Mosaic clad concrete sculptures in the form of giant toadstools inspired by Fair Isle knitwear.

The brief was to create something that could be used for play and contemplation and the children can interact with the artwork by using them for play and seating, whilst serving an aesthetic purpose.

This project had a strong emphasis on community involvement and I was in residence in the school throughout, regularly running workshops designing and making the mosaics with the pupils and their families and with members of the local community in the village hall. An older family member knitted my designs into berets, bringing the design process full circle.

The school eventually closed down, and the sculptures have been moved to St Michaels Wood, a community garden in Aith, where many more visitors can enjoy them.

Client: Shetland Islands Council

Dimensions: 0.65m – 1.2m diameter

Medium: Porcelain mosaic, reinforced concrete

Place: Olnafirth Primary School, Shetland

Year: 2010