At the entrace to this new village, built by Dandara, visitors will be greeted by Laura Ford’s ‘Espaliered Woman II’. Placed in a suitably arboreal setting this figure is not all it seems at first sight – the female figure transforming into an espalierd tree reminiscent of the myth of Daphne and Apollo as well as the work of the children’s author Arthur Rackham.

“When looking at an espaliered tree one is aware of a history of decisions good or bad that have been made whilst pruning and training which go to make up it's physicality.
The Espaliered woman is a sculpture in disguise, leaning nonchalantly against the wall she morphs from flesh to bark to bronze, displaying the catalogue of sculptural decisions that have been made for her along the way,” Laura Ford 2009

“To espalier is a traditional method of trellising tree growth and is frequently used in modern apple production and also as a decorative and productive way of growing fruit trees in walled gardens. My Espaliered Woman stands as if she were still attached to what have become imaginary wires training here arms/branches out to the side in an almost crucified position although the figures posture is relaxed, resigned.
Espaliered trees require frequent pruning and training and through the years bear the traces of decisions/cuts that have been made good and bad and the traces of ties that have directed its growth or restricted it. This work makes me think of the events and decisions that have shaped my life and the traces both physical and mental that are now part of me and make me who I am.” Laura Ford