WORK IN PROGRESS: Heathland Artworks
Allocated site for the work to begin.
The proposal for the Heathland Artworks Exhibition was accepted. The selection panel expressed a keen interest in the performance aspect that was keen to respond to particular characteristics of the land in the manner of cutting turf. The suggested location for the work to be in the heath rather than under the trees was a favourable outcome. Previously the open heath as a site was in doubt due to any potential disturbance of habitat. This was understandable but traditionally the heath would have been cut by the commoners of the land and was a key component to creating this unique habitat. The warden of RSPB Farnham Heath was able to select a location that did not harm the habitat, was visible from the path and on an incline to make the work visible to the public.
Uffington White Horse, Oxfordshire
Believed to date from Early Iron age or Late Bronze age, nearly 3000 years old.
Rooted in art history in such examples as Stonehenge and the Uffington White Horse, land art is specifically created for the environment around it. Rather than for indoor and transportable pieces that might be considered environmental art and which might include natural elements that speak of environmental and social issues, land art remains firmly in the land from which it is created and associated. I live in the alkaline grassy chalk downs of Southern England and am familiar with the chalk that emerges in abundance from the ground from which form the distinct markings of the White Horse, but the sandy, dry and acidic soil, covered in heather, broom and gorse was unfamiliar and strange.
Preparatory Drawings in a Square Grid Format
The allocated site travels in a narrow strip alongside the length of a sandy path. From a gate at the top of a hill, permitted access stretches to at least 500 meters long and roughly 4-5 meters wide. Previous drawings and research worked in a grid format and considered a more open square space. Therefore, adjustments to the new dimensions needed to be made.
Research on Heather for Fuel
‘Every third turf in a row was taken out and rows were staggered to create a chequer board effect. Each of the turves where cut separately rather than cutting a long thin strip and chopping it into sections. This left sandy patches surrounded by turf and therefore less exposed to erosion and the heather soon grew back and was ready for cutting again in six or seven years’.
Initial exploration and testing of ideas on site.
With the correct turf cutting tool, a heart shaped flat iron with a bent handle, the first cuts were made to analyse the soil stability and to determine the shape and pattern the turf could make within the confines of the space. Initial attempts found the turf very difficult to lift due to thick roots underneath. The soil was very loose and the turves were prone to crumbling when removed. The hole lacked definition and depth but the exercise at least began to determine the pattern the work would take along the route. To strengthen the initial cuts in order to maintain their shape, pine cones were used to mark and fill each hole. This is the result of day one on site. A lot was learnt and many adaptions made with material and method on location, but the first marks were formed and the work had begun.
