An art student has created a living exhibition at a wood in Stroud.
‘Woodland’ has been created by Randwick resident Stan Giles, with the installation hanging from trees in Randwick Wood.
Stan, a retired teacher who also worked at the National Gallery for many years, is studying for a Master’s degree in Fine Art at Birmingham City University. The installation will form part of his final year project.
Nine works across two sites have been produced from either calico or muslin cloth to record Stan’s response to the changing seasons, weather and times in the wood.
Stan said: “We live in a fantastically beautiful area. This installation is part of a cycle, where the elements will affect and change each piece.
“The pieces might get snagged on a tree or torn, leading to a new phase of work. This is nature’s chance to get its own back.
“Monet stated that the subject is secondary and wanted to record what was between him and the subject: these are an attempt to record feelings about the environment and to raise awareness of human impact on this area.”
Most of the pieces were made in situ and completed in his studio. Stan, who visited Randwick Wood every week between August and February, still works on new pieces there. Members of the public are welcome to participate.
Stan got permission to install his artwork from the National Trust and Randwick Wood ranger.
“Without their permission it would not have happened. They were very supportive,” said Stan.
In the future he hopes to exhibit the work at an exhibition in Stroud.
To view the installation Stan recommends parking on Ash Lane and walking along the Cotswold Way towards Haresfield. The first site is 10 minutes along the path, with the second site 20 minutes further along.
To leave feedback email Stanley.Giles@mail.bcu.ac.uk.
