Earth Moves Cooperative
Funded by The arts council and the queens jubilee community fund
The triple spiral is a complex ancient Celtic symbol. Often referred to by many as a Triskelion, the Earth Moves Triskel garden is a collaborative expression, using land art and interplanting to create three spirals which can be circumambulated.
Walking around the living shape creates a sense of timelessness and relaxation.
Recycled weed suppressant was used as a practical and artistic way to delineate the shape which can be clearly seen from above.
Project leader Paula Staunton explained;
" I am of Irish origin, a while ago I visited a neolithic site in Irland called Newgrange where I observed the ancient symbol of the Triskalian carved on rocks at the entrance of the ancient structure. I subsequently became intrigued by its mystery and potential meanings. Since then I have drawn and painted several Triskals. Making a living Community Triskal was fun and we included lots of people''.
Paula added,
"It seemed like a good idea for our strawberry planting community activity to plant them out in a creative way. The Triskal was generated by creating raised Earth with ditches around it.
My experiences inspired the design of the Triskal in professional dance and in particular costume making. People really enjoyed making contributions, about 30 people planted the archaic symbol. We began with strawberries and a companion plant, asparagus. Since then we have added other food plants and flowers."
The Triskele can be thought to represent motion, as all three arms are positioned to make it appear as if it is moving outwards from its centre. Movement, or motion, is believed to signify energy that is originally connected to one source. This Celtic Symbol embodies the motion of action, cycles, progress, change and unity.
Planting does not have to be in straight lines, art and creativity can be used to create unusual and interesting gardens. Gardening can be a way of reinventing ancient and creating new symbols.