Press release Fri 28 jan 2011
 
 
To Whom it may concern,
 

 Re:  Land Art Installation at "The Bridge" at Shark Creek Bridge.

 

My proposal for what I would like to describe as a Land Art Installation involves the RTA, The Shire Council,  Historical Societies in the region and any other interested parties.  I suggest we call an on-site gathering of these people to take the following proposal further.

 

Let me state categorically at the outset that conservation and restoration of this RTA heritage listed concrete bowstring arch road bridge and sensitive attention to its cartilage is the number one priority. 

What I am proposing is to further enhance this heritage bridge by drawing attention beyond its once utilitarian value  by making it an artistic, sculptural object.  The integrity of the structure will not be affected as I envisage "populating" the bridge area with several objects/sculptures typical of the more peaceful time of the bridge's inauguration in 1936, just before the global turmoil that was  World War 11 for example: vintage car/s of the era and concrete-cast people.  The effect will be like a scene, a moment in time captured on the bridge.  Landscaping the surrounding land with a low-maintenance garden would further beautify the area and draw attention to it as a valued place in the community.  A small  parking spot as a resting and viewing place near the bridge would encourage travellers to pause and explore.

 

As you can see, this project could very well involve a small number of artists and landscape architects being invited to present some drafts for display at the Regional Gallery.  Perhaps even a competition could be announced via the local  media.  This would raise the profile of this region as a community interested in its heritage and in contemporary art.

 

Brilliantly and collectively developed this project could be recognised and admired far beyond our own horizon.  The 24/7 passing highway audience of millions will have a glimpse of the scenario.  Some will stop and investigate and soon The Bridge at Shark Creek Bridge will become a well known landmark.  When this happens, the flow on will enrich the shire in more ways than one.

 

Let's begin by getting together  and having a serious conversation about how we wish to proceed. 

I look forward to hearing from you all.

 

 Ture Sjolander

artist

 

Posters, Postcards, trinklets and a special website, and video will be part of the installation.

----- Original Message -----
From: Grafton_Regional_Office@rta.nsw.gov.au
To: Ture Sjolander
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 3:23 PM
Subject: Shark Creek Bridge Cultural Heritage

 
Dear Mr Sjolander,
 
Thank you for your e-mail regarding suggested changes to the old Shark Creek Bridge and its curtilege.   Your interest in the bridge is appreciated and you have raised worthy issues in your representation. 
 
This structure is recognised by the RTA as having rarity value at a State level and is listed on the RTA's s170 Heritage register. The old Shark Creek bridge is one of only two  concrete bowstring arch road bridges built in NSW. The strict guidelines associated with the maintenance of a heritage structure discourage changes to a structure's appearance, form or fabric. As such any proposed changes to the colour of the concrete structure would not be supported by the RTA.
 
Your proposal has brought to our attention various matters of house-keeping at this site that will be investigated shortly with the aim of improving the appearance of the structure and the adjacent site area. Issues with vegetation control and concrete washing will be included in the scope of this proposed maintenance activity. 
 
Please note that the RTA is responsible for all decisions associated with the management of this bridge and no work can be undertaken on the bridge or its curtilege without the approval of the RTA.
 
Yours faithfully,
David Bell
Regional Manager
----- Original Message -----
To: Ture Sjolander
Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2011 1:10 PM
Subject: Refind Proposal: Land Art Installation at Shark CreekBridge by Ture Sjolander

 
Dear Mr Sjolander,
 
I refer to your e-mail of 26 January 2011 describing your ideas in regard to a land art installation for the old highway bridge at Shark Creek. Further to my email to you on 25 January 2010, I advise that the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has concerns about many aspects of the proposal you describe. My representative, Mr Brett Butcher, RTA Asset Manager, would be pleased to participate and discuss the matter further at a meeting with you.
 
Please contact Mr Butcher on (02) 66401300 or via email brett_butcher@rta.nsw.gov.au to discuss further or to arrange a meeting.
 
Yours Faithfully
 
David Bell
Regional Manager, Northern Region
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Ture Sjolander
Cc: brett_butcher@rta.nsw.gov.au
Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2011 1:52 PM
Subject: Re: Refind Proposal: Land Art Installation at Shark CreekBridge by Ture Sjolander

Dear Mr Bell,
 
I'm very pleased to hear from you and this is what I would call a big step forward to move this matter into a positive direction.
 
I suggest you, that Mr Butcher call the people who he consider have the direct and over all responsibility for this subject, and I would be more than happy to attend such a meeting at any time, either on site or at a meeting place in Grafton (or both), suggested by you.
 
Sincerely
Ture Sjolander
 
PS/ Before a meeting taking place I would be greatful having access to the physical site area for the reason of taking more close up pictures (on my behalf) of the bridge and the surroundings, unless we can arrange that while meeting there.
 
cc:Mr Butcher
----- Original Message -----
From: Grafton_Regional_Office@rta.nsw.gov.au
To: Ture Sjolander
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 8:54 AM
Subject: RTA Email Response

Dear Mr Sjolander,
 
I refer to the recent emails between you and the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) regarding your proposed land art installation at the Shark Ck bridge. I advise that the RTA has given further consideration to your project and has concerns about many aspects of the proposal you describe. These concerns include matters relating to road safety, speed zoning, impact on nearby intersections, impacts on adjacent residences, ongoing maintenance and funding implications, and high risk of vandalism / graffiti.
 
As you would appreciate, the RTA has to manage a large range of demands on its resources. Your proposal would have significant impact on the Pacific Highway, nearby residents, adjacent Local Roads and maintenance budgets.  The RTA does not wish to encourage additional activity at this site which is not suitable for nor included in its rest area strategy. Whilst the intentions behind your proposal are appreciated, I advise that the RTA is unlikely to support such a scheme.
 
As per previous emails, I advise that the RTA is responsible for all decisions associated with the management of this bridge and no work can be undertaken on the bridge or its curtilege without the approval of the RTA.
 
My representative, Mr Brett Butcher, RTA Asset Manager, would be pleased to discuss the RTA's position in more detail or meet with you, and can be contacted on (02) 66401300.
 
Yours Sincerely,
 
David Bell
Regional Manger, Northern Region
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Ture Sjolander 2011
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: RTA Email Response

Dear Mr Bell,
 
My list of concerns was even longer than yours.
But look, you said you could agree to clean up the overgrown area and wash the bridge, so far so good.
To place a one single 1936 car, casted in grey concrete (inside and out), at the front of the bride would do the
whole visual trick, and the illusion described in my propsal, and for a few dollars.
 
That is all I would like to say. And that is all I would like to see on the site. This minimal version will make your entired list of concerns to zero.
I don't think that any one would turn the thumb down for that simplification, unless the concerns would be of a completely different nature.
 
Think about it twice, if necessary.
 
Regards
Ture Sjolander
 
PS/ Or put the project to rest as I have no personal gain at all from it.
It surprise me that no one never have seen a grafitti on this bridge, ever.
 
 

      TURE  SJOLANDER
www.artau.homestead.com/