Messages in response to Q:2
Hi Lee
Much of the emphasis still seems to be based purely on the aesthetic qualities of the work. Obviously this is an important element, but as ‘phase one’ is drawing to a close, I wanted to summarise some of the broader issues, which have been raised during discussion of the work.
These comments are paraphrased and by no means direct quotes, but I feel they should be included in the documenting process:
‘This project has evoked strong emotions from both local residents and visitors alike. Having been praised, and condemned in equal measure, it seems disappointing that the discussion has failed to embrace the larger issues which seem to be present in the work.’
‘If we can cut through the semantics and pretentious art waffle I think there is something of real substance here. We need to take advantage of this potential forum.’
‘It may be that this is all just frivolous nonsense, but if people are asking questions then it may do some good.’
‘Though beautiful, the quarry is itself an industrial scar on the landscape.’
‘Visitors to the site were standing on thousands of tonnes of landfill waste, not a pristine natural habitat.’
‘This year an estimated 2.2 million tonnes of waste will be disposed of in Surrey alone.
The landfill at Betchworth is now safely out of sight, hidden beneath a thin layer of top-soil. Less noticeable is the toxic run off from the site that is currently polluting local ground water reserves, or the ozone destroying methane gas being vented into the atmosphere.
Long after the pink quarry face has faded, the many issues it raises will still be with us.’
‘Chalk Down-land is an artificially created landscape. Resulting from deliberate deforestation, and the continuous grazing of sheep over many generations.
Due to a global marketplace much of our food is no longer produced locally. It is becoming financially uneconomic to farm our specialised local landscape.
‘Quarry 2’ reminds us sheep are not there for aesthetic reasons. Sprinkled on the landscape like cake decorations. They are both a commodity, and intrinsic to maintaining the existing environment.’
‘Had the quarry been changed to pink over a period of months, or years, would there have been the same reaction?
Had the pink quarry been a natural feature or created by our distant forefathers would we be campaigning to preserve it?’
‘It’s an interesting paradox that we will passionately fight to preserve an existing disused quarry face, yet would condemn the creation of a new one.’
‘Many of our local roads and houses were constructed from the quarries products, and now our waste has filled the void that was left.’
‘This is the most gentle of wakeup calls. Regardless of any creative merit, we must acknowledge this artist for highlighting serious anomalies in our perceptions of the environment.
Our lifestyles have become unsustainable, and we all need to accept the consequences of our actions. We shouldn’t look to artists for answers, but we can trust them to remind us what we already know.’
xxxx
Dear xxxxx,
Below are answers to your questions, I hope this is what you need: feel
free to pick out the bits that are appropriate and rearrange as you see
fit.
Also, feel free to contact me for ny further info. / details.
Thanks and best wishes,
Lee
What motivated this project? Beyond an interest in time and space, in the
interaction between the social and the natural - why this quarry?
This quarry was recently land filled and is pretty controversial as well as
highly visible (Gatwick airport, train, road: it was to be temporal landmark
so this visibility and accessibility is important).
I have designed interchanges for several quarries around the County Surrey
and this is the second that has been brought to fruition. Each artwork responds
to the site itself. Previously at Oxted Quarry we documented artefacts and
history at the site that would soon be destroyed and / or buried, at this
one we highlighted the pollution to waters passing below and created publicity
for Oxted Quarry.
People came to the event and picnicked in a beautiful landscape, with the
colouring event unfolding in front of them, only reminded it was land-filled
by the smell of methane gas in the air and the discussion taking place.
What issue are you trying to highlight?
To create discussion about the use of land in Britain particularly. To bring
together varied individuals (environmental and arts officers, farmers, environmentalists,
artists, architects) and see what information and opinions they bring to
the event, what can the combination of this knowledge and experience spark?
As well as this the work forms a metaphor and question about the way we
exist, it’s a kind of exploration of what people can do if they work together,
question themselves, and to create a look twice effect at the land use in
terms of waste, how we regulate this waste, consumption: bringing the hidden
to the surface in terms of the physical land and our residence on this land.
These subjects were highlighted, as was (additionally) the human nature with
regard to mark making and ownership, local people felt they own this land
that is private property of Allan Weller and were furious that their permission
was not necessary for the work to happen. It was also interesting how strong
reactions were to something harmless, yet visible, and how keen people are
to gloss over things that perhaps do need to be addressed. (Such as how
to regulate the amount of waste produced with the amount of space we have
left, and the fact that water used in the drinking supply is becoming contaminated
due to this land-fill, but apparently it should be grassed over and considered
an area of outstanding natural beauty…)
Who do the sheep belong to?
The farmer wishes to remain anonymous but lives and works between Reigate and
Dorking: the local area.
Do they normally graze there?
The sheep graze there as do cows (in rotation), following the Q:2 event, sheep
toured to other sites: a famous and much visited National Trust look out
point at Box Hill and adjacent to the A25 road where they were less of a
painted picture and looked quite funny. This is also land that the sheep
graze regularly.
Who does the quarry belong to now that it has been land-filled?
Allan Weller, a farmer whom has owned the land during the quarrying as well
as landfill process. He was going to give it to English Wildlife but decided
against it and gave them the top section only. It made him an unpopular
millionaire.
Apparently he is a conscientious farmer and employer, but the villagers
are against him as they were not given a choice about the quarrying that
took place. He loved the temporary pinkscape.
