A family of storks at their nest: a large piece using
willow, grass, leaves, wire and scrap metal. For this installation at
Batley School of Art Pauline covered armatures
of willow branch in natural materials such as grass and rhubarb leaf. As well as giving the birds
solidity, her intention was that the process of decay
would be interesting, while the twig structures would still be fairly recognizable
once the materials which covered the birds decayed fully. A tape of the
sounds of storks' bills clacking played continuously around the birds.
Some extracts from Pauline's diary while
making this piece:
Wednesday: Wanted
filling for stork, i.e. grasses, veg leaves. Went down to a florist and
came away with a bunch of pampas grass totally free of charge. The florist
was glad to get rid of them and pampas was my original idea for the
storks’ breast.
Thursday: Raided compost heap for cut grass and rhubarb leaves. The leaves should be
good for wings as the veins show through, which they would without
feathers. The dried grass mixed with pva glue and water make a good
filler, unfortunately it makes the bird heavy, so can't use too much.
Friday: Need a certain type of leaf, can't find yet. Bought more leeks but forgot
the receipt. Problems over speed of decay. Pepper, or orange peel for
beaks and legs? Saw half a car today, be good
for stork nest! Forgot camera again. |