Carramar Primary School 2005

2005 - Public Artwork for Carramar Primary School, Western Australia.
This project provided an imaginative and interactive play area for the
children of Carramar Primary School.  My idea was to create an
'organic' snake sculpture using Limestone stones – a local building
material that has a particular historical link to the area because of
the working lime kilns found in the area.

My design incorporated the form of a local snake that lives
predominantly in the limestone outcrops of the area – the harmless
Children's Carpet Python.   The form of the snake became a hand built
wall, approximately 40 metres long, made from limestone.   The shape
enabled us to build a curved wall that provided opportunities for low,
discreet seating areas, alcoves, stairs and climbing areas.  At points
the wall is broken by large limestone boulders, arches containing
glass rocks- with the intention of providing a stained glass window
effect. Where the snake goes 'into the ground' a circular area  was
mosaiced to prevent wear and tear on the ground and to provide a
discreet area to pass through the snake.  The head of the snake was
wider than the wall. It has glass eyes.  I envisage that time and
weather will only enhance the qualities of the limestone python wall.
Lizards and other insects will inhabit it and there may be areas in it
to grow plants like the local Hardenbergia creeper.

The snake was  constructed in the central school area with the head of
the snake greeting visitors and students as they walk past
administration and the library areas.  It will lead students into the
circular flagpole meeting area and the rest of the school.  Trees
native to the area like Silver Princess (Caesia ssp magna) were
planted in the grassed areas.

Grateful thanks to Stonemason Douglas Dare and my brother Nigel
Darbyshire who worked on this project in the winter mud while the
school was being created. Also to Malcolm Mc Gregor my public art
consultant.