Barnacles
The barnacle is a living sticky crustacean that has a fixed mode of life.The barnacle is a living sticky crustacean that has a fixed mode of life.They are often found stuck to the underside of boats, on sea life and each other.They stick to these surfaces steadfastly by secreting a fast-curing cement,which is one of the most powerful natural glues on this planet.To survive, they adapted to this immobility in their sexual reproductive patterns.In relation to their body size, they possess the largest penis in the animal kingdom.In some species, it can extend up to eight times the length of their own body,enabling them to reach partners nearby and reproduce.Barnacles often serve as bioindicators of water quality in coastal ecosystemsand symbolise resilience and adaptability for their ability to cling steadfastly to sea surfacesdespite the constant flow of waves.To serve this water cleansing purpose, the barnacles on Jordan's sculpturehave been fabricated from roman concrete mixed with biochar(an organic version of activated charcoal often used for water filtration)created from burning plant cuttings from the gardens at A la Ronde.
Popo
Popo is a small creation of Jordan's imagination comprising a metamorphosis of a chicken and a crab.Popo is a small creation of Jordan's imagination comprising a metamorphosis of a chicken and a crab.The little creature is the goddess and protector of all bodies of water.Popo refers to the goddess of the winds, Feng-po-po in Chinese mythology.She symbolises freedom through the elements of air, water, storms, rain and moisture.Her ability to cross boundaries effortlessly makes her a resilient characterto explore the multiple bodies of water on our planet.According to myth, her change in mood can affect rainfall and her presence on Jordan'sHaigh Hall sculpture will serve to invoke the spirits of water and to remind us to remain calmand resilient with the winds of change.
Fossil
Affixed to Jordan's A la Ronde sculpture are locally sourced fossils.Affixed to Jordan's A la Ronde sculpture are locally sourced fossils.The origins of the fossils include the Parkinsonia, a 158 million year old inferior Oolite fromDorset.Belemnite cylindroteuthis which is 160 million years old Oxford Clay from Peterborough,Cambridgeshire.Amoeboceras a 160 million year old Ampthill clay from Bedfordshire.Arnioceras Ammonite is 195 million years old lower lias obtusum zone from CharmouthDorset, and ammonites from Somerset.These ancient fossils recall the history of the Jurassic Coast, which is 95 miles long onthe South Coast of the UK from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon.The rock formations of the Jurassic Coast span 185 million years of the earth's history.The many different fossils found in this area provide evidence of the diversity of life duringMesozoic times (the age of dinosaurs).
Raindrops
Bodies of Water circulate again and again through the same raindrops of water.Bodies of Water circulate again and again through the same raindrops of water.Raindrops are existential creatures since their existence and life cycle is constantly renewedacross time and geographies.It can take millions or trillions of raindrops to make a cloud.The Cloud that stores our data across server centres internationally needs lots of waterin order to function.With the amount of data that consumers globally use, these servers get very warm and largeamounts of water are pumped through pipes to keep the computer cool.The water supply that is being used to keep these servers cool is drawing from and affectingpeople and nature's access to the cycle of raindrops.As we increasingly use data, we can negatively impact access to Bodies of Water.
Slate
Slate stone is regarded as a metamorphic rock,Slate stone is regarded as a metamorphic rock,deriving from a mixture of clay and limestone.Its particular quality is its ability to divide easilyinto thin, light and impermeable slabs.This is due to the deposit of materialsemitted by volcanic explosions,which have followed long and winding pathsthrough the air before landing on the rocks or sea.It is a soft stone with very strong characteristics.It will not bend is resistant to fire and other elements,and it is waterproof.Slate is composed of minerals, including quartz,illite, and muscovite, combined with pyrite,biotite, and hematite.The stones featured in Jordan's A la Ronde sculpturewere sourced from a local,restored 1860's to 1910's quarry at Diptford, in South Devon.They were hand cut and hand split,and were extracted using a steam powered winchwith horses & mules.Natural slate is commonly used in buildingfor its beauty and durable nature,but its use goes back to ancient civilisationswith the Mayan civilisation modelling slateto make stelae (tall vertical monuments).
Piranha
Piranhas are not so deep is taken from a previous drawing by Jordan.Piranhas are not so deep is taken from a previous drawing by Jordan.Piranhas are a freshwater fish found in South America's rivers and lakes.In history the fish have been described as predators, who hunt their prey in big shoals.However, these sharp toothed fish have been misunderstood.In 1913, President Theodore Roosevelt visited Brazil and described the piranha as"the embodiment of evil ferocity" (1914). His description stuck and was propagated through Hollywood myth.In fact, piranhas are calm omnivore creatures, who spend their time seeking out all types of foodsources from insects to worms to plants more often than fish and meat.They don't hunt in big shoals but some species swim in shoals as a protective measure.Nor do they seek to harm humans, as is common amongst fish they would rather avoid us.In the uncommon case of a piranha attack, it has been caused by the fish feeling threatened or confused.
Snakes
The Greek myth of Medusa has been misunderstood and mistold over thousands of years.The Greek myth of Medusa has been misunderstood and mistold over thousands of years.The age old story paints her as a beautiful evil monster with hair of snakes,which turned any man who faced her to stone.In truth, Medusa was a woman wronged by the gods. Her story begins as a priestess to the goddessof wisdom, Athena; a role which required her to promise to be virtuous. However,she is attacked by the god of the sea, Poseidon, who takes her virtue in the temple of Athena.In an angry revenge on Medusa, Athena curses her to become the monster we know today.Her life ends when her head is taken by Perseus, who is seen as a hero.This unfair punishment of the gods was inflicted on poor Medusa.Instead of being seen as a horrible monster, she should be celebrated as a symbol of the protectionof women and the sea. With the regenerative power of snakes who shed their skin,she provides wisdom and solace to generations of "angry women".
Snail & Slug
Slugs and snails are gastropods and have both male and female reproductive organs.Slugs and snails are gastropods and have both male and female reproductive organs.The gastropods have telepathic abilities and identify their mate initially throughsmell, secondly through courtship, and finally through their unique interlocking reproductivedevices.This is how they ensure they are mating with the same species.The slow moving nature of snails and slugs teaches us about the importance of takingthings slow.From Aesop's Fables from Greek mythology, the tortoise teaches us that "slow and steadywins the race".The slow resilience of these gastropods in their motion and reproduction can teach humanityabout the care around slow approaches and what we can learn from communicating betweenspecies.
