The announcement was imminent on whether London or Paris was to win the 2012 Olympic bid and I was ordering a sandwich in a cafe for lunch. Usually I would take it away, but decided to settle at one of the plastic table and chairs and keep my eyes on the TV in the corner. I had a happy tingling sensation when London was announced. The whole thing reminded me of the Commonwealth Games held at Manchester in 2002, especially sneaking into the arena, with a friend and lanterns, as part of the closing ceremony display, (but that’s a tale for another day!)
Manchester having the Commonwealth Games sparked a whole regeneration for the East of Manchester. There is so much trouble within cities and ASBO’s may banish the odd unsavoury character but they don’t resolve years of neglect. Giving an area renewed hope by making them more attractive, cleaner, safer places with activities to engage in, can empower and present an opportunity to build community spirit. I think sport is one activity that can help regenerate and improve many aspects in a community.
The Commonwealth Games in Manchester was an exciting statement to the world for staging sporting events, as all too often major games like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics have major facilities purpose built and become redundant or barely used afterwards, Manchester proved that a fantastic event can be staged that continues to benefit the community for years to come afterwards.
The “B of The Bang” sculpture, by Thomas Heatherwick, explodes onto the skyline at the edge of the City of Manchester Stadium that is now home to the Manchester City Football Club.
I chose to make a tiara simply because I have never made one before. I have always been interested in geometric shapes and hollow forms and have often contemplated on how to make a hollow cone. This piece will give me the opportunity to experiment and hopefully continue to inspire. The materials are silver and seascape opal.
