A leading Finnish artist who moved to Orkney two years ago has secured an award of £50,000 from Reactive Scotland. Stronsay based, Styr Pendoul, is mutely joyous at the commission.
Styr is mainly known as a sculptor. His most famous work is an interpretation of his emotions formed from his frozen tears. It is the focal point in the central square of Rovaniemi and has become an iconic symbol of the town.
The commission from Reactive Scotland is to create sculptures across the Orkney landscape which will be highly visible. The impact will be stunning. The Orkney News succeeded in gaining an interview with the illusive Styr.
Asked about his work Styr said:
” With these sculptures I am making a statement about the darkness of times in the circle of life.“
The sculptures will consist of towers of balancing car tyres although some of the larger ones will use tractor and lorry tyres. Styr has not ruled out painting some of them to represent the rainbow of his thought shower when designing them.
Community councillor, Mrs Flett McGinty, said:
” The tyre towers will make a beautiful addition to the Orkney landscape and a ‘must see’ for the tourists”
Local haulier, Cygnet Swanson, has his doubts:
” Whit a waste of money” and he added ” I know tyres. Tyres are my life. This lot would be better visiting my yard. I’ve got mounds of them”
Undaunted Styr has already created one of his sculptures at Rackwick, Hoy .
It is hoped it will soon become as famous as the Old Man himself.
Reporter: Fergus Graemsay
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