Laser cutting detail from one of the totems.
We began this project at the very beginning of Covid and so has been a long time in development.
The California Crossroads Scheme is a traffic calming scheme and is quite a dramatic development to say the least. Whilst we were not involved in this we were asked to add some art into the mix.
We began this project at the very beginning of Covid and so has been a long time in development. We couldn't even visit the site due to restrictions but we did create sketches and had excellent communications with WSP who designed the scheme. From these sketches we developed the storylines and themes and then looked to work with local groups and schools. Unfortunately we couldn't access any local groups due to circumstances but, later, we were able to work with Gorseride Schools and ran workshops to create artworks that we could use on the totems. They created some lovely work for us and we were delighted that we could include the work from every child who took part. There was some fantastic nature doodles and really impressive stained glass window designs.
Concepts sketches for the totems
The California Crossroads Scheme is a traffic calming scheme and is quite a dramatic development to say the least. Whilst we were not involved in this we were asked to add some art into the mix.
The Art totems carry the storylines wit very few words but a lot of imagery cut into steel.
As part of the development we created a summary statement that guided the design process and thinking:
Exploring stories and landscapes
Each hero needs to be connected to the wider project themes and visual palette. A key component of this is the Red Oak.
Each totem begins at ground level with a flutter of leaves that merge into a hero.
Each hero has a tale to tell.
Each hero expresses a language in hidden memory.
Each hero has a voice.
NINE MILE RIDE STRAIGHT ROAD, CROOKED TREE BIGSHOT KEEPERS OF ANCIENT OAKS HAVING A BALL CALIFORNIA DREAMING AMERICAN DREAM ROOTED IN OAK FOUR HEROES EXPRESSED IN STEEL. GROWING OUT OF LEAVES. RECITING STORIES. PLACED IN TIME.
The completed designs for the totems showing the front and back.
The creation of the artwork followed a number of stages and a lot of freehand drawing, eventually culminating in a digital drawing using Concepts App on the iPad. This is a vector drawing programme that allowed me to export as an auto cad drawing for laser cutting. the fabrication was done in wales by IS Group who approached this complex project in their usual calm and professional manner - "we like complicated stuff Steve" - is their usual response when I hit them with unusual projects!
The quality of construction is really fantastic and I was so pleased that we were able to create a stained glass window affect without lighting involved. The translucent colours seem to shin with the light filtering through the polycarbonate barrier that is set in between the laser cut steels panels.
We are very grateful to a local photographer Gabriele Swift Photography for the excellent photography in the above gallery. - www.gabrieleswiftphotography.com
