Illustrations of the process of dragonfly metamorphosis provided inspiration for the final design
One of my templates for the site-specific sculpture - the nymph - drawn to scale
FINAL DESIGNS
Once the design for the sculpture had been decided on, I did some background research on Dragonfly metamorphosis, having never witnessed it and felt I needed to get my head round the process and imagery. Here are links to some of them from YouTube videos:Dragonfly Nymph Transformation; Amazing Transformation; Dragonflies Up Close; Dragonfly Life Cycle.
I then produced some large drawings (to scale) of the proposed nymph and adult dragonfly, which were used as my templates for the basic steel structure. I spent several hours in my studio constructing and welding the inner skeletal form, ready to take in for the first workshop, together with the chicken wire wings.
WORKSHOP - DAY 1- 12/8/10
DAY 1 was very full and productive! I think all participants enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills, create a wire piece, contribute to a permanent site-specific sculpture (still in the making) and connect with new people of all ages in the wonderful magic of Carymoor!
After my brief introduction, drinks and form-filling, Julia took us on a wander to discover new zones and wildlife species. We visited the great wasp spider - still poised in the same position as a fortnight ago, undeterred by yet more visitors. It has a voracious appetite for grasshoppers and obvious patience! We learnt more about other inhabitants such as slow worms, snakes, owls and butterflies; saw a whole snakeskin (with eyes) and owl leftovers (tiny skull-encased-pellets); enjoyed the glimmering sunshine, all of which provided a gentle introduction to the day's activities. After a look at the pond area - where the Dragonfly sculpture will be installed - and the fantastic herb garden, we returned to start work.
Following my demonstration, the group began designing and constructing their own 2-d or 3-d wire pieces, using my templates and resources as inspiration.
Below are a series of photos logging our day:
Lynne's quick work on her stylised tree
Participants worked individually until lunchtime (many also worked during lunchtime to get on with their pieces), after which we talked together about progress made and the group divided up to work on the site-specific sculpture in addition to their own work.
Jess tracing a wing vein for the final site-specific sculpture
Mario hard at work on the nymph sculpture, using thick copper wire to construct the body segments
Discussion about construction techniques between Rosemary and Jess!
Finally, all participants evaluated their work with constructive comments from the rest of the group
Lynne's snail decorated with found beads and buttons
Brenda's delicate newt
Jess talking about her magnificent 3-d mushroom
Hannah showing us her final dragonfly - a beautiful piece created out of twigs from our walk, found beads and wire
In addition to making his own wire leaf, Mario worked most of the afternoon on the large Nymph site-specific sculpture for the Centre.
Teresa's passion for the project and wholehearted contribution is evident in her positive response to it all. Looking forward to her return with Mario on 26/27th for the final sculpture days
Loosestrife is Rosemary's favourite flower - found in abundance at Carymoor. Her piece was a lovely interpretation of it, using various fine wires, beads and buttons. Rosemary went through various modifications, deciding not to impose her pre-conceived ideas on the end result, to great effect!
Helen explaining her butterfly piece
Beccy - from SAW - took part too, making a lovely Umbellifer flower. Here, she talks about her work
Turquoise and copper Spider and Web by Debbie. The spider caused Debbie some grief but it all came together in the end! The creative process at work...
Sue loves snails, so she made one out of recycled wire and snail shells she collected on our walk round the site
Helen utilised netting in her very 'textiles' butterfly - such an original approach
Jess and Beccy's work
DAY 1 was successful due to everyone's joint efforts to get involved, explore new areas of creativity and work together. And Julia's delicious chocolate cake made the day run even smoother!
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