Inspirational Artwork for new Marie Curie Cancer Care Hospice
Sioban Coppinger, a renowned sculptor from Berkshire, has been commissioned to create an inspirational new sculpture for the main entrance of the newly built Marie Curie Cancer Care Hospice in Glasgow.
Her design - entitled Springburn Hens - will make a stunning visual impact as visitors and patients enter the new hospice. It was inspired by the theme of light and will depict a flurry of white birds rising upwards on the outside wall.
The white birds will be cast in bronze from the handprints of patients and staff at the hospice to preserve their legacy and reflect the compassion of palliative care.
Kate Cotton, specialist projects leader, Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “Sioban is a marvellous sculptor and a very well respected artist. We look forward to working with her over the next couple of months as she creates this inspired piece.
“We are also grateful to Tesco who made the commission of this special installation possible funding the £50,000 cost.
“We are confident that Sioban’s Springburn Hens sculpture will be enjoyed and admired by all who visit the hospice for years to come.”
The successful artist, Sioban Coppinger commented: “I first became involved with Marie Curie through a fundraising event. Since then I have been inspired by the commitment and kindness of everyone who works for the charity. My vision for this sculpture is to create a piece which reflects the much appreciated work by the dedicated staff at the hospice.”
Sioban’s art combines an acute observation of people with an affectionate viewpoint. She established a reputation early on in her career in the challenging field of public sculpture with commissions which are now landmarks in counties across the UK. Sioban is driven with a passion for sculptures that are well made and work with the site. She casts her own bronzes using techniques developed in her purpose-built foundry and studios in Berkshire.
Previous work by Sioban can be seen at North Hampshire Hospital in Basingstoke, Rufford Country Park in Nottinghamshire and Chamberlain Square in Birmingham.
The Springburn Hens is expected to be completed in summer 2010.
