Sculptures take shape in Ravenswood
UP, up and unlikely to blow away, the first piece of Ravenswood art has arrived.Hertfordshire artist Rick Kirby's 'Formation' has been installed at the entranceway to the on-going development.
UP, up and unlikely to blow away, the first piece of Ravenswood art has arrived.
Hertfordshire artist Rick Kirby's 'Formation' has been installed at the entranceway to the on-going development.
It represents the soaraway success of the new community, but also has roots in the site's former life as Ipswich Airport.
The six scantily-clad - or even naked - female forms were the artist's interpretation of a World War Two poster of planes flying in formation, being tracked by searchlights.
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Mr Kirby's design also incorporates the beams from those lights represented in the supporting columns.
The work of art has been hand-crafted from fabricated mild stainless steel plate. It was constructed by welding small plates together which gives it texture and strengthens his work.
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Measuring about 8.5 metres high, the whole effect will be perfected from base lights shining up.
This is the first of five pieces of art for Ravenswood, next will be from the skilful hands of a chainsaw artist who will be visiting the community's new school on November 3 when the Formation is officially unveiled.
Formation was chosen out of more than 100 entries. A shortlist of five was compiled and models were displayed in Ravenswood School for public scrutiny.
John Stebbing, the borough council's Ravenswood project officer, said: "The standard of the entries was amazing and we had a big task on our hands selecting just five to go through to the final and public scrutiny.
"Formation received some glowing comments from people who visited the exhibition and we are sure the flying ladies will be an asset to Ravenswood."
The long list of entries was scrutinised and whittled down by representatives from site developers Bellway, Suffolk College, Ravenswood Resident's Association, the Ravenswood Steering Committee and Ipswich Borough Council's public arts panel.
Other examples of Mr Kirby's work can be seen opposite the Houses of Parliament and in the Barbican.