How high is the quarry face that you painted?
50-70 m high, 200 m deep into land fill waste. The ground is due to sink another
50 m as its still settling so in the future it will be at least 100m high..
What did you use to paint the cliff?
Childrens’ powder paints: this is water soluble and non toxic, as well as
temporal unlike organic pigments that will stain for longer. There are still
lots of pots left! I am currently thinking of a use for them…
> ----Original Message----
> From: xxxxxxxxx
> Date: Aug 8, 2006 7:02:10 PM
> To: "lee.simmons@virgin.net"
> Subj: Re: More quarry information
>
> Hi Lee,
>
> I am in the process of writing up your story for a Recent Projects
> feature, and I have several questions for you so I can be sure to get
> the facts right.
>
> Please, if you have a moment, could you answer these brief questions?
>
> What motivated this project? Beyond an interest in time and space, in
> the interaction between the social and the natural - why this quarry?
> What issue are you trying to highlight?
> Who do the sheep belong to? Do they normally graze there?
> Who does the quarry belong to now that it has been land-filled?
> How high is the quarry face that you painted?
>
> Thanks for responding to these questions.
>
> Best regards,
> xxxxxxxx
> ------
> xxxxxxxx
> Project Assistant
> Public Art Review
Dear Lee
I e-mailed you two days after Quarry:2 finished saying how wonderful it was.
I am horrified to learn that you have received such vicious attacks from 'locals'. I became so upset for you that I telephoned the Dorking Advertiser to complain of the biased reporting this paper produced as copy on 29 June 2006. I was told to write a letter as I seemd to be the only one who enjoyed your work. I suppose people only write in to complain. I then got in touch with Kate Horden, the Betchworth councillor, quoted in the article, to let her know that not everyone was 'outraged of Betchworth'. Kate Horden informed me that you had to endure an extraordinary general meeting with Betchworth parishioners to explain the 'vandalism'. It really is going too far.
I went and found the sheep below Box Hill and then by Deepdene Bridge. They were quite happy in their primary colours.
Your work is fading now reflecting it's temporary nature. Why do people get so disturbed over a little transient colour?
Susan
Hi Lee
Its just a small but very vocal minority.
Being quite well known in the area, my name has
somehow been linked with your work. As a result I have
been getting a few aggressive phone calls at home.
Nothing threatening, but not exactly open to
discussion either. I imagine you must have been
dealing with much the same.
I think you are right when you say the initial shock
reaction has passed, but I am still aware many people
are failing to look beyond the issues I mentioned in
the attachment.
I appreciate you don't want to keep going over the
same ground, but I do think a clear statement of the
facts could be helpful, and would allow the discussion
to move on.
Remember most of the negative reactions are from
people who did not attend the event and know nothing
of its background. People are forming an opinion
based on letters to the local press.
I still very much believe in the projects value, and
hope it will continue to provide a forum for much
needed debate.
xxxxxxxxxxx
leesimmons01@aol.com wrote:
> Clearly I have missed something, thought it had
> all calmed down. You can barely see the pink now. Do
> you have any reference material / papers etc where
> you have seen the hatemail?
> Thanks for your help,
> Lee
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: xxxxxxxx
> To: leesimmons01@aol.com
> Sent: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 11:28 AM
> Subject: What's it like to be so hated?
>
> Hi Lee
> I still seem to be attracting a lot of hostility re.
> Quarry 2.
> I have been trying to encourage people to consider
> the
> bigger issues, and view the work in the context of
> the
> sites history.
> Many are still unaware that the pink quarry face is
> purely temporary.
> Most of the concerns regard practical and
> environmental issues, and, as I have been referring
> people to your web site it would be helpful if it
> could include a simple statement along the lines of
> the attached.
> I believe the facts to be correct, but please feel
> free to amend/ expand (or ignore) as you feel
> appropriate.
Quarry 2
The project was intended to raise awareness of environmental issues, and explore our relationship with the landscape in which we live.
It is regrettable that some have viewed ‘Quarry 2’ as an ‘act of vandalism’ or dismissed it as a publicity stunt. This was never the intention.
Amid such heated speculation I would like to clarify a few important points, and hopefully help allay some of the fears that may have been raised.
The event has been researched over two years, with input from environmental bodies plus numerous community groups and specialist individuals.
The venue was thoroughly surveyed by an independent expert to ensure any impact was kept to a minimum. Any changes made to the site are strictly temporary.
The colouring of the quarry face was achieved by dusting a non-toxic and water-soluble powder over the surface of the chalk. The resulting effect is temporary, and after extensive consultation is not known to have any detrimental effect on existing flora and fauna.
The use of sheep was extensively researched and approval was sought from the relevant animal welfare bodies.
They were coloured using a temporary, non-toxic product, developed and marketed for use on livestock. The whole process was carried out during the flocks routine health check, and under the strict supervision of an extremely knowledgeable and compassionate shepherd.
During their short stay at the quarry they always had access to shelter, fresh water and grazing. They were regularly monitored and at no time were they seen to suffer any undue stress as a result of the experience.
The Fire Service provided their expertise in the form of a training session. They were there to do a job of work, and not to “just having fun at the taxpayers expense”. Indeed many of the team donated their own time to the project.
Concerns regarding the unnecessary use of water are unfounded as the pink powder was applied dry.
