River Wildlife
Commission, 2011
Blairgowrie Community Campus Public Art 2
Ospreys are a protected species that live around the Blairgowrie lochs and woodlands. The artist led a field trip for Blairgowrie primary school pupils to the nearby Loch of the Lowes Reserve to learn about the uniqueness of ospreys, their habitat, conservation and food chain.
River Wildlife is the resulting participatory artwork featuring a 5-metre wingspan osprey. Its form recalls a bird flying low to scan the water for fish. It is installed in the courtyard garden of the campus. The water in the sculpture is made from reclaimed roof slates, while the osprey is created from hundreds of clay fish, each of which was made by one of over 400 pupils from the two schools, with the help of parents and teachers.
River Wildlife
clay and reclaimed roof slate, 12 x 3.2 m
River Wildlife
clay and reclaimed roof slate, 12 x 3.2 m
River Wildlife
clay and reclaimed roof slate, 12 x 3.2 m Over 400 clay fish designed by each pupil of two schools
River Wildlife
clay and reclaimed roof slate, 12 x 3.2 m
River Wildlife
clay and reclaimed roof slate, 12 x 3.2 m Installing the 5-metre wingspan osprey
River Wildlife
Pupils are very proud of their artwork
River Wildlife
Drawings by pupils of St Stephens and Newhill Primary Schools