Spirit of Manchester

I was overjoyed to accept this prestigious commission and the slightly scary task of designing and creating such a monumental face!

For my element of SOM (Spirit of Manchester) I decided to use two flat aluminium profiles and box aluminium to strengthen the whole shape. Spring wire was hand shaped to sculpt and fill out the face. I also enjoyed making lips and eyelids from annealed copper sheet and macro -photographed acetate eyes. Laser cut cogs and circular shapes were designed into the face to reflect elements of concept design I was given.

Emily Wood, Cabasa:

Yesterday we released SOM (the Spirit of Manchester) into the world for Manchester Day produced by Walk the Plank as the lead image.

We worked tirelessly with a team of incredible artists and volunteers to produce this piece of work. Isn’t she beautiful? Representing the industries of old with modern day Manchester and its beautiful melting pot of cultures and influences, all painted onto flowing 10m pieces of silk, all hand painted, all hand made.

Credits

Design & Concept - Cabasa Carnival Arts, Iola Weir & Candida Boyes

Artistic Director - Emily Wood

Head design and sculpture by the queen of faces AKA Melanie Roberts
Mechanics and movement by the genius that is Ian Broscomb
Beautiful face decoration designed by Lizzie Rigby
Silks & Fabric - Emily Wood