HND Fine Art/First Year/Guided Bus Way

Guided Bus way
Myself and the rest of the group have been asked to create a piece of public, site-specific art work for the new guided bus way, which covers a 7 kilometer area from Leigh to Ellenbrook. This project is running along side the same units I am needing to cover on my HND course. This is a great experience to undergo and a fantastic opportunity to get my art work into the public. We are covering the Leigh, Astly and Tyldesley areas.
On Friday 22nd November Me and Bex went to visit the guided bus way offices in Leigh. Firstly we read through the health and safety instructions before putting on our PPE. We had a quick brief about where we would be going on the site. To travel around the site we had to drive around in the Land rover. There were certain parts of the route we could not get onto because they were being worked on. I wish more of the group could of made it because they would of thought of different questions than me and Bex and they would have a different opinion and input. Hopefully on the next visit the whole group will be able to make it.

Throughout the route me and Bex took photo's so we could show them to the group back at college. It was still slightly hard to visualize where the paths, interchanges etc..would be because there was not much to look at, just dug up earth. I asked about the community feedback that they had received and they replied mostly 95% negative. To be honest I was not really surprised because in some parts they were literally digging on houses doorsteps. It makes me wonder how they got the go-ahead for this project?



As we went along we asked questions about budget, scale, spaces, community, materials. Sometimes it was difficult to get a straight answer. I asked if we could visit again once more of the foundations where down, they said yes as long as we give them plenty of notice. I am pleased that we visited the site, because it was a good learning experience to go through, If me and Bex had not of gone, nobody would have, which would not look professional.


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On the Monday back at college me and Bex showed the group what we had seen and asked, and together we came up with some ideas. They gave us plans of what the bus route will be, along with pictures of what the paths and bus shelters will look like. It is still very difficult to get started because we do not know exactly what we are working with. We bullet pointed some important points that we  need to work on. This project is slightly annoying me because 1.I have never done sculpture before, 3D has never been my strong point and time is against us. 2.I think the company do not think we are up to the job and they are going to try and get us to create something THEY want, not what we want. 3. We do not have much time to get our ideas together if they wont give us the answers we need. However with this aside, I am going to focus on what I want to create and if it does not get accepted then at least I have done what I set out to do. This is a great opportunity to get my art work out there and noticed but I am still slightly intimidated by the whole process.

To gain a better understanding of sculpture the group went up to the library to gather site-specific art work and sculpture books. We all took a few books out each so we could share them between us. There were also some DVD's we took out. Looking through the books I came across some really interesting sculptures. When going through them I stuck pieces of paper in between the pages so I could feed back to the group what I had seen and why I found them interesting. The rest of the group also did this. I Watched a DVD on Antony Gormley and Sculpture 100. You can see all research I have done on my HND Fine art-PDP research page.

In life class I did quick sketches experimenting in different medias trying to get a sculptural like form. I first started creating quick sketches of the basic outline of Daisy. I used paint, graphite and ink. I love working in these quick ways, getting the outline down quick and expressively. I have not worked like this for a while so my sketches were not that good and my proportions were off.

With my next few I started to block tone in trying to create form and depth as Daisy is 3D not flat. Working in a expressive, gestural way is defiantly my preferred way of working. In these pieces I still wanted to get the proportions correct. 

I found in these pieces my proportions were not correct so that is something I need to work on in my next classes. With these last two drawings I started to add tone using different techniques. My last piece was defiantly my most successful as you can see the form of the figure. I am going to work in the style again next week and try to produce more accurate outcomes.

As a group we had a discussion with Robin about what we had so far. We noticed that we did not have much information that was definite, and this was holding us back. Speaking with Robin  made me realize that we would have to be firm but still polite in trying to get answers. I do not want the company to think we are incapable and at the minute I feel like they are not taking us seriously. I want us to prove that we are serious and more than capable of producing an amazing piece of art work. With the group together we wrote an email to the assistant project manager explaining our queries and questions we needed answering.
(You can click image to enlarge)
Once we had sent the Email I felt much better in the way that we was going to get answers. We have never done anything like this before so we can not take things as ''ifs'' and ''buts''. I have received an Email back and we are in plans to organize a meeting either here at the college or at their offices in Leigh to discuss our concerns.

RESEARCH...

The face of Wigan is a sculpture not to far from the college designed and created by Rick Kirby. The stainless steel sculpture stands 5.5 meters tall and cost £80,000.  The mirrored effect of the steal makes every passer by ''The face of Wigan''. 
 
As a group we started to walk down to Wigan museum and along the way we came across several pieces of public sculpture. These were interesting to look at simply because of the media, and scale. Although they are not world ''famous'' sculptures, the material used has lasted and this is something we need to look into. We need to make sure the media we use wont get stolen, or destroyed by the weather or thieves.  

This building produces sound of distressed birds to keep the pigeons from going onto the roof. Could I go in the direction of sound?

