Research and Deconstructing the Practice of Others
After another look through the Cardiff Public Art Library, I noticed that there was s distinct lack of light-based work within Cardiff, although there are several pieces that use light as an extension of the work, some benches that have lamps underneath in order to simply illuminate the Public art pieces. So while I cannot find any inspiration within Cardiff, this does mean that there is a perfect opportunity to introduce and modernize public art in Cardiff. After exploring the Public Art Library I found that the public art within Cardiff is older looking, Metal cast sculptures and benches. While this does look effective, I think that if I were to introduce an art piece into the busy St Marys Street, it is important to attempt to make it look more modern and up to date, as the ever-changing shops and bars on the street constantly try to keep up with the most modern trends, I think that making an art piece to reflect that will help to make the outcome as effective and fitting as possible.
This raises the question of what material would be effective to use for my work, as I have mentioned that the older looking sculptures and other public art have a tendency to be cast in metal, It may be more effective to find a more modern and contemporary material to construct my large scale art piece with.
Perhaps using glass as a material would make it look more modern, matching the large panel windows that cover the front of all of the establishments across the entirety of Cardiff City Centre. More contemporary materials could include things like carbon fiber, while this would remain both lightweights, modern and structurally sound, the cost then goes up a considerable amount, this is an issue that would need to be raised when presenting the piece to clients who could potentially fund the project, If the funds are available to make the piece out of something modern at the cost of extra funding, then the work will be more effective and therefore will stay interesting and relevant for a longer time period. Another element to consider is the weather when creating a piece that will remain outdoors for potentially decades or centuries, then it is vital not to make a mistake when choosing the construction material so that rain, wind or snow will not corrode and degrade the quality of the piece over a period of time. For this reason, I do not think wood is an appropriate material or something like ceramic that I feel will be too easily broken by not only the weather but the general public, whos behavior may be unpredictable, still needs to be considered and somewhat prepared for as much as possible.
A sketch of a large scale turnable light sculpture follows.
Aidan's Graphics Blog 