Giant work of art created in grounds of university

5:10pm Thursday 9th October 2008

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THE manicured lawns at a York university have undergone a dramatic transformation.

The lawn at the heart of York St John University has been embellished with patterns being cut into the grass to create a public artwork entitled The Articulate Landscape, which is open for public viewing until October 14.

The grass, in the quad area of the university, has had artwork created on it by the university’s Collaborating For Creativity fellow Jane Greenfield.

Jane is an independent producer who works in the field of performance and inter-disciplinary arts. She is also trained in horticulture and landscape design.

Jane has worked closely with designer Linda Florence to produce the artwork at York St John. The unique project loosely refers to the idea of knot gardens and ornate landscapes, both features of historic houses and symbolic of an owner’s wealth.

The detailed pattern on display is also inspired by traditional carpet designs, which have been carefully drawn and cut by hand over a period of five days.

Jane is also currently developing a major visual arts and installation exhibition for the National Trust’s Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire.

Through her university fellowship, Jane has explored her curatorial practice in relationship to site, outdoor and environmental art work. She has worked in collaboration with the faculty of arts at the university on previous projects.

The design was the culmination of a year-long project that gives York St John University students the opportunity to witness the creative process of producing a new piece of work.

Creative fellows are professional creative practitioners who develop an area of their practice over the year, engaging with the students, and open up the project concept to discussion and development.

Linda is a designer and print-maker whose work is recognised internationally both within the commercial and visual arts sectors.

She is recognised for the application of “fugitive” materials in her floor works such as sugar, rust, iron filings and biscuits; and in her work as a designer, she specialises in the interior surface and the production of bespoke hand made wallpapers.

The project at Tattershall Castle involves several artists including both Jane and Linda, who will be commissioned to make work in response to the history of the building and the people who have lived there in the past. To view the artwork people can access the university campus from Lord Mayor’s Walk and ask at reception for directions to the quad.