I received an email from the company on 26th November with an attached image. It read ''Charlotte,

When you and Rebecca visited site last week, you were asking if we had found any artifacts.  I've come across what appears to be a large metal shovel, possibly used for cleaning out steam engines.  It’s in the site office so next time you’re out here call in to see if you want to use it.  If so, we’ll work out some way of getting it across to you''.I cant wait to go and pick this found object up so we can have a closer look and maybe take a casting from it. However I think it is ''too little to late'' because they have got rid of most of the objects they have found which is a bit disappointing as they would of been great to work with. 
  
Drawings...

The big wheel outside of college was due to be relocated, so I decided this would be a great opportunity to see how a piece of site specific work would be transported to a new location. The manoeuvre is going to take 11 days. During that time, work will begin on the plinth before transferring the wheel from its current home on Parsons Walk to New Market Street, outside the Wheel restaurant.

The final position of the wheel. Watching the work involved in the moving of this sculpture made me realise how much work is involved with transporting a structure safely and efficiently. 

http://www.publicartonline.org.uk/
To get some research and advice on site specific work I looked onto a website called public art on-line. This has been a great source of information because it provides guidance along with case studies of public art work. I know I have to research into various aspects If I want to create a safe yet interesting outcome for the guided bus way.

DESIGNS...

I created this simple design taken from one of my previous designs using wire. Using the wire enabled me to bend and manipulate the wire how I wanted. 
I Spent all day working in the 3D room working with clay and plaster, experimenting with a few of the designs I had created in my work book. If I am honest this guided bus way project has started to get on top of me because I am not feeling very confident in the work I am producing at the minute. I have never done sculpture before, so trying to create a successful piece is difficult for me, especially as I am more of a expressive, gestural painter. I enjoy the new challenges and I am always willing to experiment and get my hands dirty but knowing that this piece is to go into the public is extra pressure. Especially when I am struggling to create a solid design. I hope from somewhere I get some inspiration which will help me produce a successful outcome. When creating my designs I looked at Eduardo Paolozzi for inspiration, as I love the textured and mechanical appearance from his art works. I used certain mechanical tools and parts to impress into my clay pieces. However, I still wanted to create a organic and natural form for my sculpture like Tony Cragg. With Craggs work I love his sculpture where he has used bright vibrant colours. 
 
I began working on a new sculpture. If I am honest it is not working out for me, and it does not look up to a professional standard. I do not feel like I have put 100% into this project yet because it is not something I am strong at. I have tried numerous outcomes and neither have been successful, so it becomes slightly disheartening. I know I am very 2d, painter minded and I am starting to feel like that is not good enough. I do not feel I am up to standard as the rest of the group and it is starting to P*** me off now. I hate it when my work does not come out the way I am planning,  but I know I need to keep going because I want to prove to myself that even in situations I am not confident in, I can still produce a professional outcome.  At the end of the day I spoke to Lee and he mentioned about trying a few of my other designs, and creating them as floor pieces. I believe this will work better for me as it is more 2D. I have started to think of a piece that has thick wooden glass over it, so the public can walk over it and look down onto it.  I have also been thinking of using some kind of neon lights, cats eyes, or some kind of liquid media to add colour into the compositions. I could have 3 circles to represent the 3 towns. 

With a new direction, I wanted to crack on. I scanned my designs onto the computer where I then opened them into a programme called 'inkscape'. This allowed me to trace  my image so the laser cutting machine would be able to cut it out accurately.  Once I had finished I saved my final image in the correct format the laser cutter recognises. I went into the workshop to speak to Dave about how I go around creating my design. He talked me through the settings such as, groove, shade and cut.  I was able to use these to create different layers on my piece. I got the machine to cut my design out in a circular shape.  I used a couple of different media's from wood to plastic, but I also want to try glass,  and mirror especially so it has a reflective surface.  I got a few experimental pieces created today so tomorrow I can progress them further. I am enjoying creating these pieces alot more. However it is probably  because they are ''flat'' .  Eduardo is still being a main influence in my work. I have taken shapes from various drawings and photo graphs  of mining equipment to create my own abstracted mechanical like design. So although the design is abstract it still links back to the primary research of the mines. 

I started to experiment with words underneath one of my design to see if it would work together. I got the quote ''Deeds not words'' From a long term resident named frank, who described this quote has his motto. Artist   Jim Sanborn is an artist who I have looked into to influence me, especially down this new direction. 

I am being drawn towards the idea of using light like Sanborn, because I know the area will have no lighting, So I want to try and find away I can use light within my piece. I am also intrigued with the idea of creating a modern outcome which still has a slightly less obvious link back to the history of the towns as say as sculpture of a miner would. However where'as Sanborns work Is vertical I would like mine to be under the surface of the floor so pedestrians could walk over and across it. Also if it was in the wooded area, the light would be able to shine up throughout the trees. I want the link between the outcome being underground and lighted to refer back to the mines and the miners lamp, without it being obvious, and bringing the town a piece of modern art. 

I stuck my pieces down into my sketchbook, where I could keep them safe. I have a few possible directions I want to take my work down. After Paris I am going to spend a week finalising my idea, and to see what the rest of the group think. Once I know if my design is OK, or any changes need to made, I can get in contact the the relevant professionals. I hope I can progress my idea forward as I would love for it to be in a public space. 

