Public Art in Ipswich

• By Martin Heron
• 2006
• Steel
• Near Ravenswood Primary School

'Handstanding' was produced as a response to Ravenswood and the surrounding community. It was commissioned by Ipswich Borough Council in partnership with Bellway Homes. The commission involved the design and production of a centrepiece sculpture and a number of small linked interventions.

During November 2005 the artist undertook a series of workshops with Ravenswood Primary School, local residents and residents of Jamie Cann House. He introduced participants to a simple sand casting process where they were able to cast a variety of objects, footprints and handprints. From this he encouraged them to produce an outline drawing of their own hand and to decorate this with pattern and imagery that said something about themselves.

Martin devised the small intervention pieces called Making our Mark from these hand drawings. These small works link to 'Handstanding' as a coming together of hands to form an energetic and symbolic piece of art.

'Handstanding' is a celebratory work: it has youthful energy in its pose but is a form which is strong and robust. It symbolises the aspirations of a new and growing community and what can be achieved by joining together.

The material used is cor-ten steel also known as 'weathering steel'. It is designed to rust but will not decay. Instead it goes through a distinct colour change and eventually seals itself and remains the same colour. The work was fabricated and installed by Art Fabrications based in Warwickshire.

The plinth on which the sculpture stands takes its shape from the WWII Picket Hamilton Forts located on the Ravenswood site.

More info about Martin Heron is available on the Axis website.