Routes River Rail

Always here to keep you updated!

Yes! Finally, you may remember that when we first serveyed this scene by the Brewhouse, and officially deemed as 'Somerset square' that there were loads of red and white safety barriers all along the seating/steps area in these photos. It was very depressing especially as it made you doubt that the communication between planners, architect and health and safety at Taunton Deane obviously weren't meeting up. However, now a couple of months down the line and we have planting! Thus solving health and safety problem and making something attractive instead of opting for a railing or fence. I think you'll agree that this really is much better!

I'll be updating any more progressions to any of the areas in the town as and when they happen. So watch this space!

Somerset Square minus health and safety bollards!

 

Planting replaces barriers!

My Top 10 Public Artworks

Top 10 Public Artworks

If you look back to my post a couple of weeks ago you will I was commenting on a public art article from the Observer. As promised I have compiled my own top ten of public artworks. Unlike the article's version mine are all over the world, but perhaps more interestingly mine features more women artists, hooray! You may argue as well that technically, some of my top tens could be better described as 'video', 'performance' or 'land art' however who decides other than the spectator? All of these works took part outside in public places so therefore they are also public artworks.

The running order in the images above goes one to ten left to right. One to four on the top row, five to seven on the middle row and eight to ten on the bottom row.

Ok, here we go:

1) Robert Rauschenberg ‘Riding Bicycles’ -Berlin

2) Chrsito Jean Claude Voltz ‘Umbrellas yellow’ -Californias

3) Helen Meyer Harrison and Newton Harrison ‘Greenhouse Britain’

4) Karen Gutherie and Nina Pope ‘What will the harvest be?’ - London

5) Tracey Emin ‘Baby things’ -Folkestone

6) Mierle Laderman Ukeles ’The social mirror’ -New York

7) Claes Oldenburg ‘Spoon bridge’ -Minneapolisfront

8) Antony Gormley ’Another place’ Liverpool

9) Francis Alys ‘Paradox of Praxis 1’ -Mexico

10) Eine ’Shop front shutter graffiti’- London

Let's see if this works: river video

River - 1.m4v

More vieos from Routes, river, rail.

Chrissie Godfrey.m4v

Watch Sue's videos here!

Brewhouse.m4v

Taunton Transition Town

Taunton Transition Town

http://tauntontransition.wordpress.com/

Have you ever thought about your waste! Just how much goes into your waste bin each week.  Read this inspirational blog from Karen Cannard who is trying to create zero waste!  That’s right, you heard me, zero waste.  The blog charts her progress on trying to achieve this lofty aim with loads of handy tips and other inspiring projects.

Symposium snaps!

Photos taken by Victoria Briggs at the syposium for 'Routes, river, rail' on the 25th March at Taunton Deane.

A Love Letter For You- graffiti project in Philadelphia

A Love Letter For You- graffiti art n Philadelphia

http://www.aloveletterforyou.com/?m=2...

Philadelphia's graffiti artists were the scourge of the city. But in an extraordinary truce, the street-artists and civic leaders have transformed a run down neighbourhood into a temple of pop art, and an inspiration to the community.

Seems like it's all happening in Philadelphia! I mentioned a link previously to their 'walk' public art project which was all about signage and 'way finding' and now here they are again! Well done Philadelphia, you seem to be attracting my attention at the least.

Top 10 'best' public artworks in Britain (apparently)

 

 

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This was in the Observer  a couple of weekends ago. Naturally, I thought it would be useful to gain more of an insight into public art and more interestingly what is generally percieved as 'public art'. Actually I am beginning to wonder about its definition, does public art have to be funded by a public body? In the sense that public art is owned by the public? Graffiti art isn't publicly owned (it could be?) but I's consider some graffit art to be public art. Similarly and in reference to this article, what is most surprising is that in this particular top 10 there is now mention of participatory public art? Where is the mention to land art projects, sustainable structures, community planting projects, street performance/theatre?

To some extent it's a wasted debate, because like art and craft the boundaries or labelling between these different approaches is objective and irrelivant in some cases. My top ten of public art would be different to yours or anyone elses (although I am sure a certain consensus would appear for some works). I just thought in terms of this blog and this project it was worth noting or at the very least considering in the broadest sense what public art can be. Prior to the Routes, river, rail project I didn't know quite how muc diversity there was within site and contextual practices and thought public art was pretty much either, land art or sculpture. In reality it is far more exciting. Even now if you asked me to make a top ten I might struggle, so it is a goal I will set myself to create my own top ten public artworks.

Looking at the list in this article I particularly like the mention of the K6 telephone box. Firstly because I never really thought about the humble, everyday phone box as being public art before and secondly had no idea it was called a K6?! It is a very worthy piece of sculpture/public art and is perhaps one of the most iconic and certianly most used pieces in the list. It makes me think I'd like to include a bridge in my top ten if I can think of which one I'd deem most architecturally spectacular, important or relevant. 'Baby things' by Tracey Emin is also interesting, as it isn't big and loud public art. It works more subtly through small works that you have to find and discover.

So Natalie's top ten coming soon. Let me know if you think of anything that may be of interest.

Just when you think its all over....

Good advice...

Despite the project ending last March I am still receiving the odd postcard here and there which is great news! I will definately continue to post them. This was a postcard from Caroline Corfe which is a direct reference to the shoe/shoes that I was drawing and using on the project (go back through this blog to have a look). Not that I'm a fan of tacky puns (.....) 'coff' but I couldn't help but find this pretty useful in an encouraging way and hence feel motivated and inspired to, 'keep on running'. Whilst the project is 'officially' over I still want to keep th blog going with any new developments or items of interest. For example, there have been several brilliant articles that I've read that I would like to comment on.

So for now, at least, it seems that I will keep on running.