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 xxxx (!)
Thanks, I will defo. include this in the documentation.
I think that the work has largely moved away from reactionary letters and articles leaving those interested in the work and this field of art, design and regeneration commenting on and following it, as well as discovering it. There is plenty of time for the reactions to this work to evolve, the quarry site isn't going anywhere and neither are Surrey or London (for a bit anyway).
I expect that the exhibition which is currently being developed will continue to spark discussion and contact, as will the Green Places Journal and other varied points of communication.
If you have any contact details of the people who have commented to you please keep them for future invites as it would be great if they come to the show.
Thanks so much for all this,
Lee