Jane Edden has been commissioned to produce a sculpture for the new Salisbury River Park, a regeneration project for the river and the city, developed by the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council. The project will enhance wild habitats along the river and open up the river and its spaces for the enjoyment of the public.
 
The inspiration for this piece comes from the fleeting glimpses of wings that we experience when trying to observe insects in flight. There, then gone, flitting about, insects are almost impossible to see in detail when in flight so the beautiful structures of their wings are lost to us.
 
Two species found on the river Avon are represented, the Green Drake Mayfly and the Common Darter Dragonfly. By scaling up the vascular structures of these insect wings, an opportunity to observe these intricate natural forms is gained.
 
Walking around the piece at certain places the lenticular images will resolve to show complete wings; lenticular images normally only resolve from two positions as they are made on solid material. Due to the cut-out nature of this piece the wings will resolve from four positions as if seen from the left side and then the right, showing a complete pair of wings for each insect but never both at one time. 

While remaining accurate to each species the vascular structure of each wing has been manipulated, cut and welded so each panel flows into the next where the different wings connect at the edges, creating abstract sections that are designed to throw shadows across the solid sections of the work and the surrounding ground. Laser cut from 8mm steel this piece will be permanently installed in the new river park. The piece, made from Corten weathering steel, over time will gain a complex rust coloured protective patina.

The park is due to open summer 2024. 

Image shows maquette for Fleeting, Salisbury River Park 2024