The reference to a ‘Police Helicopter’ being used to record the event appears to have resulted from a ‘partial’ quote being taken out of context. Obviously no police resources were actually used.
Having already prompted some informed debate, I hope the discussion can now continue to expand, and place the event in its broader context.
> xxxxxxxxx
>
>
A phone conversation followed and seemed to turn things around to become a productive and mutually supportive conversation!
Hi xxx,
Thanks for your mail and for the time you have spent considering the process of this work.
I will hopefully be attending the Betchworth Parish Council meeting tonight at 8 pm and it would be great to speak with you in person: as we both acknowledge email correspondance can be problematic.
In terms of drawing a line in the sand, good idea in terms of the it's aggressive / it's not aggressive correspondance, but in terms of the project I feel that if we work together your continued involvement could be very valuable.
I am currently arranging a tour of documentation and information of this project to schools, libraries and council offices and though a bit late in the day, would value your input to this leg of the work.
It could be a fantastic opportunity to communicate the extensive research and information on land use that you are involved with and have access to, to a wide audience and future generations.
My number is xxx.
If you have time to speak about this subject that would be much appreciated.
Best regards,
Lee
Email unpublished at the authors request
Dear xxxx,
I have honoured your wish that your mails not be published even anonymously.
With regard to my own writing, I also honour the right to publish my own words.
Nowhere in relation to our correspondance have I mentioned your name or the organisations that you represent.
With regard to the public consulation, perhaps there are lessons to be learnt in how to better achieve local consultation in the future, though I hope you are taking on board that there actually was a consultation process, an environmental impact assessment, an animal health assessment and careful planning of a project not just invisioned by me but by a diverse group of people.
With regard to publicity seeking... by setting up a modest blog site to communicate this project and provide a space for people to comment... by including unedited negative comments as well as possitive ones and by communicating the work to local press prior to the event which further helped engage the community and facilitate vibrant debate there is little validation for the degradation of a long term project with integrity in purpose and process, to basic publicity seeking.
If I have described your mails as abusive unfairly I apologise for that, it is often difficult to interpret the tone of an email, though with assertations that my actions have been and continue to be manipulative, insensitive, thoughtless, uninformed, negligant and naive... alongside the employment of capital letters it is not unreasonable that they might be interpreted as agressive.
With regard to not answering your questions fully, you have asked alot of questions and I have replied promptly to almost all of your emails, and have added information to the blog so that yourself and others with similar concerns can find the answers to these questions in their own time.
I hope that we can move past these misunderstandings and achieve more productive communication.
This mail will go on the blog as I am committed to communicate the work inside and out and feel confident in my right to publish my own writing, though nowhere will I mention your name or include your writing.
Best wishes,
Lee
(Points have been raised about how better consultation could be achieved in the future and the establishments that can help build communication with local residents and this is something that is acknowledged and will be taken on board when implementing future projects)
email unpublished at the authors request
Dear xxxxx,
Can you please try to moderate your tone, the aggressiveness of your emails is uncalled for and your attacks are not just on me (which I wouldn't mind) but on disadvantaged and disabled artists as well as well meaning, conscientious involved parties who are increasingly feeling upset by the tone you are adopting. While I completely understand and am happy to discuss the strength of your feeling your tone is passing beyond that which I think you want to adopt.
I am reluctant to pass names of particular groups involved as regret that they might begin to receive this abuse also. By local I meant Surrey based where I lived and worked when focusing on this project. I also work across Kent, London, Oxford and Berkshire, so am now more South East. I am afraid that whether or not I attend your church is not helpful to the debate that this work intends to address.
By grass roots level I mean that the work was developed by people who work at the heart of the community as well as those who monitor the use of the land both in and around Betchworth. The work was supported by people right at the infrastructure of the community and in terms of consultation, consultation was at the heart of this work: it is made up of between 10 and 20 peoples ideas across many areas including the Surrey Hills and Betchworth village. If you look at the blog www.leesimmons.org you can find out more about this.
When communicating the work leaflets and emails were sent to my entire mailing list as well as at least four other individuals working in art and environment establishments, posters and leaflets were left at sites in Betchworth and distributed around the village by myself and I left them with local people to continue to distribute: all of this material included my own personal email address inviting comment which is an unusually high level of consultation offered for an art project. As well as this the work and my email address was on the AONB website prior to the event, it took front page of the guide in your two local papers prior to the event again including my contact details. The lead up work and plans for this project were exhibited in Guildford for 3 weeks prior to the event and I attended the well publicised show at points throughout the duration of this time period inviting consultation on the project plans before moving the display to Betchworth Quarry where the next stage of the project took place.
We did push for a display at Surrey County Show where further consultation would have been undertaken but unfortunately the space fell through at the last moment and an interview with Eagle radio was scheduled in prior to the event which again fell through. There was little that could be done from the creative side on both of these counts.
I very much hope that we can turn this disagreement around to become a useful and productive debate.
Kind regards,
Lee
email unpublished at the authors request
Dear xxxx,
I am aware of xxxxx. This forum would allow people to discuss the issues across disciplines, art environment and at grass roots level which is rare.
Nowhere have I said the work will last 2 weeks, what I have said is that the work is temporary, does not harm the environment and that it will erode according to the elements. It is anticipated that it will last for 2 months and this is dependent on the elements.
As for is this art? This artwork is the work of many people across art and environment bodies from grass roots community groups, to disabled groups of artists, artists established in their own right, civil servants and a cross section of government employees from art and environment backgrounds.
