2012 Commission
Michael is seeking to be commissioned for a larger scale version of the sculpture ‘Legacy’ currently being exhibited at terminal 5 Heathrow, to be a permanent reminder of the London 2012 Olympics. In the process of creating this international work a great deal of innovative publicity will be produced for the sponsors involved in the project. Details on application.
Gallery Terminal 5 Heathrow, close to 1st class departure lounge ‘Legacy’ will be created in Bronze and will be produced by local foundries in the East End of London close to where the games are to take place. It will stand approximately 10 m tall as a tribute to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics games. It will be created with the involvement of the local and international community.
 The hemisphere on the base represents the beginning of a journey on which he would like those with aspirations to compete in 2012 to make a permanent impression with the pad of their thumb - a mark of intent and commitment. This could include children with their own enthusiasm to be involved in the games, making their marks and impressions on the hemisphere as their part of the current and future legacy of the games.
In much of his work Michael scribes text upon the bronze to suggest his thoughts whilst creating the sculpture. In this case he would like to select the names of sportsmen and women who have inspired us in previous Olympic Games who are all part of the building blocks of future achievement. Their names or sentiments would be etched onto the surface of the torso.
The arms of the figure sweep upwards to form a circle of interconnecting small spheres each one of which will represent a nation competing at the games; each sphere would be produced by each participating nation made with clay from home soil. All of the spheres would be of the same specified size and stature no matter whether the nations are represented by a large or small number of athletes.
Each spherical ball (the size of a large grapefruit) would be made by a child or young artist in their country of origin to represent each nation and could then be collected by a designated ambassador and flown into London via Heathrow.
The spheres could be displayed at Heathrow before being sent on to the East End of London to be cast in bronze as part of the sculpture. The critical point is that all of these spheres of energy and commitment are linked and related to one another. One dislodged (even the tiniest of nations) and the whole circle would be rendered unstable. However, a united and cohesive circle is strong and is a symbol for the hope of a harmonious world.
Michael believes in demonstrating to young people a positive spirit and energy. Capturing their mood and enthusiasm with the help of role models can maximise their ability, their potential and inspire them to have direction in life and to achieve their ultimate goals.
The figure of ‘Legacy’ in its entirety strives to encompass the past, present, and future essence of the Olympic dream to represent the positive legacy of the London 2012 Olympics.
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Lloyds TSB is the official banking and insurance partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Lloyds TSB is supporting the delivery of the London Olympics through a series of fine art exhibitions which will showcase the work of established and emerging British artists. Exhibitions will take place across the UK throughout the build up to 2012. Michael is delighted to have been chosen to participate in this prestigious programme.
