Iconic Artwork Commission

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 12:18:04 +0000

Video clip http://www.vimeo.com/30159229

Project: A hospital is more than just a building: it is a living machine and a machine for living.
The work as a whole alludes to a simple, precious and fascinating human commonality: the beat of the heart.

The work uses digital lighting, medical monitoring equipment and control devices that gives the work different aspects.
At rest it breaths a blue light, interacted with it becomes a heart rate monitor on the hour it is a clock and two infrared beams
set into the landscape design trigger two other moving sequences when tripped.

 

Approach

Following our initial proposal for the Iconic Artwork for The Manchester Children’s Hospital, we have further refined and
developed the proposal into what we believe is a wholly original and exciting piece of interactive art. The sculpture is an
inanimate object that becomes animated through the presence and action of people in varied and changeable ways.

The sculpture aims to catch attention in a visceral manner, through its form, textures and movement. After this initial impression, however, there are further layers of meaning and interactivity. These allow forms of accessibility that range from a sense of fun and playfulness to education and information for all ages.

The work as a whole, as is hinted at in its name, attempts to contextualise the meaning and purpose of its surroundings.
It alludes to a simple, precious and fascinating human commonality: the beat of the heart.

A hospital is more than just a building: it is a living machine and a machine for living.
The sculpture is formally sympathetic to the architecture and is also sympathetic to its function. The sculpture will be the beating
heart of the hospital. The work uses digital lighting, medical monitoring equipment and control devices that can be updated and
changed as the technologies develop. The piece will initially have very clear functions, effects and opportunities for interaction.

The work will be programmed with three fixed functions and never needs to be touched again. However, we have developed the
work as an object that can entirely change in its functions and interactive capabilities. It allows for artists or patient groups to re-programme and re-site the control equipment in the future. Alongside the initial proposal for its functions, we have listed possible
other interactive possibilities for the future.

Workers Memorial Day Monument

Mon, 1 Nov 2010 11:13:11 +0000

Project:This commission brief was jointly developed by the Health and Safety Executive and the TGWU. The engraved enamelled letters are altered to reflect the words ‘Everything we wanted to say’. The linga-yoni configuration is the mean average height of a human adult in 2010. The work is constructed in mirror polished stainless steel and polished granite.

Coast to Coast - Second Sun

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 20:10:52 +0100

Project: In researching how to celebrate the arrival in Sunderland of cyclists completing the final two kilometres of the C2C route, I was also asked to consider the significant history of the area. Various elements came to the fore such as the shipbuilding and port status, which is subtly, referenced in the final work ‘C’ and celebrated in other artist’s works along the route. However as a global influence of continuing significance, nothing was quite as weighty as, the facts and figures that surrounded the life of, The Venerable Bede, who’s, Monastery was located above this site.

Possibly the most significant and famous outcome of Bede’s scientific exploration, was calculating Easter through the motions of the sun. A Swiss monk named, Notker the Stammerer, speaks of Bede as being so influential that God made him,

“rise from the west as a new sun to illuminate the whole earth.”
 
 Second Sun’, Cast aluminium, stainless steel, large format 3D lenticular animation using Nasa solar satellite telescope images (7m x 5m x 1.5m). The first of the two main pieces sits at the foundations of the Wear Bridge and the Railway Bridge in, Sunderland. The cyclist coming across the work will see the sun image as a convex form that rotates as they pass. There is also an animation of a massive solar flare from 2002 within the image. At dusk light sensors trigger the internal led light rack, illuminating the image from within the sphere. 

Way Markers, lenticular panels, laminated glass, powder-coated mild steel, orbiting animations, positioned along the route to the planets relative distances from ‘Second Sun’ to the end piece ’C’. Also clicking down the distance to the end from that point.

‘C’, Carved granite sculpture (3m x 3m x 0.4), aligning sun and lighthouse on Easter Sunday when falling on 04/04 (2010, 2028, 2058, 2098).
     In Production

Coast to Coast - C and Way Markers

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:15:32 +0100

Project: In researching how to celebrate the arrival in Sunderland of cyclists completing the final two kilometres of the C2C route, I also wanted to consider the significant history of the area. Various elements came to the fore such as the shipbuilding and port status, which is subtly, referenced in the final work ‘C’ and celebrated in other artworks along the route. However as a global influence of continuing significance, nothing was quite as weighty as, the facts and figures that surrounded the life of The Venerable Bede, who’s, Monastery was located above this site.

Possibly the most significant and famous outcome of Bede’s scientific exploration, was calculating Easter through the motions of the sun. A Swiss monk named, Notker the Stammerer, speaks of Bede as being so influential that God made him,

“rise from the west as a new sun to illuminate the whole earth.”