By insulting this work you not only are insulting myself, but also minority groups who have worked hard to make something beautiful, artists and community members with integrity and purpose in their lives and work as well as members of leading establishments in environmental protection.
Yours,
Lee
email unpublished at the authors request
Dear sir,
I think that the opportunity this project has provided for you to air your and the local community's concerns about the quarry site (which is something I actually had researched with many other informed parties) as well as a forum for those like yourself who feel they and only they can say what is valuable public art is a wonderful opportunity. Even though you clearly do not respect the effort myself and others have put in, I respect your right to judge and indeed comment on the art and will publish your email quite contendedly. You do not have to like or respect what we have done, but you should look more closely at the research and consultation which took place prior to this project. I would just ask could you visit the site up close one more time and the information room (if you have already) and stop and think whether you really are convinced it contains no beauty.
Respectfully Yours,
Lee
>----Original Message----
>
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
Date: Jun 30, 2006 9:42:47 PM
>
To: lee.simmons@virgin.net, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
Subj: RE: Mindless Vandalism of Mole Valley
unpublished email at the authors request
Hi Lee
Just read your blog....
Quarry 2 was a powerful and sincere piece of work.
I'm sorry you are having to deal with such
nonconstructive and personal hate mail, but it was
perhaps inevitable.
Most of the negative responses seem to have stemmed
from a breakdown in communication. It would seem you
actually have similar views to many of the protesters,
but are just speaking a different language.
Don't get defensive. Don't be tempted to distance
yourself from the work, and don't doubt yourself.
Pete
-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxxxxx
Sent: 28 June 2006 16:29
To: xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Art in the Landscape
Dear xxxxxxxxxxxx,
Surrey County Arts are very concerned at the upset the Quarry project has
caused to yourself and the other residents.
This project was jointly funded by Arts Council South East in the main,
Awards for All and Surrey County Council. Surrey County Arts supported Lee
Simmons, a local artist to develop her practice through land art. Lee had
previously carried out a successful Quarry project in partnership with
Lockwood Day Centre that led to a project and exhibition with the artists
with disabilities.
The temporary artwork at Betchworth Quarry, a former land fill site, was
aimed at encouraging debate about land use. Local firemen assisted in
partly colouring the chalk face with harmless dyes while the farmer
assisted in colouring sheep with approved dye. We understand that the
artist consulted with the landowner, English Nature, Surrey Hills AONB
office and the farmer. We also would have hoped that sufficient
consultation had taken place with the residents and all concerned. English
Nature confirms that necessary surveys were carried out to ensure that no
damage or disturbance would be inflicted on the local wildlife.
The event itself held on Saturday 24th June included an opportunity to
discuss the work with the artist and view the associated exhibition on the
site. The event gained a very varied response from visitors. Many walkers
and visitors were delighted with the event and stopped to talk to the
artist at length about her work and land use. The artist is collecting and
responding to feedback on www.leesimmons.org
In response to your request for information, the person who financially
supported this project from Surrey County Arts, SCC was , xxxxxxxxx.
However, as this was just a small part of the funding and it is
not an SCC project, I do not have the further information you request.
This was a project initiated by the artist and she wrote the funding
proposals to Arts Council etc and made all the contacts mentioned herself.
The cost of the dye would have been incorporated into her Arts Council bid
of which she may be able to forward to you.
xxxxxxxxx
27/06/06 18:57 Subject: Art in the
Landscape
I was quite appalled to find that the traditional white landscape of the
Betchworth "cliffs" had been spoiled in the interests of so-called art
without so much as the decency of consultation with those that have to look
at this abomination. I realise that the cliffs, themselves, are artificial
but they have stood guard over Betchworth now for well over 100 years now
and if there is to be a change even on a temporary basis than I think those
of us that know and love them should be consulted first. This may be in
the interests of "art" but some of us at least, regard this as a
desecration of the environment and of our personal environment in
particular. No permission for this change of visual approach in an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty had been presented to the planners either at
County Hall or more particularly to Mole Valley District Council.
Furthermore the expenditure of money on something as frivolous as this at a
time when local services are under such pressure for lack of finance is
very hard to justify. Within a matter of the few miles, the East Surrey
Hospital is struggling to make ends meet, while some of the local roads are
in an appalling state, and yet public money -- indeed part of my money --
is being used/misuse for irrelevancies such as this.
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, I shall be pleased
if you will kindly let me know the name of the individuals who gave
authority for this artistic demonstration to go ahead. I should also be
pleased if you will kindly let me know which elected body is responsible
for the expenditure of monies for the payment of the Fire Brigade or the
Fire Brigade costs, and also for the cost of the paint. I shall also be
pleased if you will kindly let me know who is the so-called artist(s) and
what fee they received for this exercise.
By copy of this e-mail I am asking my local county Councillor and my local
district Councillor to take this up to with their respective organisations.
Yours faithfully
xxxxxxxxxx
Hi again xxxx,
I understand your concern, and hope that the fact that the work is temporary, a temporary alteration to highlight issues outside of Betchworth as well as within the local area in the long term, carried out by a diverse group from the local community in partnership with varied authorities as a way of highlighting environmental issues for best interest to the natural environment will go some way to alleviate your concerns and distress.
I am sorry for any upset and inconvenience this has caused you but also hope that people will continue to speak out and support each other in this.
