Where art , nature and new homes reside
Imagine living in a new lakeside village where you can step outside and enjoy art and nature from your doorstep .
People living at the Conningbrook Lakes development in Ashford can do just that , thanks to a bespoke public art programme created especially for this new community .
Chartway Group and Latimer Developments , in partnership with Ashford Borough Council , commissioned the project to help create a distinctive place to live and to celebrate the area ’ s landscape . The team wanted to give local residents and visitors opportunities to interact with nature and wildlife found at Conningbrook Lakes and its surroundings .
A Public Art Strategy was produced by Kent-based public art consultancy FrancisKnight , who worked closely with the local community to develop ideas and shape the themes of the artworks .
Dwell , Explore and Interact – each theme reflects a different way to interact with nature and the landscape at Conningbrook Lakes , with artists Julia Clarke , Tim Norris and Outdoor Studios commissioned to deliver the programme .
Julia Clarke is known for her abstract sculptures and she has previously exhibited at Kew Gardens and the Cambridge Contemporary Art Gallery . Her commissions are included in the Alexandra Park sculpture trail in London .
Earlier this year , Julia ’ s first artwork at Conningbrook Lakes , The Loop , was created and installed . Part of the Explore theme , the large , handmade willow sculpture is located at the water ’ s edge at the entrance to the village lakeside .
Julia told us about the inspiration for the piece , which is designed to connect the new development to the landscape , a portal between the two .