I was really thrilled to be asked if the image of one of my Public Sculptures could be used on the new “One Card” system (interconnecting library card for borrowers).  The SA public library “one card” network is connecting the systems of more than 130 public libraries across South Australia to let you borrow and return items wherever you go, using your current library card.  Users can borrow items including books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and children’s picture books with it.  They are also able to use an online reservation booking system or call in at any participating library across the state to pick up or drop of books.

PUBLIC SCULPTURE

The image used for the Balaklava Library is this book stack water feature sculpture that I was commissioned to do for the library (mid-north in South Australia), a few years ago.   I had of course lots of fun designing this sculpture and as I love both the water and books, so it was no stretch.   It is made from hebel and handmade ceramic and mosaic and took hours and hours to complete.   There are ceramic little fish in the water pond as well.  We left the decision of what books should be included to the local population and conducted a survey through the local paper, schools and library to find out the names of the most popular books and authors to be included in the artwork.

THE ART OF BORROWING BOOKS

The launch of the ‘one card’ was held last Friday and I was invited up to Balaklava as special guest together with many other dignitaries.  It was both a festive and informative event and I was really touched by the very warm welcome I received.  Balaklava was my home town for 18 years and it really feels like home to me!  (My heartfelt special thanks goes to Lyn Marshman, Kevyna Gardner, Helen Barr, Trish Langdon and Julie Brice and everyone else involved as well, Thank you all

These photos were taken by the Editor of the Plains Producer Les Pearson and were first published in their paper.

SCULPTURE GARDEN

There is also a mural on the wall at the entrance of the library as well as the water feature book sculpture which is set in a little garden and was created in memory of Des Ross in recognition of his service to the local area as well as Australia.  Des was both the President of the Local Government Association as well as the Australian Local Government Assoc., and a board room in Canberra is named “The Des Ross Room” in his honour.

Here is a quote by Charles Medawar that I think fits perfectly here;

“Librarians are almost always very helpful and often almost absurdly knowledgeable.  Their skills are probably very underestimated and largely underemployed”

Till next time happy painting and sculpting and also borrowing books!

Love Marie xxx

If you would like to see some art blogs about other Public Sculptures here are some links;109 Stories behind the Wall and121 Volunteers our Backbone and  128 Sculpture and Women

Why not come and have a look at Marie Jonsson-Harrison’s PAINTINGS FOR SALE, GICLEE PRINTS FOR SALE and SCULPTURES for sale or WALLBASED SCULPTURES.  Enjoy an original artwork on your walls or perhaps one on your bed ARTnBED.