Perhaps the manner that this project has been carried out: being that it is very visible at present and that certain members of the community were uninformed despite efforts to get word out has made it controversial in a less productive sense than we would hope (vandalism Vs art debate).
I am currently collating the documentation and hope that the community of Betchworth will come to a discussion at this event, in the area, once the pink chalk has faded to discuss the land use and the work in retrospect.
Best regards,
Lee
Listen, I appreciate what you are trying to do – you’ll have to believe me on this. I am a great lover of art, having lived most of my early life travelling abroad (all over this planet – mostly in the ‘so called’ third world) and I’ve seen some wonderful things as well as some not so.
In this particular case I honestly believe that the last 2 years could have been much better spent. Whatever you think of what you have done, I’m afraid it is a bl@@dy eyesore. I love the countryside and nature, but this particular venture is an abomination to it. In no way does it capture anything except ‘Mans’ total contempt for the natural world. If this was what you were trying to achieve – why do it here? We have enough problems with bl@@dy Londoners building on ‘protected’ green field sites as it is.
I’m sorry, this is my point of view – as everybody is entitled to their own opinion; but why, if we’re trying to preserve the countryside, do we deface it? Isn’t nature wonderful as it is? There’s precious little of it left – why disfigure what is left?
xxxxxxxx
Hi xxxxxxxx,
I agree that nature doesn't need a makeover, this is largely what the work is about.
It most certainly wasn't mindless with 2 years of research behind it.
There is an information room with reasons why and how this work was made available at the quarry and more information about my previous work at the axis artists website and at www.lockwoodartists.org.uk that will hopefully help clarify the thought and reasoning behind the work.
Best wishes,
Lee Simmons
>----Original Message----
> From:
xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Jun 30, 2006 1:10:59 PM
> To: lee.simmons@virgin.net
> Subj: FW: Mindless Vandalism of Mole Valley
>
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From:
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Mindless Vandalism of Mole Valley
Pink Chalk Face
I first thought it was an act of mindless drunks, then I find out it was done by an equally mindless so called ‘artist’ which was approved by an equally mindless bunch of councillors.
I sincerely hope they are going to pay for the clean up out of their own pockets and refund the grant money in full.
This is not art by any stretch of the imagination, its pure vandalism. Nature does not need a make over, try respecting it. Isn’t that what we are constantly told to remind kids – what a perfect example to show them.
Someone’s head better roll for this utter crass stupidity.
xxxx
It is not only that I don't like the work, I find the decision to fund it with grant money abhorent. It is of a purely minority interest when other majority needs are not being catered for. Why don't you raise the funds via private individuals who also enjoy your specialist corner of the art world. Take a few quid off each of your supporters and pay the grant back. (Maybe call it a "conceptual gesture" to square it with your peers)
As to keeping criticisms on your website, do you promise to keep your art in the shed at the bottom of your garden?
xxxxxx
Dearxxxx,
Sorry you don't like the work.
The sheep are perfectly fine.
You can see more information at www.leesimmons.org and comment there if
you like.
Alot of emails are coming in, I am aware you also contacted SCA, it would
be helpful it we could keep it in one place and not involve other organisations
unnecessarily.
Best wishes,
Lee
> ----Original Message----
> From: xxxx
> Date: Jun 29, 2006 7:53:58 AM
> To: lee.simmons@virgin.net
> Subj: My Chalk face
>
> Madam,
>
> Not since my visit to Tate Modern have I experienced such condescending
> self-indulgent twaddle as to desecrate my chalk face that I have known
and
> loved for 47 years. We are quite aware of the beauty of our area without
> having your patronising highlighter pen daubed all over it. Local rumour
was
> that it had been vandalised as some public school prank. To now learn that
> it is "art" both pre-meditated and funded by Grant Money has finally
brought
> to our area the nonsense normally attributed to left wing London local
> authorities.
>
> We can only now hope that it fades quickly, the sheep are not traumatized
> for the rest of their short lives and your misguided shallow supporters
have
> a whip round to repay the Grant.
>
> Regards
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi xxxxx,
I was aware of the pollution to water passing below the quarry, and it
is interesting to highlight these situations that I am sure are not isolated
to Betchworth.
I am not aware of the finance issues of the council and the conservation
of the quarry, but don't doubt that the costs of my project were minute
in comparison to dealing with the sealing of landfill problems. Also Surrey
County Arts is a different strand to County Council who have a small amount
of money to contribute to projects that they feel will bring something new
to the county, raising awareness of environmental issues is not their usual
remit, we are lucky that this project works on art and environment issues
at the same time. Also it was mainly Arts Council money, Surrey County Arts
enabled my project to begin and the Arts Council enabled it to be carried
out with necessary resources (for documentation, research and communication
of the work) which were still fairly minimal in comparison to most projects
with this reach.
The colours will blend and change over time, the porous chalk will help
the work to survive longer than in a slate quarry, but the pink will gradually
fade and the pigment chosen is for its impermanent and non toxic qualities.
Thank you for your questions, I hope that you will continue to engage with
the work.
Best wishes,
Lee
Are you aware that the landfill below your Art project was filled with toxic waste which is now leaching into the Ground Water. Surrey County Council was meant to monitor the landfill but claims that it did not have sufficient resources to complete this. However, Surrey County Arts was able to fund your project.
