Steeling Skies Sheffield- The Green Man of Woolley Wood and Concord Park

I am taking the Green Man project to Concorde Park, Shiregreen, Sheffield at the Weekend (Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd August) for the Rednile curated 'Steeling Skies' art celebration event, which aims to draw attention to this large beautiful park on residents doorstep and to encourage families to enjoy their surroundings and join in new activities. Read more about the project here

Double-click on flyer to enlarge and print a copy

A 'Green Man' creature will emerge from Woolley Wood to interact with the public in Concord Park. The Green Man will become the embodiment of the woodland and park site, by constructing an outfit for a performer to wear made from foliage, flowers, weeds and debris found in the local area. The creature will reference the ancient woodland site whilst instigating responses about the current state of the park and possible future visions for the area.

The history of the symbol of The Green Man suggests he takes on many forms. Interpretations of him as a protective deity of forests and woodlands are relevant to ideas of conservation and heritage of the woodland. Like the park, this figure is steeped in ancient history with roots evident in the earliest belief systems. He is also Multicultural; appearing throughout many religions, in different forms, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, paganism to name a few. It has been suggested that he is archetypal; understood by all. The Character will also aim to emphasise mans interdependence with trees – suggesting the importance of trees both in the in the modern world, with growing environmental awareness, and further back time when they were a source of shelter, furniture, and heating. Also, on a more local level, they were used for making the charcoal that fuelled the steel industry.

The work will be based around the idea of 'sightings' and the development of a ‘myth’. This elusive and enigmatic character will wander the park and surrounding areas throughout the weekend. The public will be encouraged to ‘spot’ this creature, mirroring wildlife spotters and ‘twitchers’ who visit the woodland. The performance will also offer a participatory element where the public will be invited to add foliage to The Green Man.

The character is intended to allow the public explore and consider their surroundings and highlight the importance of green spaces and natural habitats within the city environment, with emphasis of the ancient woodland ‘Woolley Wood’. It could also become a tool to bring about positive changes to the park – i.e. how much better would he look without rubbish on him? as littering is a widespread issue, highlighted in Woolley Wood management plan. It will also link to natural history of the park by conjuring the idea that this creature originates further back in time, an ancient inhabitant that has witnessed the woodland and the previous park landscape

Airspace Gallery, Dialogue Box- 'GREEN/REGEN'

GREEN / REGEN
Kate Lynch, 2010
Found lithographs, vinyl on polycarbonate sheets

Window installation, Airspace Gallery, Broad Street, Hanley

‘GREEN’ is an anagram of ‘REGEN’. The circular form of the text allows both of these words to be read and reflects the regenerative cycle of nature and continuity of life. Just as in the natural world, the city is undergoing constant changes involving destruction and renewal; urban regeneration. Regeneration has become a buzz word in the city at this point in time, often abbreviated as ‘regen’.

‘Green’ is also emerging a desirable and fashionable term/ethos within the city, with campaigns for green spaces and environmental improvement, and the rising popularity of allotments and ‘grow your own’.

This organic aesthetic has been diluted into the marketing of many products, with the results sometimes being misleading and false. Concerns about climate change have sparked widespread thinking about sustainability in everyday activity, something that the artist is greatly concerned with. The use of vinyl lettering and plastic, over the artist’s usual choice of natural and sustainable materials, reflects these contradictions. This piece is intended to mimic current shop window displays which take on this ‘green’ aesthetic, providing the public with a familiar, corporate look.

Translucent lithographs and discarded backings in window installation

Therefore the piece raises questions about what is green and abundant in our city. Whilst celebrating positive aspects such as parks and green spaces, it is also about destruction, loss, and what is lacking; the used lithograph backings are lifeless remnants of industry. The anguished face of the ‘Green Man’ emerges from the detritus of the ceramics industry, questioning the sustainability, growth and prosperity of industry and regeneration schemes. The figure of the ‘Green Man’ traditionally represents regeneration of the natural world. Here the artist is reinterpreting this theme to relate to the regeneration of the city, therefore suggesting potential - that it may become abundant and vibrant after the process of urban renewal.

The floral lithographs also remind us of the wild force of nature that takes over derelict land and the habitats that temporarily flourished on nearby wasteland. These overgrown areas provided habitats and flowers for dwindling insects such as bees and butterflies. Now work has commenced on the nearby Tesco site, these areas have been cleared. Images of bees, butterflies and other insects feature in the piece, perhaps as a reminder to plant more beneficial plants in your inner city gardens.