150th anniversary artwork well underway
The development of new public art sculpture, which will paint a picture of university life at QMU, is on track for completion in 2025.
The East Lothian artist, Martha Ellis, has concluded her research gathering, and has started work on the drawing stage, with the installation set to be unveiled next year to coincide with the University’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
The artwork aims to capture the people and activities which make up QMU, so that the University community is clearly reflected in the final artwork. Students, staff, alumni, members of the QMU Association, and East Lothian residents have all helped inform the design process.
Martha has been striving to engage with all of those invested in the University through a series of public engagement events held on campus and at the Students’ Union. She has gauged exactly what the university means to the community, gathered thoughts and opinions on where the artwork should be located, showcased examples of her previous work to give an idea of what the installation will look like, and provided people with the fun and interactive opportunity to experiment drawing in her signature ‘cut-out’ style.
Her research has also entailed delving into the university archives, physically being in and around campus to get a sense of university life; taking photographs; going along to different course lectures and seminars; and engaging with students and staff from all different programmes across the two schools to build up a clearer picture of what makes QMU what it is.
Martha also presented an update at the University’s most recent Community Forum this month.
After finalising the design on paper, Martha will then begin the assembling of the structure using sheet metal. This will be one of Martha’s first public commissions.
More updates on Martha’s progress to follow.