My personal opinion is that it defaces a beautiful part of Surrey and I am sure that therre will be evidence of this act for years to come (the porous chalk will absorb some of the paint so it will not all wash off). However, I do think that it will highlight the danger of the toxic waste beneath it - perhaps that was your aim all along?
Yours sincerely,
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear xxxx
I have already apologised for and explained the blunt response of my initial
email.
I have now updated the website to communicate the entire methodology behind
this work to avoid further misunderstandings.
I apologise if my email appeared to accuse you of insulting marginalised
groups. Information on whom I worked with has been available throughout
but I acknowledge that it could have been clearer.
My best wishes,
Lee
Dear Ms Simmons
I have not insulted or assaulted you, I have criticised your art project and
your approach to it and whilst I've been forthright in my comments I've been
polite about it.
To pick up on a few of your points:
1/ You say I've not been trying to speak to you. With all due respect what
do you think this email correspondence has been about if not an attempt by
me to speak to you?!
2/ You say I call your artwork arrogant. I didn't - I called your reply to
my first email arrogant, in part because you ended your email exhorting me
to "Think about it."
3/ Finally and most seriously, do not accuse me of insulting disabled or
marginalised people. Incidentally it's not clear from your website that
your group involves disabled and marginalised people but in any case
disliking what you've done to Betchworth Quarry does not equate to insulting
disabled people. It was an extremely stupid and insensitive thing to accuse
me of considering you know nothing of my background or personal / family
circumstances.
I'd like you to apologise for that comment. Then I don't feel there's any
value in continuing this correspondence.
Believe it or not I wish you a successful career but please recognise your
responsibility to consider all stakeholders and points of view in future.
Yours sincerely
xxxxxxx
Dear xxxxxx,
I'm sorry that you disliked my email, however I believe you could have approached
me in the first instance more in a spirit of attempting to talk to me about
the project rather than trying to insult or assault me.
Many people find the result beautiful and some have not enjoyed it. I understand
you are part of the latter group and am sorry for any concern this has caused.
I have not attempted to upset anyone.
But I had hoped that by looking at the website you would understand this
is not some "arrogant and patronising artist" who is out to "desecrate the
natural wildlife" but rather a group of disabled people and often marginalised
young people (with the support of groups like the fire brigade, local farmers
and the local authority) seeking to do something they, and we, feel is beautiful
and which is - something you are really not taking on board - temporary.
This is not a permenant exhibit. There is no impact on the stone or the
sheep.
It has brought great joy to the often marginalised people whose ideas were
incorporated. Your repeated assertion that this is "my" idea or "me" being
arrogant is unfair and fails to understand the process of this project.
I'm sorry to write so bluntly, because I honestly seek and have sought
to make people happy, but you have simply not been trying to speak to me
or understand how this came about.
If you call the artwork arrogant it is not only me you insult, but the
community groups and the disabled people whose ideas it embraced. Please
seriously consider this, though I respect your right to complain to whoever
you wish and am happy to speak to you at your convenience if that would
be of use to you.
Respectfully Yours,
Lee
> ----Original Message----
> From: xxxxxxxx
> Date: Jun 30, 2006 10:56:32 PM
> To: lee.simmons@virgin.net
> Subj: Re: 'Art'
>
> Dear Ms Simmons,
>
> With all due respect I find your reply both arrogant and patronising. I
see
> from your website that you also dyed sheep for use in this project. Your
> intrinsic lack of respect for the environment and for animals is staggering.
>
> I will be writing to my local MP on this issue.
>
xxxxx
>
>
Dear xxxxx,
I wonder what gives you the right to treat the world the way you do?
Please look at the blog site www.leesimmons.org for more info and comment
there, it means I wont keep writing the same thing.
The traces of the event are temporarily visible and otherwise harmless.
Think about it that way...?
Lee
> ----Original Message----
> From: xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Jun 29, 2006 10:23:41 PM
> To: lee.simmons@virgin.net
> Subj: 'Art'
>
> Dear Ms Simmons,
>
> I'm disgusted with your so-called artwork which is actually a desecration of
> the local environment. Perhaps you'd like to explain what gives you
the
> right to treat the natural world like this.
>
> I'd also be grateful if you could confirm whether you received any
> taxpayers' money to do this and what permission you received and from
whom.
>xxxxxxxxx
>
Lee,
Thank you for instigating the communication I had with xxxxxxx
yesterday afternoon and I apologise for the delay in getting back to you.
xxxxxxx was very helpful and it would appear that the matter is now
closed. I understand that the sheep will be moved to Boxhill either today
or tomorrow and will again be in the public eye - we will now be able to
respond confidently that all regulations have been complied with.
Good luck with all your future art projects.
Regards.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
(Further discussion and emails followed, the farmer then contacted trading standards to clarify methodology.)
> ----Original Message----
> From:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Jun 28, 2006 10:21:02 AM
> To: lee.simmons@virgin.net
> Subj: Surrey County Council Trading Standards - Animal Health
>
> Dear Ms Simmons,
>
> I am writing with reference to the well publicised colouring event at
> Betchworth Quarry on 24th June that involved the painting of white chalk
> and sheep.
>
> There has been some concern voiced regarding the welfare of the sheep and
I
> would be grateful if you would provide the details of the owners of the
> sheep at your earliest convenience so that this matter may be investigated.
