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

Other Green Men in Stoke

Thanks to David Haden of Creative Stoke and Robert Cochrane for highlighting other Green Men to be seen in Stoke.

Robert Cochrane had taken his hand made Green Man around Stoke to be photographed with Josiah Wedgwood's and Josiah Spode's graves in Stoke Minster Church Yard. The Green Man here is re-visiting a pagan site of worship too, relevant to the origins and history of the symbol- a visiting Green Man, but a Green Man in Stoke none the less. I wonder where else Robert will take his Green Man?

David made me aware that the Shakespeare mosaic on the Old Stoke Library, which I was aware of and pass on a daily basis, features green foliage. This does make him a Green Man, which I had missed! Also, there are many links that can be found with the Green Man in Shakespeare’s writing; he appears as the ‘shrewd and knavish’ Puck in a midsummer nights dream, for example.


Carol Ballard writes about Shakespeare’s links with the Green Man:

‘One of the most interesting aspects of the Green Man is that in Shakespeare's day — and right through the late Victorian period — he was not much more than an architectural stop-gap, capable of being scaled down or grafted on to church architecture or furniture, as if even while being carved into wood or stone he could manifest his shape-changing magic. Yet the Green Man had an almost physical presence, "becoming part of his [Shakespeare's] creative language later to resurface in what was to be perhaps his most popular play, A Midsummer Night's Dream!"

Ballard makes many references to A Midsummer Night's Dream, but it is when she is making less specific references to creativity that her prose becomes most interesting, such as in the following paragraph:

"[The Green Man] makes for a significant study not only for those of anthropological inclination but also for the student of visual arts and creative thinking — for who's to say that the greatest creative mind in the world of English literature did not see a direct parallel to the human condition in this dualistic image representing both death and rebirth...."
Although most of the text of Ballard's small chapbook explores the places where Shakespeare might have made his Green Man "sightings," the more intriguing explorations are those which address the significance of the Green Man to contemporary creative artists.

http://www.greenmanreview.com/book/book_ballard_greenman.html

I am going to do a bit more research about this, and see if I can get hold of a copy of Ballard’s book.

Green Girl- Box Brownie Camera photographic 'tradition'

One of the 'green girl' photos, circa 1905/6

These types of Images of girls submerged in hedges are an occurring phenomenon within early Box Brownie Camera photographs. David Haden, who made me aware of this, is researching this further, trying to find out the origins of the 'tradition'.

Thanks to David for the relevant research and bringing this image for me to look at in SHOP today.

Residency @ SHOP, Stoke- Preparations

Amongst other things I have been creating a Green Man Trail map as part of my Residency at SHOP click here to read more and to find out about free workshops and activities on offer.

Below is the map. My Residency at SHOP starts On Saturday 31st July and runs until 14th August.

Get out there and start exploring the Green Men of Stoke!



Double click on each side of the map to enlarge and print your own copy off, or come into SHOP from Sat 31st July to collect one.

More about the Green Man Trail:
Whilst the Map clearly marks the location of each Green Man, there will still be an element of discovery involved, where the participants may have to spend a minute or two looking up at the facades of buildings to spot the Green Men lurking up there. Some are more obvious than others.

I hope the process of individuals and small groups of people stopping in the town and looking 'up' will generate interest from other passers by who may also respond by looking up and discovering a Green Man for themselves. The notion of finding the Green Men on the buildings will also allow people to re-consider the buildings of Stoke, by looking 'up' beyond the Shop (or empty shop) windows and discovering interesting architectural features that they may have not noticed before- perhaps enhancing their experience of the town.

Questions on the back of the postcards will invite the viewers to consider the faces and the surrounding area- what has this character seen? what expression is he displaying? why is he feeling this way? By asking these questions the Green Man becomes a 'tool' to consult the public and feedback their own views and memories of the town- considering both the towns current state, it's history and hopes for the future.

The information collected will be used to construct a pop-up style book which combine images of the Green Men of Stoke with images depicting the towns past, it's current state and visions for the future- resulting in a document of the town at this moment in time.

Many thanks to Steve Birks, creator of www.thepotteries.org for allowing me to feature some of his information about the Green Men of Stoke (installation dates). Read his Green Man article that inspired me to start this project here http://www.thepotteries.org/architecture/green_man.htm

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.

COMMON GROUND

Click here to see the Common ground call for entries

I'm currently working on a proposal for Common Ground, where Airspace Studio artists and other selected artists will respond to Hanley Park.

Here are some images that have inspired my proposal along with some mock ups for my idea, after visiting and photographing the park. My idea is based on the creation a 'green man' type creature that lives in Hanley Park. The creature will be the embodiment of the park as he is made from foliage, flowers and debris found there. The work will be based around the idea of 'sightings' of this creature along with a participatory element where the public will be invited to add foliage to the green man. I want this project to raise awareness of the habitats and natural aspects of the park, and the importance of such green spaces in the city. Also to create an out of the ordinary experience for public who may see this creature and wonder what it is- this relates to current spoofs seen on popular programmes such as facejacker, making for an entertaining and humorous experience. I still need to do a lot more work, these are just a few ideas for now:

Costume inspiration

Left: a 'Bogie' from Hasting's Jack-in-the-Green Event

Right: Hastings 'Jack in the Green'

(Images Copyright C Walton 2010 http://www.thecompanyofthegreenman.co.uk/)

Nick Cave's 'Soundsuits'

Military 'Ghillie suits'

Public interaction-Ghillie suit Artwork

'Urban Camoflauge'

Bigfoot sightings- I could create a similar map of Green Man sightings, or manipulate the park map in some way

IDEAS

Paul Newman performance photography from The Secret Garden, 2008

Paul Newman, Performance photography from The Secret Garden, 2008

Levi Van Veluw

Landscape III, 2008

Levi Van Veluw Website

Faces in Wallpaper

I collect and re-work wallpaper collected from around the city. I began to notice that some of the patterns replicate the foliage and shapes seen on some of the Green Men within the city, so layered the images to align with the patterns and shapes, then blended the face into the pattern. Again, it surprises me how well they seem to fit...

