Guardians of Bird Island is an ambitious co-creation project delivered in partnership with Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust and Lenny and Whale who undertook the roles of Creative Producer and Lead Artist on the project, overseeing all aspects from it’s inception through to the installation and beyond.
The Project
This environmentally focussed project was celebratory, uplifting and accessible, and involved the community in co-creation through extensive activities and workshops. Local families, school children and community groups were involved in exploring environmental themes, research, drawing, character creation, story development, songwriting, recording, making, carving and painting. The project culminated in the installation of the Gateway Guardian sculptures and a Story Sculpture Trail that are situated at the far side of the lake at Cannon Hall Park, Cawthorne, Barnsley. The sculptures are accompanied by a soundtrack that can be listened to whilst viewing the artworks. The soundtrack tells the tale of how the Guardians protect the wildlife on and around Bird Island, and is a call for everyone to be guardians of the birds that reside at Cannon Hall Park and the wider natural environment.
‘There’s an island near hear where the birds sing so loud and sweet. They know they are protected, you see, by the Guardians – The Guardians of Bird Island. These spirit creatures seem strange to you and me, with funny faces and magic powers, but each one is important in keeping the island safe.’
Treading Lightly
Throughout the project we have had the words ‘tread lightly and leave no trace’ as a driving mantra. We have focussed on sharing the importance of respecting the natural world and this has reverberated through our working practice. We have researched and implemented environmentally kind approaches in material choices, artwork creation and installation. This has included the use of reclaimed and repurposed wood as the main material in the creation of the sculptures, using non-toxic paints and installing the works in a non-invasive and concrete free way.
Engagement
Over 450 people were involved in the co-creation of the Guardians of Bird Island. Participants ranged from pre-schoolers through to grandparents. We worked with multiple classes from four different schools, Art students, volunteers and family groups. All these community members were key to generating the huge bank of ideas and concepts that were used as a springboard of creative inspiration for the sculptures and accompanying soundtrack. Some of the most exciting and well received Art workshops were held in the North Range, within the walled garden at Cannon Hall. These workshops gave families the opportunity to make small wooden bird sculptures. The participants used small power tools including sanders and drills to shape their sculpture, alongside blow torches to create marks and textures in the surface of the wood. The workshops had an industrious buzz about them as participants worked through the different stages of the sculpting process to create their bird inspired responses. This hands-on approach utilising power tools and unexpected techniques was extremely well received. The workshops were an exciting hive of activity. Many of the key images, textures, colours and patterns that were carried through to the final works were developed in the workshops. We quickly realised that these activities challenged notions of what an Art workshop / activity could be, and the approach provided a different point of access for those that didn’t consider themselves to be artistic and felt they might not be able to join in.
Make & Installation
Much of the final work was made through utilising wood off cuts that had been saved for the project by a local trades person. Repurposing this core material was a key way of reducing the environmental impact of the work. The installation method was also selected for its low environmental impact. The sculptures are installed around reclaimed telegraph poles, and use the same approach as the installation of urban telegraph poles. Firstly, a deep hole is dug then drilled with an oversized auger bit, the pole is placed in the hole and then backfilled using the removed earth. This process is less invasive than other approaches, and means there is no need for concrete or other damaging products to be put in the ground. These approaches will be taken forwards into future projects.
Digital Approaches
Though the final sculptures have been created using traditional means of sculpting, the process leading to this stage was alive with technology. Families created guardian character designs using Procreate on iPads. This way of image making that blends technology and creativity definitely inspired and excited all workshop participants.
Sculpting in VR was used to create the final designs for the Gateway Guardians. Maquette versions of these designs were 3D printed and these were utilised for reference throughout the final wood sculpting stage of the making process. This approach of using technology to bring a 2D design to life is incredibly valuable in terms of getting a real sense of what is being created, as well as proving an incredibly useful point of reference. Utilising technology to drive the create vision is central to our creative practice.
Feedback
“My goodness! I found the trail yesterday and was blown away. Thank you for creating something so wonderful. I went round this yesterday with a group of friends and their children ranging from 2-7years and everyone loved it! I used the music to dance to, they watched laughed and joined in. We have been singing the ‘Skull Bunny’ song all night and still this morning!”
Feedback sent to the Artist’s website “Just stunning! What an absolute joy!! Well worth the wait to see the @lennyndwhale installations of #guardiansofbirdisland at Cannon Hall Park. Public Art at its absolute best! Big smiles.”
Social media post from a member of the public “Enjoying a stroll @CannonHall1760 and happened upon a new sculpture trail by @lennyandwhale – ‘Guardians of Bird Island’ – playful co-produced sculptures, along the river. With a very sweet soundtrack, you can listen to on your phone. Made me feel like I was on an adventure.” Social media post from a member of the public
Barnsley Museums Blogsite 