Update: LANDSCAPE COMIC

Since the garden project, work has been carried out in small local gardens where general garden maintenance has been carried out enhancing natural features.

Activities include planting of herbs vegetables and flowers, dead heading and small structural designs have been made using materials such as bricks stones, twigs and found objects.

Plans have been made further whilst been given the chance to work on a Comic Landscape Project.

Using comics as inspiration, technical drawings, discussions and photographs have been for regenerating the North of Solihull. This is exciting and innovative approach to tackle issues that rise in anti social behavior.

Sunshine Weather

Happy hills for villagers and passers to soak up our distinct landscapes in the sun.

Birmingham - Nottingham - Sheffield - Manchester - South Port, West midlands - Cots Wolds, Winchcombe , Kidderminster, and the Clent Hills.

Just a brief few travels to mention which has been explored.

On discussions, I have found how shape, colour, material, design effects peoples minds and well being .

further more works visit: www.leonsparkes.tumblr.com

THE AVANT GARDENERS VISUAL EXPERIENCE

The garden project display has finally been completed after displaying for gardens weekend which was on the 5^th and 6^th of September.

So much has happened and allot of changes had been made.

Managing this project became quite difficult after plans had been changed due to the first existing space that we were given to us had, to be altered. There was no existing plan for this second space due to time was running out so everything was put together daily by using existing materials that were lying around. We utilized what already existed within the space such as purple slate, stones and various few plants. Due to the change of space we were now working with a smaller scale section. The original theme wasn't expressed as clearly so the wall became the focal point being The Avant Gardeners visual experience. Firstly the wall needed to be painted to prevent damage done to plants.

The wall feature was an abstract architectural painting of a house to incorporate the transformation of the house environment to the garden. On the back wall features a wall paper interior feel which was painted by Tim. The colours were a worm feel making this area a comfortable lounge section. I really enjoyed Tims involvement as this wall gives a birds eye landscape look. Wooden railway sleepers were able to get cut into size to create a decking feature, stones that were in the square cubes were taken out and placed on the ground to give more texture to the space. Slate was washed and put back into place leaving room for the side beds to be planted. Choosing plants were difficult as they had to be considered for colour harmonization and all round growth. Due to the deadline for gardens weekend, we all became quite stressful and anxious towards the end of the project but I believe that the timing was right on getting the space completed.

THE HUB

Another example of where i see change could be improved is a local park near where I live. A small youth community project has been put together by Chantel and friends who are willing to get young people motivated using creative arts. The name of this is called INFLUENCE. This is situated in the metal Hub off Selcroft Avenue based in Quinton. This project is the umbrella organisation of Welsh House Farm Youth Project.
I was concerned about this pod looking building as there had been graffiti art painted on already and i didn't know what this metal hub was used for. The hub was vandalized over time with tags and it needed a new makeover. Luckily I had been asked to paint the hub by a friend who lives locally and we are now in the process of decorating this hub. More local artists will get involved so please stay tuned to see the finished look.
Discussions are being made to work with related organisations to improve the existing surroundings.
For more information please contact liftyouthproject@gmail.com

Rhubarb Radio

On Sunday 23rd I was on Rhubarb radio at MAGPI BROWN’S TREASURE NEST to further talk about the garden project.
Selections of my music compositions as well as Felix Jackson’s were played highlighting the avant gardeners soundtracks.
As this garden exploration continues art minds think alike working in collaboration transforming walls and spaces into decorative environments.
As mentioned the philosophy for this space had been split up into three areas first one being House and home, the second Global spirit and the third Conscience Number 9. Through this space the aim is to explore our outdoor environments coming away from home comforts reaching out to community spaces and working together in teams. A more in-depth description will be explained thoroughly at Gardens weekend form the 5th-6th so head down for a discussion.

With the garden space looking almost complete my father came to join and participate with the project. There had been a few obstacles in the way as a hand injury accrued after crashing off my bike whilst making a sudden turn... (How silly of me) so work had to be delegated and instructed.

Project Progress

Now that the funding has been secured,

the Garden

Project is now is progress!
With new volunteers, Sally Sherlock, Faye Binnell, Tim Skinner has agreed to participate and help out.
Faye Binnell is currently studying at B.C.U, Visual arts and Tim Skinner freelance artist specializing in abstract lettering painting. Tim has an interior modern geometrical style working solo on commission freelance work who has been involved in graffiti art since the early 80's.

Creative designs amongst us are being discussed and a wall art feature is being painted which eventually will compliment the garden space when finished.
Plants and various materials are yet to be brought, however we have acquired some recycled items which we plan to utilize within the garden space.
The publicity and advertisements are being planned out.

Stay tuned as there will be more updates.
The final show will be commencing on the 5^th and 6^th of September.

GARDEN Findings. TEAMWORK

12.8.09

Away from the Garden Project the Avant gardeners have stumbled upon a plot of land filled with some very interesting found objects.
a garden measuring 30 ft long filled with pots, buckets, pipes, door frames, wood and a tent material. A homemade green house has been built. Four bedding areas exist in the garden growing very little vegetables but over grown weeds and maintenance has been neglected. There's a Japanese wine berry bush and a water feature that is yet to be built.
Working together myself and Tessa Burwood plan to focused on the garden. We began work at the end garden gathering tools that where fit to use. We cleared debris raking old leaves into green waste bags picking up rubbish and placing into black bags. Large sticks and stones where gathered in a pile and before sunset a fire was made while we gathered round and ate. Tessa Burwood and brother Dan have lived in their home for some time and have implemented there garden space by finding abandoned items left in the street.
There are so many little clusters of things that just need moving. Over the next two months we plan to focus on these clusters and straighten out the garden making it recycle friendly and presentable.
We hope you enjoy this upbeat sound track.

Music produced by Martin Felix Jackson

Project Garden Space

With funding nearly secured the project garden space hit upon several problems earlier on in the month. Firstly the actual space that we had spent so much time clearing was earmarked for the council to use for their ‘silver guilt medal’ award winning design in the urban garden category at the Chelsea flower show. They will be showcasing this garden at the gardeners weekend show in September. The group involved in our design were all very disappointed, however after talks with the park staff and college tutors we have now managed to secure another area we can develop. This caused a few problems with the designs as the new area is totally

different. As well as this one student has now decided he no longer wants to be part of the project and another is away on holiday and cannot be contacted to sign forms that the Princes Trust need to release the funds to the project. So, it has all been rather stressful and the future of the project is now in question. We have written an email to the awards manager to explain the situation and are hoping that the enthusiasm and dedication of the other members of the group will shine through and that the Princes Trust will still fund us. During this time we have also been discussing how the art that we are interested in showcasing and our other ideas can be best promoted and shown to members of the public. Talks have begun with local galleries and we are looking into other gallery spaces. A huge part of the design project is arts based with a portfolio of works collated over a period of nearly 12 months now. We are trying to use this body of work to complement the garden design in the park. Leon will contact the arts council and also ‘Edgbaston one’ to see how best to do this. So, we are waiting to hear back from the Princes Trust and

will post an update as soon as possible.

The Original space was split into three sections with the themes. 1.House Home Garden 2.Global Spirit 3.Concious Number 9

With a new and smaller area it became difficult to include these subjects into our new space.