Coast Schools

A series of artworks integrated into new architecture of schools in Clacton-on-Sea. The following three artists were selected from an open submission application process >

Rob Olins: Bishops Park College
Michael Pinsky: Clacton County High School
Andrew Smith: Colbayns High School

Rob Olins > Bishops Park College

The Site
Bishops Park College is a brand new school, intended as an example of best school provision for the 21st century. The school’s catchment includes three out of the five most deprived wards in Essex. Although the school’s intake will ultimately reach 1000 pupils, currently the school is operating from temporary accommodation, with only a first year intake. Bishops Park will be a community school with facilities such as a nursery, fitness suite, community rooms and public access to the library. The Coast artwork offers an opportunity for pupils to directly inform the design and interior of their new school.

Artist’s Proposal
“Initially I worked with students to explore the architecture of the proposed school interior, creating their own models of various features. A period of research followed, including time on Jaywick beach collecting examples of different colours, textures and forms. I then encouraged students to play with abstracted colour shapes, collages and three dimensional forms. The results of this exploration will now feed into the final design of the wall and floor patterns and suspended elements within the finished building.” Rob Olins

Artist’s Background
Rob Olins’ sculptures comprise contrast, tension and optical illusions, taking architectural forms and using commercial processes, such as precision engineering and casting in metal and plastic. Contrast is immediately evident in his work through the use of different materials such as glass, metal and stone. Throughout his work, the artist pares down sculptural elements to a minimum, components reduced only to those that are absolutely essential. Recent shows/commissions include: Standard Life HQ, Edinburgh (2003), Haverhill Gateway Roundabout, Suffolk, Gloucester Road, Underground Station, London (2002)

Michael Pinsky > Clacton County High School

The Site
Clacton County High School has both served and worked with its local community for 75 years and last year the School was designated as a Specialist Arts College. The Coast artwork will be sited in a new large circulation space that unites newer buildings, incorporated as the school has expanded. New state-of-the-art creative arts facilities for use by the community was also a priority.

Artist’s Proposal
“’Weather Cluster’ involves students collecting video clips of weather conditions from around the world. This can be undertaken whilst on holiday, field trips, exchanges, visiting pen pals or through partnership with a twinned town. Once collected, these clips will be filed under different headings; sunshine, rain, snow, sunsets, winds, lightning etc. These will form a database plus a program will be developed to monitor a local weather station through the internet. The software will be designed to be added to, creating a constantly growing weather library.” Michael Pinsky

Artist’s Background
Michael Pinsky explores relationships between architectural spaces and perceptions of time. Taking the combined roles of urban planner, activist, researcher, resident and artist, he uses video combined with other art forms, such as performance, mapping systems and three-dimensional modelling. Recent residencies and commissions include: ‘Pavilion’, Leeds (2002), ‘The Art of Well Being’ Bristol, lead public artist (2002), ‘Crawl’, Acton Swimming Pool, London, ‘Crush’, Acton Tube Station, London, ‘Breaking the Surface’, Bridgewater Docks.

Andrew Smith > Colbayns High School

The Site
Colbayns is a large Secondary School with over 1700 students, including 250 in the Sixth Form. The School is at the heart of the local community and in an Education Action Zone. One of the school’s strengths is arts-based use of digital media, special emphasis is also placed on environmental projects. The Coast artwork will be external pieces that articulate the new central open space, providing focus and orientation for movement around it.

Artist’s Interest
“My work is very much the result of a process of seeking to understand and work with the given context as a source of inspiration. I propose that the finished artworks will be readily identifiable in impact and spirit with the aims and reality of the building, as well as complementing the building itself.” Andrew Smith

Artist’s Background
Andrew Smith sees his initial role in site specific projects as that of a researcher – researching the purpose, functions and practicalities of a place and the perceptions of its people. Within this dialogue, he begins to explore general parameters of scale and relationships of form, line and colour. Recent relevant experience includes: suspended mobile for Redway Special Needs School, Milton Keynes (2001) and the development of an interactive sculpture for Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol (1999-2002).