P6 Project

The P6 children began the project in 2D by creating a ‘design worksheet’ using their hands, feet and heads as a template and experimenting with simple overlapping and interlocking patterns.

The main focus and inspiration for the project was the sculptor Antony Gormley who created ‘The Angel of the North’. Most of Gormley’s sculptures originate from moulds developed from his own body, whole body casts are then developed into 3-D metal forms. Gormley was torn between becoming a Priest or a Sculptor; he believed that everyone had a ‘guardian angel’ which would look after them and protect them from any harm. The Angel of the North proved to be a very popular and welcoming landmark in Gateshead where it is on permanent display. It serves as a symbol of peace and love and welcomes visitors to the area.

RE and Art

The initial idea for the P6 sculptures created a link between R.E. and Art. Each figure comprises body moulds from fi ve or six children from each P6 group. These include hands, arms, faces, head, feet and torsoes. Vaseline and clingfi lm were the release mechanisms for removing the pupils form their ‘moulds’. Mudroc, a versatile material when added to water, sets hard within twenty minutes and can take fairly accurate casts if used correctly. The pupils have looked at the various patterns throughout history, including Mattheus Grünwald, Salvador Dali and Francis Bacon who represented man in a variety of styles and techniques. Each fi gure built by the children in the P6 groups is unique and represents the very people who built it. All of the young people involved can personally identify with their creation. Ultimately, they have been frozen in time. As they grow the sculptures will remain.
Mark Rees