Town divided over new clay heritage artwork
RESIDENTS have been left divided by a ceramic sculpture designed to celebrate St Austell’s clay heritage. The latest piece of artwork – sited in the centre of St Austell – is a product of The Whitegold Project, a project between creative people which aims to connect residents to the clay country, generate pride in the area and contribute to a better quality of life.
But after being put in situ on Friday, the piece by artist Marion Brandis, which is currently surrounded by metal fencing, has divided those who live in and know the area.
While many praised it as “very impressive” and even “amazeballs” in one community group, others were quick to judge, saying the town needs much more than a sculpture to solve its problems.
One person said: “True, it is beautiful, but just how much did this cost? Couldn’t they tidy up the town first?
“I see these beautiful sculptures as urinals, as most end up being used as them, it’s as if drunk men see them in the same way as dogs see trees, as an opportunity to relieve themselves. I’d rather have seen some areas get some TLC and spruce up the town a bit.”
Another added: “Can someone explain to me what this is and why? And who is paying for this and if it is going to make St Austell a better place?”
Defending the sculpture, one person responded: “It is so sad to read all your comments.
“You want a better St Austell with better shops and facilities and tourism will bring people to the area even to see the art installations around the town which are ceramics because of our heritage of China clay.
“You stereotype the town and make it a joke which will have a detrimental effect on business and future businesses. Why people can’t see anything good I do not know.
“If we don’t try no one will bother to come. Your choice people. If you can’t say anything nice why say anything at all.”
But it wasn’t all negative, dozens turned out to praise it saying they “can’t wait” to get into the town to see it in person when they are able.
One said “I watched it being installed and it’s beautiful. When the sun shines on it it looks silver” and another said “I think this is a great addition to the town centre and hope people respect it”.
The Whitegold Project aims to foster local, national and international cultural activity and exchange around clay, ceramics and the arts which explores future sustainability through a variety of means.
Projects include the Whitegold Festival and as well as small and large-scale, permanent and temporary art installations made from the clay and about the culture of clay country.
I watched it being installed and it’s beautiful. When the sun shines on it, it looks silver ONE COMMENT ON A COMMUNITY GROUP
Two growing initiatives are the Whitegold International Ceramic Prize and Clay Exchange, supporting new collaborations and cultural networks.
The object of the Whitegold Project is to raise the profile of St Austell as a world-recognised destination for art and clay, a great place to live and an attraction for visitors from across the globe.
Celebrated artist Marion Brandis actually invited residents to share their drawings, to help create the ceramic sculpture for the town.
The new sculpture is covered in porcelain, made from St Austell china clay, and coated in a mosaic of drawings depicting the town and its landscapes, local plants and flowers.