>
> Yours sincerely,
> xxxxxxxxxxx
>
Hi Lee
I found your email address on the Surrey Hills website. I’ve been following in the Surrey Mirror news of your installation in Betchworth – haven’t been to have a look yet, but from the pictures in the paper I think it looks great! I also like the idea of getting people to look at their environment in a new way.
Green Places is a journal that focuses on all aspects of public space. It’s read by a whole range of people from landscape architects to local authorities and community groups and I should like to include something about your work in it. Each month we have a page we call Viewfinder on which we just feature one striking image (I’m attaching an example of a past Viewfinder). Might you have an image that could be used at 21cm wide by 22cm high (300 dpi)? If you don’t have one strong image (and maybe it would be hard to capture it all in one image), we could perhaps look at doing a montage.
Anyway, perhaps you could get back to me to let me know what you think and we can take it from there.
Fingers crossed!
Kind regards
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Green Places
--------------------------------------------------------
Hi Lee,
I had a fantastic time on Friday & Saturday. Thank you for letting me join in the fun. You had such a nice bunch of people supporting you, it was great to meet them. I hope that it went well for you on Sunday too. I have got some great photos of the firemen. I have a disc for you which I am happy to post, or you could drop by if you are in Guildford .
Please let me know about your future ventures.
Thanks again
Sue
From: lee.simmons@virgin.net [mailto:lee.simmons@virgin.net]
Sent: 19 June 2006 10:58
To: xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Photography
Hi Lee,
Peter Ockenden kindly showed us around The Lockwood centre
yesterday. I am very interested in your work. I am a photographer and I have
just done the Open Studios myself (studio 38).
I don’t want to tread on any ones toes as Peter said
that you had a photographer however I would very much like to photograph your quarry
project and I am happy for the photographs to be of benefit to the project. It would
be very nice to meet you to discuss this further.
xxxxxxxx
Hi Lee,
I had a fantastic time on Friday & Saturday. Thank you for letting me join in the fun. You had such a nice bunch of people supporting you, it was great to meet them. I hope that it went well for you on Sunday too. I have got some great photos of the firemen. I have a disc for you which I am happy to post, or you could drop by if you are in Guildford .
Please let me know about your future ventures.
Thanks again
Sue
Hi Lee,
I wasn't able t make it at the weekend, but the pictures on your site look amazing.
It'll be good to hear about how you feel about it when you;ve had a chance to digest everything...
ANyway, well done...take care,
Sonya x
short and sweet like gingerbread men....x I like
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: xxxxxx
>To: leesimmons01@aol.com
>Sent: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 09:20:24 +0000
>Subject: Re: hi
>
> Hey
> Think that you should keep on the case,, and keep people interested, you >put alot of hard work and that should be reminded to people for future , >reference and funding etc,,,if people don t want to look at pics on there >email . all they have to do is click..but I do think that hearing about >people responces we help you make things clearer, and you ll probably find >that will be some nice replies , which is always a nice thing...
>keep up he good work , and get sending girl
>
> >From: leesimmons01@aol.com
> >To: xxxxxx
> >Subject: Re: hi
> >Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 05:08:00 -0400
> >
> > Thanks for coming yesterday, sorry I didnt get a chance >to chat >with you! Glad you liked the work. I am still digesting it.
> >I'm putting a few bits on a blog site at www.leesimmons.org and am >thinking >of emailing people the site address and some pics but dont want >to shove it >down their necks if they don't want. what do you reckon? Nice >to give >people a space to comment?
> >Hopefully see you soon for a pint.
> >Lee xx
> >
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: xxxxxxxx
> >To: Leesimmons01@aol.com
> >Sent: Sun, 25 Jun 2006 21:28:24 +0000
> >Subject: hi
> >
> > Hi,,, hope all went well...
> >
> > It all seemed to be flowing in the right direction, and looking very
>>amazing...
> > it was really cool to see,,, although we were late and missed out on > >things,,, and had to leave early through to commitments, it was still >great >to experience....
> >so thank you for sharing with us ...
> >
> > I hope that many good things come from it, and you get lots of >experience >and feed back ....
> >
> > sorry for the fleeting /fleashing visit barrrrrrr visit,,,,but very >glad >we came ...
> >
> >its certainly given me lots to think about ......
> >
> >hope you blossom from it............
> >
> >bet your completly nnnnakkkerreed,,bzzzziinng and lots more
> >
> >
> >well done .........
> >
> >
> >Adie x
> >
> >
Hi Lee,
Many thanks for contacting us about the Quarry art project. We've had a
few calls from local residents concerned about the impact on the local
area. We would very much like to interview you about the art project,
and perhaps you can quash any fears.
If you could give me a call to discuss, that would be great. My number's
xxxxxxxxx
Best Regards
xxxxxx
Surrey District Reporter, BBC Southern Counties Radio
Hey Lee,
just to say saturday at the Quarry 2 event this weekend was absolutely brill, a
fantastic piece of artwork and a great day out too! i was talking to my friends
at work today about what we did at the weekend, everyone was very intrigued and
wanted to find out more. i hope sunday went well too, it'll be interesting to
see how the landscape of pink changes over time. i'll have to see if my friend
in dorking can see the pink from her house.
big congratulations on the project.
Hi Lee
Brilliant, fantastic colour. As well as beauty there is "sound of war
blowing in our ears".
It's also like the marker that is used when people vote, only this time
it
is when someone has been subversive.
