Talk about the present

It's 5.30pm on a Friday evening. Michael a Micklegate resident has just completed another busy week at work. He stops to pick up a few bits and pieces from the bustling shopping parade on Bishopthorpe Road before finally heading home. He chats as he goes, to his partner of 15 years, on his hands free mobile phone. They discuss the days events and plan their weekend ahead.

Modelling and mould making

Work in progress.

• LISTEN TO THE PAST
  

• TALK ABOUT THE PRESENT
  

Beginning to make a rubber mould to cast the first figure.

Conversation Piece

Conversation Piece

Conversation Piece, the proposed sculpture for Bishopthorpe Road / Scarcroft Road junction features 3 modern day guardians. Paying homage to the figures found on walls around the city. The figures represent the past present and future development of the area

The sculpture features:

• A sweetie maker holding a Terry's Chocolate Orange to represent the past
  
  

• A professional person representing the present community

• A child representing the future
  
  

The figures will stand on a base made of stone. The stone will be carved with the inscription:

• LISTEN TO THE PAST

• TALK ABOUT THE PRESENT

• LOOK TO THE FUTURE

Surrounding the base will be a small area of block paving created during workshop sessions. The blocks will feature 'CONVERSATION LOZENGES'

Terry's daring 18th-century conversation lozenges appealed to the Victorians. Those who were tongue-tied could always offer their companion a little piece of sugar paste printed with some suitable inscription. 'How do you flirt?' "Can you polka?' and 'Love me' were amongst those available from Terry's in York.

Our modern day Conversion Lozenges will have phrases suggested by local people representing their aspirations for the area. I have set up as Twitter account to enable people to engage with the project. Perhaps an idea will come to you while sitting on the bus, or walking the dog. Become a follower www.twitter.com/ailsamagnus and tweet your conversation starters.

The Pattern is Finished

The pattern for my 'Memory Map' is now finished. I will deliver it to the foundry this week.

Completed Base

The completed base on November 10th.

Once the carving of the base is finished the piece needs to be disassembled for firing. In order to ensure that it can be reassembled correctly I make a series of marks on the inside as an initial guide.

Before firing each brick needs to be frogged.

The bricks are individually numbered 1 - 160 to ensure they can be reassembled correctly.
Bricks all packed and ready to return to the brickworks for firing.