BUOYANCY FORCES
Site Specific Concept for Surfers Paradise. GOLD COAST. QLD. (EOI)
6 large scale floating sculptures indicating safe swim areas and rips.
This will create an interactive participatory environment where swimmers become more aware of their surroundings and other swimmers.
The concept emerged from a need to bring a fun and safe swim culture at Surfers Paradise addressing the need to create public awareness for safer swimming, making rips visible and identifiable.
BUOYANCY FORCES can be viewed as a life metaphor, materialising and enhancing the metaphysical experience. Creating vibrant and positive image transference with colour and shape. ©
BUOYANCY FORCES (more detail).
There could be 6 buoy like sculptures in total. Four will be placed incrementally at 8 meters to show distance from the shore and create safety points. (Depending on the feedback given by Lifeguards).
The remaining two will be used to indicate no swimming areas and the path of the Rips to avoid. Each will be designed individually, possibly having fruit and vegetable features extending the narrative of health and staying afloat. Creates a sense of fun, participants may decide to use these as competition posts ©
Location
Buoyancy Forces can be relocated to suit sea conditions. The location will be determined by Lifeguards. This will also provide opportunity for Buoyancy Forces to be experienced in other locations by other Lifeguard groups and users of the area.
The above image indicates a possible location or condition for the work. Two rips formed creating a swimming area in the middle. Red flags placed by Lifeguards to show where rips form seem to deter swimmers from entering the ocean at a particular point. Once swimmers start swimming they loose track and ignore the red flags endangering their lives.
Method
Quotes have been sought from custom made inflatables manufacturer for 1.8 meter high figure inflatables. Other materials will be considered.
Several methods will be tested with miniature models and simulated environments.
Materials and Design will have to be tested.
Will be developed while consulting with Lifeguards to suit their needs.
Further Development
Other Interventions
This could include a big no swimming sign. Other interventions such QR codes and info-graphics can be embedded in the esplanade and at locations prior to entering the beach area. They can inform swimmers about rips and how to spot them.
Other interventions could include rip awareness classes where swimmers test rips under supervision and learn how to get out of them. (advice will need to be sought from lifeguards). These can be added as part of an exhibition or developed individually as concepts. ©
The feedback from the organization was that I am not a Gold Coast based artist and majority of my work is not promoting Gold Coast, therefore I was not eligible for the grant. Hopefully they will contact me to develop the work in the future regardless. It should be important enough. My art consultant could have been Gold Coast based.
