Public Art in Ipswich

• By Martin Heron
• 2005
• Steel
• Near Ravenswood Primary School

Making Our Mark was produced alongside Handstanding as a response to Ravenswood and the surrounding community. It was commissioned by Ipswich Borough Council in partnership with Bellway Homes.

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.

The pieces in Making Our Mark came from these hand drawings. They are made from stainless steel and located around Ravenswood, on walls, draped on bollards, like gloves that have been dropped and blown by the wind.

These small works link to the centrepiece sculpture, Handstanding. The whole commission can be seen as a dramatic coming together of hands to form an energetic and symbolic piece of art.

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