SCULPTURE BASED ON GREEK MYTH

A new sculpture, standing 5 metres high, made from willow wood can be seen by the thousands of people who travel along Broad Oak Road in Canterbury. It is the third creation on this site by environmental sculptor, Paul Goodrick, who was helped by visitors to Broad Oak Nature Reserve on its Family Open Day last Sunday.

Paul has called the sculpture "Sisyphus", after the king from the Greek Myth who was condemned for eternity to push a boulder to the top of a hill, only to have it roll down again just as he reached the summit. Undaunted by the fact that two other artworks on the site were damaged, Mr Goodrick said, "The sculpture is made from sustainable materials here at the Nature Reserve, and I think this prominent site deserves another attempt. The fact that my sculptures here have met with untimely ends has raised many issues in people's minds and gives this work a sort of added interest and value as part of an ongoing narrative."

David Horne, the Head of the Nature Reserve said, "Although made out of natural materials, Paul's sculpture, like much of his work, is about the relationship between nature and the urban environment. The work has an uncertain look about it and people are interpreting it in different ways. It's great that it is being displayed during the Canterbury Sculpture Festival."

Paul is a well-known local artist, with two other exhibitions currently running in Canterbury, at the Marlowe Theatre and the University of Kent. He also teaches environmental art and sculpture at the Canterbury Environmental Education Centre. For details see his web site www.woodlandart.co.uk/courses.html