Oxford Island

Logbook – Oxford Island


Day 1

We were given a brief - Design and build a wood fired bread over in the Artspace Area. The cob will be made up on the spot from local clay and sand. The design can be based on traditional Ulster or Cornish examples or on Italian/Spanish ovens. We took a synergetic, humanity, community approach using traditional methods and materials in our construction. We researched the Ulster oven as we liked the simple design of the form. We spent most of the first day planning and researching. I learnt basic things in building about clay ovens – Face door away from wind, 1part clay to 4 parts sand: cob combo.

In the afternoon firstly we put up a canopy to shelter us if it rains. We naturally split up into two groups: builders and twisters. The builders constructed the block structure that was to be a platform for the clay oven. The twisters well twisted!! The cob was made by mixing the clay and sand together using your bare feet. It was an enjoyable experience I must say being allowed to muck about in the dirt.

Day 2

At this stage we had constructed the platform and mixed up some cob and were ready to get stuck in. we added extra support to the platform to support the weight of the oven; laid down planks of wood on to platform, then an inch of sand and finally the layer of bricks. We were now ready to create the mound. The mound will be the belly of the oven. Eventually in weeks to come the sand will be taken and the oven will be ready.

We ran out of sand so combined logs and several objects we found lying around to form the belly of the oven. We covered it with newspaper to soak up excess moisture in the cob and also to separate the cob from sand. At this stage the cob was ready to be fixed on. We built the cob up by forming layers and pressing it down giving it more structure.

Day 3

We had a lot to complete by home time: finish moulding the clay, pat down cob, collect firewood, attach wooden panels and mould door on to the front. The surface needed to be smooth so that the rain water runs off. Furthermore the wooden panel fixed to the base of the platform protects the clay from getting eroded by rain water. We fixed more wooded panels to the front section to cover the blocks and make it aesthetically pleasing. Holgart made tea with the Kelly Kettle’s and soda bread on a wooden fire for us which were nice refreshments to the days work. We celebrated our work by combining the finished pieces together: the clay oven with the wooden table created by the rustic furniture makers.

Brendan Jamison

Artists' Statement

Drawing inspiration from eastern philosophies and the science fiction genre, my sculpture practice involves the construction of objects from the everyday world that are transformed into vibrant-coloured 'exaggerations' and at times surreal 'other-worldly' forms. As the original identities and functions of the objects become altered, they can emerge as both strange and familiar, abstract and figurative, floating between the realms of fantasy and reality. Employing an intensity of colour, the installations imbue an immediate sense of fun and playfulness. Engaging the viewer on a level of simple elemental appreciation of colour and form, the pieces can evoke a return to the more innocent, curious, magical and fantasy-driven mindset of childhood. This viewing process can temporarily empty the mind of anxiety and negative thinking which can sometimes be bound up within our adult outlook on life. Therefore while the sculptures may appear escapist in nature - taking us to a place of pure imagination and freedom, they can also perhaps act as a catalyst to transporting us back to the present moment of reality with a fresher perspective and a renewed sense of optimism. In this sensory-heightened state, the mind has a stronger sense of awareness and connection, seeing things in the world as they truly are - in their simplest and purist form. WOOL SCULPTURES: WAX SCULPTURES: SUGAR-CUBE SCULPTURES: Energetic. Vibrant. Sweet. Warm. Fantasy. Fragile. Non-violent. Fun. Structured. Gentle. Playful. Controlled. Feminine. Pouring. Geometric. Comforting. Dripping. Architectural. Weightless. Spontaneous. Organic. Flowing. Organic. Masculine. Enveloping Fluid. Feminine. Transforming. Accident. Androgynous.