“Second Sun’ Cast aluminium, stainless steel, large format 3D lenticular animation using Nasa solar satellite telescope images (7m x 5m x 1.5m). Way Markers lenticular panels, laminated glass, powder-coated mild steel, orbiting animations, positioned along the route to the planets relative distances from ‘Second Sun’ to the end piece ’C’. Also clicking down the distance to the end from that point.
‘C’ Carved granite sculpture (3m x 3m x 0.4), aligning sun and lighthouse on Easter Sunday when falling on 04/04 (2010, 2021, 2083, 2094).   
‘C’
The granite monolithic construction marks the end of myth and alludes to scientific measurement, it is a companion piece to ‘Second Sun’.
The two main works as a whole represent the relationship between acts of faith and reasoned thinking where-by ‘Second Sun’ is relating to mythical notions of romantic gesture, epic travel and pilgrimage and the final piece is about rational calculations and exploration that allow us to imagine, no less fantastical concepts such as Easter. The works represent Bede’s winning facility to encompass both faith and reason.

The mirror polished granite literally reflects the weather, its surroundings, and the people who come within its orbit.
The piece coincides with the end point of the scaled solar system and looks out to the unknown, re-framing and re-contextualising Roker lighthouse through the sculptures shutter inspired portal form. This work also alludes to the great sea-faring heritage of Sunderland and the importance of accurate astronomical calculation for safe and successful navigation and trade.   It is positioned in direct alignment with the lighthouse and stars that would be visible if viewed from that point on Easter Sunday, 04/04/10 are marked on its surface. The sun rose behind the lighthouse through the hole at 7.30am on 04/04/10, Easter Sunday and it will do the same for millennia on the 04/04 at 7.30am (as calculated by The Venerable Bede). Easter Sunday doesn’t fall on 04/04 again this century until 2021, 2083 and 2094)

The Way Markers
The way-markers carry orbiting animations on lenticular panels positioned to the planets relative distances from the sun (or ‘Second Sun’) ending with Pluto at the final sculpture. At these points there will also be a numerical digital countdown for cyclist nearing completion of the C2C route. The numbers click down and the planet animates around an axis with the action of passing the panels.    In Production

Northfield Pool

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:06:42 +0000

Project: This permanent installation for Northfield Primary School in Leicester consists of 24 mirrored acrylic semi-spheres, each one metre in diameter. The Visual effect for the pupils and local community has enlivened the 1960s pool whilst in use, with the reflected light of an evening also creating a new presence for the building when viewed from the main street and general environs.  

Anderson Park

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:35:00 +0000

Project: For everyone who has lived in the areas surrounding Anderson field, this open space will have a strong place in their memories both pre and post demolition, playing an important social role as a place to meet greet, play and previously, work. The artist and designer where conscious of considering the space with all ages in mind, not just the young. This precious area of public space had to retain and improve upon its many functions in this respect, both obvious and subtle.

The general ethos behind the design approach was to bring a sense of visual intrigue and practical pleasure through developing interesting places within the same well-known area. There developed a strong ethos to create sculptural forms using quality materials within the landscape that are not easy to immediately take in at a glance and that reveal themselves overtime or through physical engagement with the space.

Developing more intimate areas had to be balanced with making the area safe to use, getting this balance right became the main challenge throughout the whole design process. The concept forms, structures, platforms, levels and planting presented for consultation where intended to encourage non-prescribed play, that allows for inventive games and activities that can be created around the forms. Working hand in hand with the landscape architect Ian Maddox, Andrew aims to encourage imaginative play and safe traversal of the site for children and adults alike. 

Flip Gate

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 17:56:45 +0000

Project: The artwork for Plymouth St consists of a gate design that had to function on a variety of levels. Primarily the client (Cardiff City Council) required a closing off of an alleyway on the main shopping boulevard in Cardiff City centre. The gate had to be a fully functioning fire gate with quick release from within. The design commissioned by Safle (Public Arts consultants) consists of laser cut and powder coated stainless steel panels that are offset and using the moiré effect create an animation of figures performing a summersault. The effect is created by the motion of the viewer in passing.

Sidemoor Nest

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 18:06:31 +0000

Client: Sidemoor Forest School

Commissioned: Impact Art

Project: The commission was for an iconic piece of free standing sculpture. The work was to relate to the forest ethos of the school and give the school an iconic image for use also as signage and in general publicity. It functions as another outdoor space to gather under and hold sessions or workshops.
The powder coated mild steel structure stands 4mx3m.
The uprights contain periscopes some looking into the nest and some looking out. The colours are taken from the forest in autumn.

Ashington

Sun, 7 Mar 2010 21:30:32 +0000

Client: Northumberland County Council Public Arts

Project: A series of sculptures commemorating Ashington and Hursts’ mining Heritage. At one time the largest mining community in the world.  The sculptures when seen in reflection are scaled models of the two oldest and deepest shafts and seams.The sculptures are at 1:50 scale, they are located in relation to each other at the same scale.  The seating was inspired by the miners bathtubs hanging on the back wall of every house.

Dovecot Multi Activity Centre

Sat, 6 Mar 2010 22:01:19 +0000

Client: Liverpool City Council 
Project: Dovecot Multi Activity Centre (lighting installation).This permanent installation uses sequenced white neon lights. Different users of the building can vary the speed of the running sequence. The variable aspect of the work relates specifically to the multi-use context of the building.
On the floor running through the atrium are a series of inlaid hopscotch plates that relate to trouble spots around the world. ‘Hotspot Hopscotch’.
 

