Sanctuary in Pink Wood

I think this is going to be a very exciting project: It’s called Sanctuary in Pink wood.

Pink wood is a small but beautifully formed wood in Somerset. I have been asked to make a sculpture or set of sculptures for the wood that will draw people into the woodland, where they can walk along its circular paths and find peace and a refuge in nature.

I propose to make a large sculpture, using totem poles, ancient columns and very old trees as its sources. This sculpture will be full of nooks and crannies.

My aim is to involve hundreds of people in making small clay offerings to fit into the niches and openings of my sculpture. I will send and deliver packages of soft clay to groups and people all over the country; asking them to make a votive offering which can bear their wishes, for a greater life, for survival, for sanctuary, for anything.

To fix the project forever within Pink wood and to the theme of Sanctuary, all the small offerings will be made from the clay that naturally occurs in the wood and I am going to glaze the main sculpture in the ashes of relatives that people donate to the project.

A kiln is being built in the centre of Pink wood, which will be powered by dead wood from the wood. Once the votive offerings have been received back, we will, involving as many people as possible, fire the votives in situ.

The breaking open of the kiln and the ritual of placing the votive offerings in the sculpture will form the focus of an event; where everyone who has become a part of the project will be invited to come and celebrate.

As well as encouraging people to visit the wood, I hope the project will help ongoing discussions about how we stand tall, respect each other and allow ourselves safety and sanctuary.

Get In Contact

If you are interested in this project, contact me at contact@emmafenelon.com.

Project Plan

Project plan with timescales
Project plan with timescales

Location

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