This project involved working alongside the Environmental Agency and the National Trust at Acorn Bank near Penrith, Cumbria.
In April? 2002 we were chosen to work with 10 other artists over a 3 day period, during this time we worked with local school children to create a temporary sculpture along the river.? According to their age and ability children were helped and encouraged to create sculptures from natural materials.? Children traveled to the site by bus and each school group spent a whole day? working with several of the artists. The projects were diverse, some children made an ?Andy Goldworthy? type installation (pictured below), large willow green people, caterpillar, shelters and large willow fish.? The fish were brightly painted and put on willow lines that stretched along the river bed.
They were proudly admired by all!
The whole 3 day event was captured on video and each school that participated was given a CD to remember the event. The feedback from local schools was very positive and the event was repeated the following year for different schools.
Our most popular projects involve creating living willow sculptures and structures.? Living willow features include domes, tunnels, mazes, arbours, bird houses, seating.? The structures can also be woven into interesting shapes, such as whales, fish, and dragons.
Living willow features need to be planned between the months of November and April. Because willow is such a versatile material to work with the possibilities are endless.? We like to work with teachers,children and parents to create a design that meets their requirements and is unique to them.