Kensington Primary

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 21:42:08 +0000

Client: Liverpool City Council

Project: This zoned creative play area was designed through consultation with the children and staff and was a collaborative commission with landscape architects Brock Carmichael.
The area includes an outdoor classroom with blackboard and tables including forged steel and oak carved wolves each holding different bronze fruit.
There are forged entrance-way fruit trees, a bamboo xylophone, running slopes and climbing walls, a stepped ampitheatre with a rain and sun shelter colonnade, a climb in benches with a geometric trellis and a small wet pitch for ball games. The soft play area includes ramped walls and posts to hang off, the physical design and the planting scheme where based around the theme ‘The Senses’.

Sticks & Stones

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 21:36:25 +0000

Client: Arts Council, Whiston Hospital Art Commission, Kings Fund

Project: Enhancing the Healing Environment. This courtyard redesign and artwork were created in collaboration with architects Capita Symonds. The work is both interactive and an object to be viewed in its own right. LED floor lights, passing through green, amber and white sequences, play inside a glass tunnel, etched with a stylised bamboo motif. The strobe effect turns a person traversing the structure into a performer for the people seated in the amphitheatre and passing by in the corridor.

Sure Start Nursery

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 18:24:34 +0000

Client: Sure Start Speke

Project: This zoned creative play area was designed through consultation with the children and staff and was a collaborative commission with landscape architects Brock Carmichael and myself.  
The area includes an outdoor classroom with blackboard and tables including forged steel and oak carved wolves each holding different bronze fruit.
 There are forged entrance way fruit trees, a bamboo xylophone, running slopes and climbing walls, a stepped ampitheatre with a rain and sun shelter colonnade, a climb in benches with a geometric trellis and a small wet pitch for ball games. The soft play area includes ramped walls and post to hang off, the physical design and the planting scheme was based around the theme ‘The Senses’.

Skull - Bluecoat Art's Centre Liverpool

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:55:53 +0000

Installation: Bluecoat Art's Centre Liverpool.

Project: This installation at Bluecoat Arts Centre in Liverpool was a response to the building and garden redesign. Inspired by Holbein's 'The Ambassadors', this reworking of the anamorphic skull in mild steel plays on anomolies of perception and perspective. It also draws attention to the corporeality of the spectator and the cyclical and changing nature of the environment within which it is seen. It is positioned to be readable from the doorway of the building and then to fall away as the viewer walks down the ramp.

Netherton Feelgood Factory

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:11:27 +0000

Client: Netherton Feelgood Factory

Project: Numinous is an integral part of the Netherton Feelgood Factory, a new build health centre in Liverpool. The 4m x 4m x 2m sculpture uses fibre optic lighting and incorporates a kinetic ball run. The wall below the cloud has internally lit glass panels, to mimic falling rain. The works are part of the design for the nursery garden and seating was created for other external courtyards. It was created as part of a collaborative commission with the architects Brock Carmichael Associates.

Bulb - Faith In Ideas

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:24:41 +0000

Client: Liverpool City Council, Centre for Arts Development and Training Building

Project: Faith In Ideas. This mild steel and dichromatic lighting sculpture was created in response to the Year of Faith project. The work uses light and the movement of the viewer to reveal changing mass and volume.

Pooh Sticks Sure Start Project

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:33:00 +0000

Client: Halton Borough Council

Project: The Pooh Sticks Sure Start Project is a creative play piece, with underwater pumps that set small craft or sticks racing through open water channels. The platform was designed to act as a viewing station and spatial exploration structure for play and safe climbing.

Stone Poems

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:49:37 +0000

Client: Halton Borough Council  Commission: The Windows Poetry Project

Project: Halewood, Knowsley. A selection of works inspired by community poetry workshops
in Halewood Station and the immediate environment.

Materials include, polished granite, marble inlaid telegraph poles leaded marble, and a wind powered Kinetic two frame animation attached to the platform lamp.

Stockport

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:57:46 +0000

Client: Stockport Council
Project: Regeneration Project

Container / Skip 99 / 03

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:03:05 +0000

Client: North West Arts / Liverpool Biennial Independent

Project: Walkabout (VIP) was a temporary street installation for the Liverpool Biennial 1999. A 24-hour sound piece, the locked white container emits the sound of Liverpool by night, during the day. Tracey 'Itinerants' show.

The Free Air Squared sculpture project explores re-use of existing systems and the production and delineations of space within the context of urban regeneration.

Vault

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:08:35 +0000

Client: St Mary's Church, Woolton, Liverpool

Project: The ashes of the 50 people in the vault beneath the inscription stone are represented by 50 random indents that appear raised or indented depending on the angle of light. The upright of the crucifix is formed by a gap, while the horizontal is leaded on each block.Visual alignments and ambiguous reading makes for a more intimate and changing relationship with the work.

Super Lamb Banana

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:11:12 +0000