessels The contents of each vessel is down to the individual / group tasked with filling it. The theme is WALTHAMSTOW WETLANDS. What do the Wetlands mean to you? The possibilities are endless! Here are some examples: Water I love relaxing in a bubble bath and these painted bubbles represent the colours in the foam. The hot water from my tap seems so different from the cold water in the reservoirs, yet that s where it came from! Wildlife I found this abandoned birds nest at the wetlands 2 years ago, it had fallen from a tree and I found it so beautiful I had to take it home, It s been on a shelf ever since. I am glad it s finally up high again! Personal Items I used to volunteer at the Wetlands when I was a youngster, a great way to give something back! For some reason I kept the gloves as a reminder, at least they finally have a use! Nature Samples Our class made these flowers after a nature trip to Stoneydown Park looking for the first signs of spring Craft Seeing the brightly coloured fishing tackle used by the fisherman at Walthamstow Reservoirs inspired me to make these fish using plastic straws Water & Life Sculpture 6
References Supporting pages and additional resources to help in the creation of the sculpture Oct 2016
Reference Vessel Template 8cm diameter wide Jars will be provided by. The finished artwork can be of any format, however: The finished artwork must be placed within the vessel The finished artwork must be dry No hazardous materials can be used 20cm high 14cm diameter wide Water & Life Sculpture 8
Reference Sculpture Location Engine House cutaway view Engine House location Water & Life Sculpture 9
Reference Indicative arrangement of vessels Water & Life Sculpture 10
Reference Artists inspired by / using natural materials in their work Nils-Udo Elizabeth Goluch Theo Jansen Andy Goldsworthy Water & Life Sculpture 11
Reference Places and Websites London galleries with a range of contemporary and historical sculpture include: Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, Camden Art Centre and Whitechapel Gallery. You can also see examples of public art in parks, town halls and high streets as well as your local museum. Useful websites: http://rbs.org.uk/ Royal Society of British Sculptors. http://www.pmsa.org.uk/ Public Monuments and Sculpture Association. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/list_of_public_art_in_london Public art in London. http://www.sculpturenature.com/en/about/ A blog about outdoor art and sculpture. http://www.sculpture-network.org/en/home/about-us/vision. html Organisation for the support, encouragement and promotion of contemporary sculpture. Water & Life Sculpture 12
Good Luck! Water & Life Sculpture 13