Projects

WROTAN SERIES (Old English- root)

Wrotan series was influenced by the City being in an evolutionary state, a state of change. During 2006-8 the redevelopment of the area directly opposite the Albert Dock, the Paradise Project was reminiscent of an archaeological dig during demolition, exposing places that possibly have not been revealed since the site adopted a commercial identity.

My initial line of enquiry was in the historical significance of the site. Documentation revealed that 1235 Liverpool Castle with orchard and dovecote occupied this area. Research photographs obtained from the site during demolition February 2006 revealed roots struggling to survive between the layers of concrete. What other living forms could have been buried below the surface, within the fabric of the architecture for centuries, what may have been revealed or disturbed during the demolition? What fossilised remains lie, or living mutation could have evolved amongst the infrastructure of the building, between the cracks and crevices or within the utility network of cables and pipes?

SPIRIT OF THE COMMUNITY
During the 1950,60s, the community inside Liverpool city centre or ‘Town’ as it was known locally was decimated. Its occupants were re-housed, dispersed to new developments on the outside of the city, families split, their community broken, only a few remained, a thread amongst the shadows of what was once a strong, industrious and supportive community. These resilient, stoic few, having chosen not to evacuate their familiar surroundings, rooted themselves in the foundations of the area.

These enduring people showing a great strength of character adapted their homes and lifestyle to their new surrounds. Evolving with the area this skeletal multicultural community, clinging to their roots, kept the spirit of the people alive enabling their previous neighbours to eventually migrate back into the city centre where they remain today. This ‘state of change’ is upon them once again with this redevelopment, the Paradise Street Project, and the community has drawn upon great strength, support and determination from their past, to embrace this transformation.

These sculptural forms may be seen as a metaphor for these people whose unique community spirit has survived via diversity and adaptation, through the structural changes to this area, their community.