There's a new sculpture in the grounds of Ashton Court on the edge of Bristol - and it's one which evokes the centuries-old belief that coins can bring good luck.
Ever since at least the 17th century, people have tossed a coin into a fountain to make a wish for good luck, or pressed or hammered a coin into a tree to bring good health. Now, the latest sculpture from Bristol artist Luke Jerram aims to capture that tradition - and turn it into an evolving work of art.
The creation has been placed in the grounds of the Bristol-owned estate, close to the mansion, and is a giant seed-like carving from craftsman Alistair Park, with a few little additions. There's a hammer on a chain, a pair of pliers to hold the coin, and a little plaque nearby to explain what people have to do - and it's simple. Hammer a coin into the giant seed, and make a wish.
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“I love idea of a seed: as a capsule of information and an object of potential that contains everything inside, a plant needs to grow," said Mr Jerram, whose previous artworks have ranged from beaching loads of abandoned boats in Leigh Woods, setting up a water slide down Park Street, placing loads of pianos all over Bristol for people to play, and creating perfect photographic inflatable models of the moon and the Earth, which are still touring the world.
"I hope the public enjoy interacting with this new sculpture and it acts as a capsule for their hopes, dreams and imagination," he added.
He said he hoped that over time, the sculpture would change how it looks as it becomes covered in coins.
"As a method to create good luck or good fortune, some people used to also believe that if a sick person pressed a coin into a tree, their illness would go away. Investigating notions of hope, aspiration, superstition, and belief, I hope the coin studded sculpture will gradually become an intricate and complex work of public art," he added.
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"New Beginnings is the first in a series of coin sculptures to be made which are animated and completed by members of the public. Some sculptures will be temporary, whilst others, will be permanent, creating a slowly changing landmark in the landscape, a destination and focus for public discussion," he added.
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