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The
Bluebell Interactive
Park, sited at the Brandywell in Derry is a steep
embankment of land that has been reclaimed by the community as an interactive
play space. The site is challenging in its shape and slope. My aim was to
provide unusual but engaging play artefacts that would stand up to aggressive
play.
The sound play
area is constructed around a 2 metre wide by 1m deep concrete-lined underground
chamber. This chamber provides a resonant space and an interconnect for the 4
snakes.
Each of the snakes is a different distance from the chamber and has a
different reverberation time.
The overarching
symbolism in the sonic sculptural elements of the site represents rebirth,
potential within a community and a connection to the land from which we come.
Ultimately it is about hope for the future.
St Patrick,
having driven the 'snakes' out of Ireland, would I think have approved of their
re-introduction in this context!
Snakes
This symbol has many varied interpretations in history,
in life and in mythology. It has been associated both with positive and negative
symbolism. In this installation it is a positive signifier, intended to
represent the community and its development. Each of the four snakes is one of a
pair, two parents and two children, yet within each couple you will find
individual character and presentation.
In natural life,
the snake sheds its skin, divesting itself of old constricting binds in order
that it may grow and renew itself. Underneath lies a new skin, perfect in its
potential and in its projection of itself.
The stainless
steel from which the snakes are constructed represents this new skin, a
contemporary material for a contemporary people, a strong material to represent
the resilience of the community, a reflective material to reflect the life that
surrounds it.
In this series of
4 sculptures, the snakes are interconnected through the earth, as is the
community whom they are intended to represent.
They provide a conduit through
which visitors can listen directly to the very earth upon which they build their
community. What they hear will be that which is filtered through the other
snakes, each emphasising a different frequency of the surrounding
soundscape.
Because the
snakes are interconnected, they also represent and provide opportunity for
communication with each other and a reflection of one's own words. The sonic
effect means that a visitor will hear reflections of their own voices, made so
by the journey through the earth, the void and the other snakes.
Eggs
Clearly the eggs signify 'new life', their meaning is
simply 'potential'. The pote
ntial may be taken to refer to the hopes and dreams
of the community. As with the snakes, the choice of stainless steel as the
fabrication material is significant; meaning that while it is difficult to
damage the potential from outside, when the time is right, it will blossom from
within.
The polished
finish of the eggs reflects an 'inside looking out' view of the faces and
the
immediate environment of those who gaze upon them. The eggs represent the
people, and that potential is within and around the visitor.
Two or more
people viewing the same egg simultaneously will each see a slightly different
view those around them, themselves and their surroundings, in this way it
mirrors life and how we all view it differently
The two larger
snakes are each coiled around
an egg in a nesting position. They extend the
metaphors above, indicating the community's protection & nurturing of
positive hope & dreams for the future of the community.
Drum
Seating
The drum seats are dedicated to three of the indigenous trees of
this area viz Oak, Ash and Holly.
The script carved
into the pieces is written in English to reflect the working language of the
contemporary people; Gaelic to represent the culture and heritage of the area;
and, Ogham to represent the trees themselves and their ancient connection to
this land.
Aside from the
practical aspects of the seats, they function as drums. Using stainless steel
delivers a particular metallic and bright sound. Each seat has a distinct pitch
providing elements of the sound palette.
More images below...
Sonic elements
designed by Paul Marshall
Stainless
fabrication by George Adams Engineering, N'ards; PF Copeland,
Mallusk and Jordan Metalwork N'Ards.
Landscape
Architect Peter McDonald, Groundwork NI
Project
Management Conor Heaney Bogside and Brandywell Initiative
Site Contractor
Robert Todd, Boyd Landscapes, Ballyclare.
This project was
funded by the Department of Social Development. It would not have been possible
without their support.
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Urban
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