A Structure of Support

Sculpture using timber and paint.
Commissioned by Appetite for University Hospital North Midlands.
December 2014 – December 2015

The sculpture is a response to, and product of, the support that UHNM provides. The size, shape and colour of the work is entirely dictated by the staff at the hospital.

The basic form is derived from two sources: firstly, the idea of building up a three-dimensional form from the layering of two-dimensional slices - with each slice being created through the collection of data. This was inspired by the imaging department of the hospital. And secondly, that the work should support itself through the cumulation of its slices. Individually the slices cannot stand by themselves, but together they form a sturdy and strong structure - in the same way the hospital staff and departments support each other and, ultimately, the patient.

Each slice represents a member of staff, with its colour determined by their uniform, and the length of the vertical side determined by how long they have worked at the hospital.

The work was built on site in full view of staff and public.

Special thanks to: Sonia Mirza, Emma Robertson and the UHNM Charity, Appetite, Glen Stoker, and the Staff of UHNM.