Recording the Elements on Canvas

The idea of recording the comings and goings of nature and the elements in a physical way really interests me. The aspect of observing nature without being present generates a kind of respect for the environment. With the influence of Stephen Turner's "Tree Rings" http://www.stourvalleyarts.org.uk/ I placed small sections of canvas in a local wooded area for 10 days. The above are some of the sections of canvas. I plan to rework these trace elements in some way with stitch and other materials and try to place some canvases around the Horticap site. 

History

1851 Census Record Moor Park Beckwithshaw



1858 Map of land where Horticap is now situated

I have found it difficult to find out what "Bluecoat" refers to in the title of Horticap but looking at the history of the land where Horticap is now it came to my attention that in the mid 1800's James Bray took over Moor Park Estate in Beckwithshaw the area Horticap is situated. He took the estate on in hope of improving the surrounding countryside by planting copses to encourage game. 
The map of 1858 shows a wood on the land where Horticap is now and maps that I have seen of 1913 still show that the wood existed in the beginning of the 20th century.

                                                                                       

 The above are extracts from the Oxford Dictionary of Place Names. I Researched the name Beckwithshaw

"Beck" refers to a brook, stream, water and "Shaw" refers to copse, group of small trees or a wood. These  meanings fit well with the development of my work. They generate thoughts of materials and what will be used to make the sculpture. Could wood and water be used together? 

Haven & Shelter

The main element at Horticap for me is the aspect of shelter and the nature of keeping things safe. Greenhouses and tunnels provide shelter and warmth from plants, bird boxes and insect hotels are made by staff and students to generate conservation of wildlife. The whole site is a haven for wildlife and natural world. Most of all Horticap provides a safe haven for the students who work there, they themselves are made to feel safe and secure in their surroundings enabling them to develop their skills in a happy environmnet.

Sketch Book

A small sample of some early research work from my sketch book. At the moment key materials such as stone and wood feature heavily. Aspects of enclosure and feeling safe are a what generate from the site and also how the elements effect the land and area around it. 

Proposed Site

As well as landscaped gardens which are accessable to the public there is also a more natural wildlife garden which is accessed through a willow arch.The main objective is to create a 3D form/sculpture from natural materials that will sit within this landscape. The form must be sympathetic to its surroundings  charachterizeing and enhanceing the space.

Collaborative Stratergies

My next brief will be a collaborative project and I will be working with Horticap a charity based organization who work with adults with learning difficulties. The staff and volunteers work with the students developing life skills through the teaching of horticulture, rural skills and related crafts. http://www.horticap.org/

A4 Exhibition

The above images are of my final piece developed for the A4 Exhibition held within the Interdisciplinary studios at Leeds College of Art. They represent the conclusion of the brief “The Secret Life of Objects.”

The trace of Limestone particles are situated on three A4 glass panes. Raised slightly from the surface of the plinth shadows from the Limestone traces are visible.The glass enhances the Limestone and emphasizes the aesthetics qualities of the work.  The piece I feel is transient, reflective and thoughtful. Through the delicate process of realization the Limestone particles highlight the passage of time and the fragility of life.