Do you know Graham Hudson, he has a mega project on the parade ground
at the
new Chelsea Millbank Campus.
I will forward you the link.
Also I am woking for Richmond Mencap again 24 July to 11 august and
will
stay a few days after in Richmond. From 20th July my mob number is
xxxxxxxx. Perhaps we can meet up?
Cheers
xxxxxxxxx
Hi Lee
Hope the Sunday went well. I really enjoyed seeing the work, and having one of the most relaxing days out I've had in ages! It was good to see the CCRED gys, and to speak with others about the project.
See you soon
xxxxx
Dear Lee
I was at Q:2 on Saturdary - wonderful and would like to have stayed longer but previous engagements prevented me from doing so. But we saw the pink powder puff finale... Are you going to be at Betchworth at all this week? My home phone number is xxxxxxxx - please ring me any time as I will be around. (I am trying to get back to work after a protracted illness so am doing part - time hours at present). I didn't have time to look at your project plans for long enough. Where will you be showing the sheep? Please tell me when you publish the book/ catalogue to this project. My address is xxxxxxxxxxxxx.
I would be delighted if you could tell me of other art events that you are planning.
Thank you.
Susan
Hi Una,
I'm glad you enjoyed the event and that your neighbours like the colours! With regard to your offer of assistance, that is very interesting as we still have alot of powder left.
I will be running a workshop at the site on Thursday with an art group from Guildford so that could be the ideal opportunity to use up the pigment, though the process of gaining permission for the initial event was lengthly and the project was very difficult for the firemen so I would not recommend absailing the chalk face. It might be possible to attach yourselves with ropes to trees and drop powder from the edge, though we have to be very careful of the grassland and so far I only have permission for the firemen on the 24th to access that area.
Other than that the work is largely about the site: landfill, so to redo the work elsewhere isn't really appropriate... on the other hand the work developes largely according to other people's suggestions and contributions so feel free to put forward ideas.
Thanks and best wishes,
Lee
dear lee
thanks for the fun. my neighbours in Oakdene
close, Brockham can see it and love it.
also Brockham village hall Club and WCMS, Wealden
Cave and Mine Soc, based in merstham. we absiel, have all the gear, risk
assess etc so would be happy to help on anything similiar.
REME, royal artillary engineers, great garity
abseils for novices, anywhere, also there own site on public path, stable cliff,
newhaven, near brighton.
good luck Una Duffy
Dear xxxx, The lambs displayed no signs of distress, the sprays are approved by the farmers guild and wore off after a fortnight. You can see more about the process and comment at www.leesimmons.org as well as by joining the event on Saturday. Don't worry, I would not cause animals harm, the work aims for environmental well being not the other way around. Best wishes, Lee br>
>----Original Message----
>
From: xxxxxx
>
Date: Jun 22, 2006 11:10:54 AM
>
To: lee.simmons@virgin.net
>
Subj: QUARRY EVENT
>
After seeing the article in the local press regarding the quarry event you are organising, I would like to express my concerns regarding the spraying of the lambs with dye. I think it was totally unnecessary, and I can't imagine could have been very pleasant for them, and totally unnatural.
I would assume that these lambs are, in the not too distant future, for slaughter, and feel it is extremely distasteful to use them in this way.
Yours faithfully
xxxxxx
Hi xxxxx,
Nice to hear from you. I hope you will join the event on Saturday and we
can talk then. There is also a site to post comments at www.leesimmons.org
The pink is chosen to highlight and draw attention to the site: it has
been tested and is temporal so don't worry.
I look forward to talking to you in the future,
Best wishes,
Lee
> ----Original Message----
> From: xxxxxx
> Date: Jun 22, 2006 12:45:56 PM
> To: lee.simmons@virgin.net
> Subj: Betchworth quarry
>
> Hi Lee
>
> can I introduce myself.
>
> I work on restoring mineral sites for Surrey County Council, and have just
> learnt of your event this weekend, following concern expressed to us.
>
> I would be very interested in talking to you sometime about art & quarries,
> always on the look out for new ideas and angles.
>
> Unfortunately, not knowing about your project (the AONB Chaps hadn't told
> us), we've expressed a view that painting the cliffs pink is not a good
> idea, when asked by a third party. Betchworth has a history unfortunately!
>
> by this stage, if you've read as far as this, you probably thinking what
a
> beaurocratic kill joy I am, but you have no idea of the fight and struggle
> we've had to get to where we are, which is not as satisfactory as chaps
> like myself would like environmentally.
>
> Anyrate, just being brutally honest and wanted to touch base that perhaps
> we could have a chat sometime about projects in quarries.
>
> I was interested in your comment about Oxted, for I too was negotiating an
> alternative (involving restoring the kilns, public access, chalk grassland
> restoration, etc), but it fell through.
>
> Betchworth already has lovely rose pink cliff as sunset, and I wonder
> whether lighting would not have been better. but then we could have a
> lovely discussion on is that sustainable, and I'm aware art is very much
> down to personal taste, interpretation, etc. sometimes done for
> appreciation, sometimes to shock and stimulate.
>
> If you're into stimulating debate about quarries, their restoration,
> landscape, etc (I would add wildlife too) we should definitely meet,
as I
> think there could be a common agenda.
>
> apologies that I've been negative about pink cliffs, but the likes of
me
> end up picking up the collateral impact and comments.
>
> kind regards
>
> xxxxxxx