 
DESIGN SHEETS....

I was doing some research on the internet when I came across these photo's, which caught my eye. Throughout my project I have wanted to incorporate light into my work somehow, either it being If I can use a power source at the bus stop, or if the light would need to be UV or solar based. 
''The UK company has developed Starpath, a spray-on technology that can be applied over concrete, tarmac, wood or any other solid surface to give it an artificial teal glow at night.Starpath is applied in three layers: first, a polyurethane base, then a coat of light-absorbing particles and finally a durable, waterproof finishing coat. Pro-Teq Surfacing thinks the non-reflective, anti-slip spray could enhance visibility at night and be a potential alternative or supplement to street lights.“This product adjusts to the natural light, so if it is pitch black outside the luminous natural earth enhances, and if the sky is lighter, it won’t release as much luminosity,” Hamish Scott, owner of Pro-Teq Surfacing,It adjusts accordingly, its almost like it has a mind of its own. Further, the surface is environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.”

Starpath is currently being tested on footpath in a well-known park in Cambridge, England. Pro-Teq says the 1,614 square-foot path took only 30 minutes to cover with the spray and was ready for use in less than four hours. I looked on the website and Sent an email to the company asking for a bit more information, and how I could purchase some. 

First email to Pro-teq

Second email to Pro-teq

FINAL DESIGN SHEET...

Because my previous ideas where all over the place, and ''messy'' I wanted to re-draw them onto a final design sheet, which I could take to the presentation with me. I also used imagery as examples similar to how I wanted my idea to be, so they could get a better feel for the design. 

FIRST OUTCOMES...

I worked a lot with John over this part of the project because I needed help with the Photoshop/illustrator part. I had drawings of my seat but I wanted an actual 3D colour design that I could present. I enjoyed working with John on the macs because I learnt new stuff, which hopefully I can build upon. Using the mac I could create my design, and edit the colours more quickly and effectively than if I had to draw them out. 

SECOND OUTCOMES...

For my next designs I edited the flooring by adding rocks and stones, So I could present a few more options. 

TREE DESIGN...

This is my most simplest design and because it is so basic, I think that makes it the most successful and practical design. I used the quote ''Deeds not words'' the Tyldesley motto to create a circular grid based around a tree, which I would like the local school or group to plant. Maybe even a flower patch would fit nicely into it.  To improve my design I would like to get a motto from Leigh and Astley to involve all the communities. 

 
These are the designs I struggled with most, and I struggled to create the 3D image I wanted to show my design. 

This is a design I came across and the internet and this is the type of design I was aiming for my floor/light design to be similar to. 
However I wanted my design to be based deeper under the group and a thick glass surface covering it so people could walk across and over the piece.
Throughout this project I have been in contact with certain people and companies.

Glowtec-UV products.


(You can click the image to enlarge)
Email to Glowtec... I emailed this company as I came across a 'glow in the dark' paint, which I thought I could maybe incorporate into my design.



I also emailed Jill Randal because she has experience in public art work, so she is a great connection to have. She gave me some pointers to work from.


This is how my final design was presented, which I was quite pleased with. I know that it is not the most practical design, and the process of creating it may be near impossible and far to expensive, but I am happy that I managed to work with John to create a 3D image of it considering 3D Is NOT my strongest point. However the experience of working with a company and the challenge of creating a design, has been a very good learning curve. Although I have not been overall excited and pleased with my outcomes, there has been some positive points. Within my seating design, I wanted to incorporate the cog like shape to link back to the mining era, but use it in a modern and contemporary way. I also wanted to use the lights, either being solar, or if it was possible to connect to a light source, as I noticed in the first couple of meetings Kathryn and Angela repeatedly mentioned that it would be dark. I again used the motto ''Deeds not words'' to run along the outside of the seat. 

EMAIL TO JILL


EMAIL TO DALE FROM EVANS CONCRETE
I emailed Evan concrete my designs to ask for an approximate cost. When I recieved the total cost back, it was to far over the budget. I did email them back asking if they could break down the cost into sections such as: labour, materials, transport etc... but I had no reply. 

PRESENTATION

I drove the group upto Leigh Cotton mill where our presentation was based. We created a power point, to show Kathryn, Angela etc. our process and how we had arrived at our outcomes. We also took along our design sheets to show them our drawings and imagery we had collected. 
                    
We each took turn explaining our work, and each design had some great feedback. All the panel where extremely excited to see the outcomes we had come out with, which was quite good as I felt slightly unenthusiastic about my designs. Kathryn and Angela sent me an email of their thoughts on each separate designs, and which they preferred and why. As a group we pulled the presentation of in a professional way, each of us helping out with the explanation of the work. The power point which Georgia created was a great way to show the journey we had come through, and they really enjoyed listening to us and hearing what we had to say.
    
After the presentation, we left our design sheets with them so they could show other people who could not attend the meeting. Kathryn is applying to the arts council for an extra £30,000 so we can create more than one design which would be great. 

Previously when she dropped our work off at college, she mentioned that any part in Leigh has come available and maybe we could create a Fine art painting to go inside. I would love this opportunity as this is more my type of commission.