A wave of fire

A University of Southern Queensland (USQ) visual arts student, Len Watson, has just finished constructing a three metre high wave sculpture and he is now waiting to set it on fire.

After watching Sunday Arts on the ABC, the second year student was inspired to construct a giant wave with the aim of burning it as part of his second year studio project.

The huge wave sculpture, constructed from wood off-cuts from a building site, stands three meters tall, six meters wide and two meters deep and has taken a semester to construct.

Len, a self confessed lover of nature, said his sculpture represents the natural surroundings and the enormous power and destructive nature of natural disasters.

'The wave represents tsunamis - a destructive wave, and the fire element represents a bushfire.

'Water and fire are opposites, and can both be destructive forces. Combining them in this work reflects the impact natural disasters have on life- how they affect people and the environment.'

While the project has taken Len hours of construction time he estimates it should take only an hour and a half to burn.

'I am going to set the sculpture up on my property at Highfields and I have invited the fire brigade to stand by.

'While it is burning I will have a photographer taking photos documenting the whole burning process. During my assessment presentation later this semester these photos will play on a continuous side show.'

The mature age student decided to enrol in a visual arts course after retiring from his government job.

'I have always loved art and after my wife died a few years ago I got back into painting - it was part of the healing process.

'When I started studying I hadn't tried sculpture, but since being here I have had the opportunity to experience a wide variety of art and I am finding I'm really enjoying sculpture, and in particularly carving.'

If all goes to plan, Len will set the wave on fire this Friday night (1 June 2007).

'It will be spectacular to watch, and I welcome anyone who is interested in seeing the display,' Len said.

Anyone interested in viewing Lens burning wave can contact him on 0419 735473 for more information.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977