The Art of Living

The Art of Living was commissioned by Rachel Bradley and Jason E. Bowman as part of the Reputations programme of sited artworks in Castlemilk, Glasgow. It was funded by the Scottish Arts Council, and Glasgow City Council. It was one of two Reputations commissions in the area, created in collaboration with the Castlemilk Environment Trust.

In November 2005, Edwina started her commission to transform an area of Holmbyre Woods, on the edge of Castlemilk, Glasgow. The Woods are located between the local crematorium and a farmer’s graveyard. Because of this, she used the subject of human mortality as the starting point for the commission.

The Art of Living’s emphasis was on celebrating and reinforcing people’s sense of vitality. Throughout the 18 month project, Edwina worked closely with local residents and Scottish biodiversity experts to create a Blood-Chlorophyll labyrinth, which acts as a spiral pathway into the newly created woodland walks.

The Art of Living focused on the changing nature and diversity of plant-life to develop and enhance our sense of nurture for a place. The artwork highlighted the distinctive features of the local woodlands, the panoramic views across the surrounding areas, and reintroduced indigenous wild plants to increase biodiversity.

It also acknowledged that there is always a tension when crossing the threshold of a woodland or forest; that of being seduced or frightened. It is deliberately ambiguous whether this seduction or fear is inspired by nature or another human being.

The Growing Space was a wild plant nursery set in the middle of housing. It was created in March 2006 as a space for local residents to meet Edwina, learn about plant-life, and generate ideas about how Holmbyre Woods could be transformed.

The Growing Space was also used for social events and barbeques, as there were no formal gathering spaces in this part of Castlemilk. An event and party was organised in September 2006 to ask local residents what they wanted to happen in Holmbyre Woods.

• http://archive.publicartscotland.com/arc...
• http://www.edwinafitzpatrick.com