Having gained planning consent over a year ago for my 55m tall sculpture in Northumberland, we have been hard at work building a super strong advisory team and working with fundraising consultants. This short promotional film unashamedly takes a look at the landscape within which the sculpture will sit. How the sculpture responds to this very specific site, how it has been shaped by that landscape and how it will refine the landscape.

Please click HERE to view the film, and for further detailed information about the project, its genesis, aspirations, design and vision.

20th June
In the last of four short films describing thoughts and processes behind my sculpture Ascendant: The Elizabeth Landmark, I here talk about what inspires and influences my practice. Landscape and the natural world are at the heart of it.
Film by Crystlsd
Click HERE to see short film.

17th June
Commissioning briefs for large scale public works of art can be expansive and thought provoking: Ascendant has layers of social, material and historical context but here I describe how it references Queen Elizabeth II and The Commonwealth.
Film by Crystalsd
Click HERE to see short film

13th June
How a sculptor ends up making public art, involves months and sometimes years of conversations and thought, a whittling down of applicants and options until the right solution presents itself. Here I describe a little of the process behind Ascendant.
Film by Crystlsd
Click HERE to see short film

10th June
As the planning decision for my commission in Northumberland draws near, I'd like to share a few personal thoughts behind its design and choice of materials. It took weeks for the seed of an idea to germinate in to the final form - Ascendant: The Elizabeth Landmark.
Film by Crystlsd
Click HERE to see short film.

24th January

Today, after months of in-depth research, calculations and drawings, the Elizabeth Landmark, a.k.a. Ascendant, planning application was submitted. It feels like a milestone, because there have been a wonderful team of dedicated consultants working flat out on such subjects as archaeology, ecology, landscape, topography, transport, engineering etc. all pulling together to make a water-tight planning application.

Its been a joy to work with them all, particularly the landscape architects Southern Green who have made beautiful drawings from my hand drawn sketches, and working with a 3D model and topographical survey, in order to give a better understanding of how the sculpture will finally sit within the beautiful landscape of Northumberland.

Below, one such wire frame drawing which animates a landscape photograph, and location map. One of dozens of drawings.

31st August

The news that my design for the Elizabeth Landmark has won the commission, has been kicking up some excitement in the press. Here's a couple for starters...
Please click on the bold link to read.

Artnet news

Newcastle Chronicle

29th August

I am thrilled to announce that I have won a major public sculpture commission to be sited in the raw beauty of Northumberland. This 55 metre contemporary sculpture celebrates Queen Elizabeth II's service to country and her life-long dedication to The Commonwealth.

The Elizabeth Landmark will become a new cultural destination on the Ray Estate and in the north of England, benefiting the local community and economy by being a catalyst for regeneration.

Made from Corten weathering steel, this elevated slice of hillside has been inspired by the rugged and undulating landscape in which it sits. The elegant and robustly engineered aerodynamic form references the rich history of local iron ore and stone mining. Lateral fins which change in pitch and frequency as they rise up the sculpture accentuate the sense of perspective and movement, creating contrasting shadows along its 85 metre length.

Directly shaped by the topography of the hill, the delicately arched form would completely disappear if placed back into the hill beneath. The carved space left in the hillside below, which has given rise to the positive sculpture above, forms a canyon-like rock slot. To walk this from end to end will be to experience the geology of the local landscape: a walk through Deep Time itself.

The specific topography of Cold Law hill in Northumberland has directly informed not just the sculpture and the rock slot, but also the circumnavigating system of paths, which allow ever changing perspectives of the sculpture whilst walking around it. Like a reverse giant gnomon of a sundial, the sculpture points directly to the sun at its zenith on Midsummer’s day.

"To have the opportunity to design a landmark sculpture to be placed in this raw and beautiful landscape is undoubtedly a privilege and a challenge that I wholeheartedly relish. The success of the sculpture will grow from a sensitivity to land and place: born in form, material and presence from the majestic geography that supports it."

Wednesday 3rd May

I am delighted to be able to announce that I am shortlisted for a major landmark sculpture to be sited in the raw beauty of Northumberland.

The form, materials and siting of this landmark sculpture have been inspired by the rugged and undulating landscape in which it sits. Made from robust weathering steel, this elevated slice of hillside has the elegance of an aerodynamic form and references the rich history of local iron ore mining. Lateral fins which change in pitch, size and frequency catch the sun, creating shadows and a sense of perspective and movement. Take a unique walk into the Northumbrian landscape by entering Cold Law hill itself, viewing geological time as the carboniferous sandstone bedrock rises above you and then find respite at the hilltop shelter.

For more information about the commission, its timeline, inspiration etc. please click here.

24th November 2015:
Yesterday I managed take some images of the sculpture The Space Between, which I installed in May. Sited in Reading, just along the road from the mainline rail station and opposite Forbury Park, it is the welcoming landmark sculpture at the entrance to Forbury Place: a striking new office space delivered by M&G Real Estate. After installing the sculpture on a wet day in May, the surrounding groundwork, cabling and surface finishes to the public realm had to be completed which is why I waited until yesterday to take images of the finished work. For all this time the sculpture has remained wrapped, protected from the possibility of knocks and bumps. Now it is wrapped again, because work is starting on the second building which is due for completion in 2017.

I'm thrilled with the strong visual link between sculpture and building, and am eager to see it again without wrapping, fencing, and with people sitting around it. For the full background story of its making click on the Public Commission tag on this page and scroll through six news posts about the project, or take a look at the public commissions page in this website, or testimonials.