Look out Public Art Trail – John O’Leary

Not a post directly related to children’s writing or books, but my piece for the Look out art trail does have it’s roots in paper engineering and book-making, and there is a library involved. The project, which is funded by St Georges Ward local initiatives fund, involves three artists – Hinchee Hung, Nigel Goldie and myself – working with groups from the local community to produce pieces that will be positioned at various locations throughout the area. The final works will be attached to trees in early December and it is hoped, by doing so, residents will be tempted to explore unfamiliar parts of their neighbourhood.

My piece, Insectum, consists of two large-scale, pop-up constructions which are made from recycled, heavy cardboard, strengthened and sealed to withstand the elements. The works are intended to be of a playful nature using materials not normally associated with outdoor public art.

I am working with two groups – two Year 3 classes from Hungerford Primnary School and the children from the Hilldrop after-school club. Some of the sessions are taking place at the John Barnes Library Hall – Cuneyt Yilmaz, the chief librarian at John Barnes has kindly given me the use of the hall for for these –  thus reinforcing the feeling that this is a true community project. Everthing is progessing nicely – my only worry is getting them up into the trees in early December.