+ =

The Green Men in the images below are from the Market building in Stoke and a building on Percy Street, Hanley. The elements within these wallpaper patterns lend themselves to the 'spewing' effect of the Green Men here, where foliage and vines disgorge from the mouth and sometimes the eyes and ears too. To me it looks like they are speaking- some kind of decorative speech bubble is emerging. I have also noticed that both of these are cat-like forms, one of the types of Green Men recognised; Mike Harding also points out that 'Cats spewing foliage appear in the margins of medieval manuscripts', and the pink artwork in particular has a historical, aged appearance.

What's New?

I have just returned from the preview of 'What's New?'- the 5th Annual Urban Vision North Staffordshire Photographic Competition, held at the Burslem School of Art. The theme invited you to discover ‘What’s New?’ in your environment.

So, with my interpretation of Green Man Symbolising renewal within the city I submitted my photograph 'Symbolism' (also pictured below) which shows one of the Green Men peering down from the columns on the old Market facade in Stoke town centre, now the facade of new Library building which is situated on the old market square behind. I also thought it was interesting that this new building (which is eco-friendly too) is fronted by numerous Green Men...


I was drawn to the juxtaposition of the Green Man with the Stoke-on-Trent city logo and the notion of symbolism and narrative- to me this represented the sense of regeneration occurring all over the city- and on this very building. It also represented the notion of the Green Man peering over our city in a protective, watchful manner.

I was pleased to receive some feedback whilst at the preview, even if it was criticism for the inclusion of the Stoke-on-Trent City logo. This had initially 'Put them off' it, and it transpired that they hadn't even noticed the Green Man in the image! Since that was pointed out to me I have noticed that the city logo would appear to dominate the image and is the first thing that stands out (although this links to the idea of having an 'eye' for the Green Man). I now think I would have been better off forgetting the idea of the narrative and should have simply submitted a close up of this decorative Green Man to represent 'Whats New' or the potential of new things.

The Exhibition at the Burslem School of Art runs until Friday 9th April. If you can't make it to the Exhibition all of the submissions are available to view by clicking here where you can also vote for your favorite image for the 'People's Choice Award'

I voted for 'Broken windows, creative minds' by Ted Simpkin (Click to view) This at first looked like a very strange, negative image especially with the colours red and black and the image of the skull. However look a little closer and it becomes more playful and naive. I spoke to Ted briefly about his image and he told me that this this graffiti was new as the wall had only just been made accessible after a building that stood in front of it was demolished. The characters and hand prints remind me of early cave paintings or aboriginal art but I really just like the simplistic aesthetic of these strange and ghostly little characters.

Elisabeth Frink 'Green Man' Series, 1992

From Left: Green Man (blue), Green Man (black), Green Man (grey)
Screenprint (editions of 70),1992, 57x53cm

Getting Acquainted with the Green Man

I caught my first glimpse of the phenomena of the ‘Green Man’ in Stoke-on-Trent about 2 years ago, whilst researching architectural motifs for my Artwork that was part of the ‘Conjunction 08’ Contemporary Art Festival, Stoke-on-Trent.

During this time the website www.potteries.org became a brilliant resource for my artwork, which involved the collection, reinterpretation and displacement of patterns and motifs from Airspace Gallery (no.4 Broad Street), The Bethesda Chapel, The Regent Theatre, Victoria Hall and The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

It was on this website that I stumbled upon an article about the ‘Green man in Stoke on Trent’ and was instantly captivated. Whilst I was aware of the Green Man and his connections with spring time and traditional festivals in Britain, I was fascinated by the thought of the symbol being abundant in our city and the fact that there seemed to be a lot of buildings with his image on in many different forms.

From that point on I began seeing him everywhere; he began ‘appearing’ on many different buildings. Once I had an ‘eye’ for the Green Man it was hard to believe that he had previously remained unnoticed- also because the sculptural panels in which he is found are very beautiful too.

Not only was I excited about this new discovery that was enhancing every visit to town and my bus journey’s to work; but his relevance to our city at this point in time seemed uncanny. The origins and meanings of the Green man have mystified people for centuries. He appears all over Europe and also has origins in India. The most common interpretations are those of fertility, and the processes of death, rebirth and regeneration. More modern interpretations lean towards environmentalism (I will record my ongoing research into these areas in this blog).

However, With the city of Stoke-on-Trent currently undergoing many changes as part of the regeneration process, I am interested in reinterpreting the Green Man as symbol of the city at this point in time; a motif that not only represents the sense of regeneration and renewal but one that could also be used to bring about changes, by highlighting what is effectively public artwork that already exists.