We have had several trips for inspiration recently. Although I have been to a few galleries during the summer I have to admit that I have had more inspiration from these two trips that anything else.
On the second day of term we launched into our Trips Schedule with a visit to Bristol. We started at Royal Fort Gardens. This place is a shock to me, I lived in the area for at least ten years and I had no idea of its existence.
Historically........ it was built for Thomas Tyndall in the 18th Century and the gardens laid ut by Humphry Repton in 1800.
These days is is part of Bristol University and the gardens house some amazing sculptures. The first most notable is the mirror sculpture made from chromed metal rather than actual glass (probably a Health and Safety issue). It was made by Jeppe Hein and is called 'Follow Me- Situations"
As I was walking around the buildings and garden I happened to look into the windows and thought the interior was interesting. Taking pictures of inside from outside is a thing I like to do.
I think there is something strange and wonderful about being able to record yourself in a photo and at the same time seeing the interior of the building, I love the contrast of the view.
The next notable sculpture was by Katie Paterson and is called Hollow. From the outside it looks like a collection of old railway sleepers which is basically what it is. It is only when you step inside the sculpture that you see it's beauty. It is an extraordinary piece of artwork, I have to admit.
When making our way toward Queens road we took a route through Bristol University and just outside the Chemistry School is another stunning artwork. It is by Luke Jerram and is called Palm Temple and was done in 2020.
The colours that the stained glass panels throw onto the paving stones was fantastic and was an amazing inspiration.
Looking down into the courtyard I was struck by the uniform (almost) paving stones. Rather the slabs themselves which were uniform but the texture on the slabs were not. I love the couple of leaves that also were part of that image. And finally the light which was coming from the 'Palm Temple' and shining onto the paving. Stunning! How lucky am I to have witnessed this spectacle at this time of day and that the sun was shining to allow me to see it.
We headed over to the RWA where there is the annual exhibition of work. These following pictures and the artworks which most appealed and inspired me..
Bombe (Form 2)
Bronze
By Necole Schimtz
Where the stars are born
Alabaster & Jesmonite
By Chris Dunseath
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