Artspace in Loughborough has created an Outdoor Sculpture Trail in the Outwoods this summer. The Outwoods is a fragment of the National Forest, one of the oldest surviving areas of woodland in Charnwood. It is being re-wooded with native oak, birch and alder to replace the coniferous trees that were planted during the second World War.
Above: Polar Bears
This year's trail, has been sponsored by the National Forest and Leicestershire County Council, the Arts Council amongst others, along with lottery funding, to showcase work by local artists working with Artspace. The trail will finish on July 24th. Now extended until July 31st.
Left: Aspire - Rooted in the Earth, Reaching for the Stars
Right: Spirit of the Woods
It leads for one and one quarter miles through shady woodland, a welcome retreat to walk during the July heat, featuring 27 installations on the theme of Harmony and Healing for Planet and People. Artists have used willow, ceramics, textiles and even plastic to convey their vision.
Left: Taking Root
Right: Replenish
The trail begins with a male figure called The Keeper of the Woods and a female figure entitled Spirit of the Woods. Amongst the trees you will find 70 small ceramic figures commemorating the Platinum Jubilee of HM the Queen. You need to look hard.
Left: Wonderful Woodlice (made in conjunction with pupils of Cobden and Outwoods Edge primary schools)
Right: Tides of Change
It's a charming walk culminating in the very welcome cafe in the car park. From a photographic point of view, I found that installations, particularly of materials such as willow and ceramics, make more of an impact in infrared than in visible light.
Left: Holly the dog meets Burmese, the Queen's favourite horse
Right: One of the seventy men sitting around the wood
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