LANDMARKS on Film!
Over 6.8 million people watched the BBC 1's Countryfile programme broadcast on 30 November 2014 which was about Lancashire and featured the sculptures, with a focus on artist Halima Cassell and her work, Sun Catcher. You can watch a documentary film about LANDMARKS by Huckleberry Films here.
LANDMARKS
LANDMARKS was a series of four temporary, outdoor visual artworks sited at popular locations around the AONB. Inspired by the beauty and character of Bowland, and with an understanding and respect for the area, the pieces aimed to delight and challenge - encouraging audiences to look at the landscape in a new way. The programme also included a chance to meet the LANDMARKS artists to find out all about their work and why they find the Forest of Bowland so captivating.
Originally intended to be in place from September to November 2014 popular demand saw the installations extended, with two in place until January 2015, one to June and the final piece decommissioned in September 2015.
Mid Pennine Arts was delighted to manage the LANDMARKS commissions for the partnership, and to work with the artists Geraldine Pilgrim, Halima Cassell, Philippe Handford and Salina Somalya .
Four popular destinations around Bowland each hosted an artwork:
Halima Cassell, Sun Catcher
Jeffrey Hill (Longridge Fell)
A cluster of sculpted elements around a central feature, carved from a mighty tree trunk, and redefining a panoramic viewpoint looking out to distant fells.
“This is a beauty spot that I show off to visitors from around the globe. It is an important destination for me, a very clear and wide panorama of beautiful Bowland.”
Halima Cassell is a sculptor with an international reputation. She has exhibited widely in the UK and abroad, and features in a number of public collections. Her work combines strong geometric elements with recurrent patterns and architectural principles.
Jeffrey Hill is marked on roadmaps by a viewpoint symbol. From the parking spot, follow the freshly cut path downhill to the artwork at the bend in the road.
Philippe Handford, Out-Take
Langden Intake (Trough of Bowland road, near Dunsop Bridge)
A
structure of freshly cut waney-edge boards with coloured perspex inserts creating a new way of experiencing this lovely location.
“I was struck by the tall trees that formed a natural clearing. I realised that they formed a horseshoe arrangement, providing a natural stage to create a fitting installation."
Phillipe Handford has embraced a wide creative spectrum from product designer to sculptor and environmental artist. He has recently enjoyed international success with commissions in Moscow and Paris. "Often these wild locations offer challenges of material; weather and natural elements that help inspire unique site-specific structures."
From Dunsop Bridge, take the Trough road for approximately 3km. The site is on the left, a cluster of trees close to the river in the valley bottom.
Geraldine Pilgrim, Beauty
Beacon Fell Country Park
A trail of beautifully inscribed stone setts leads to a place of contemplation, deep in the midst of Starling Wood.
“Tall dark trees encased in mist, intercut with ribbons of light and a soft carpet of dark earth... I want to enhance this landscape not compete with its natural magic, to encourage visitors to view it in a new light.”
Geraldine Pilgrim works across theatre and the visual arts, known for her evocative installations and performances which create a contemporary dialogue with historic houses, buildings and landscapes. She responds to a site for inspiration, to reveal the memories and atmospheres built up over the years. This highly acclaimed artist has been commissioned by organisations including Royal Pavilion Brighton, English Heritage, Girl Guiding UK and the National Trust.
Follow signs to Beacon Fell Country Park Visitor Centre. Continue 100m further to Starling Wood car park and look for the stone that marks the start of the trail.
Salina Somalya, Celeste
Gisburn Forest Hub
A sculptural work created from layers of contrasting materials, carefully sited at a forest viewpoint to capture and experience the view through the trees to the waters and beyond.
“I was captivated by the sense of being able to shrug off everyday life and set off into the wilderness giving me a feeling of freedom and adventure. The perfect setting to challenge my creativity and produce new work to celebrate this anniversary."
Salina Somalya is a national artist, working predominantly in metal, who has created artworks for interior and, recently, exterior environments. “All my artworks are individual and predominantly inspired by nature, natural forms and architecture.”
Follow signs to the car park at Gisburn Forest Hub. Take the multi-user path towards the Hub buildings but curving around to the left and uphill to a circular walled junction.
