DWELL – Conningbrook Lakes
FrancisKnight was appointed to produce an overall Public Art Strategy for Conningbrook Lakes and curate and deliver a public art programme for both the residential area and the country park.
The former quarry site at Conningbrook Lakes has undergone a multi million-pound development of 300 new homes in the lakeside setting, together with the improvement of facilities at the country park to support its existing water-based and running-track leisure facilities.
FrancisKnight appointed and collaborated with Lead Artist Kerry Lemon to assist with the delivery of the client team’s design and place-making aspirations and to help discharge a public art requirement as set out in a planning condition.
The resulting Public Art Strategy ensured consistency of approach and a unique identity for the site. DWELL forms part of the commissioning programme.
Artist and sculptor, Tim Norris has created a multi-functional artwork which serves as a beautiful bird hide, as well as a sculptural landmark designed for observation, contemplation, and engagement with the natural environment.
Located on the bank of the Eco Lake at Conningbrook Lakes it faces the nature reserve, and has been inspired by nature, egg like in form, with hand cut cedar shingles.
As Tim said: “In my practice, I’m drawn using to natural materials and finding a palette of materials that resonates with the area that my sculpture will be located. The Eco Lake provided a natural space in the park, a contemplative space where I encourage people to sit quietly and feel like they are part of nature.”
Dwell is the latest work commissioned by Ashford Borough Council, in collaboration with Chartway Partnerships and Latimer Developments, FrancisKnight and the local community, and is part of the Public Art Strategy which FrancisKnight developed in 2017. The initiative aims to establish Conningbrook Lakes as a unique and engaging destination for residents and visitors through the integration of art.
The artworks aims to facilitate connections between people and the place and works in collaboration with organisations such as Kent Wildlife Trust, which manages the site and coordinates activities. It encourages both residents and visitors to interact with the landscape in various ways.