This sculpture is entitled 'Serene Seat Allora'. As there is no information at the sculpture itself (it appears there was once a plaque which is sadly, no longer in situ), we tracked down the sculptor via a series of internet searches. We finally found the artist concerned, and therefore the information below about the sculpture has been obtained directly from its creator.
Sandstone
Sandstone (sometimes known as arenite) is a clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains. Most sandstone is composed of quartz or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust. Like sand, sandstone may be any color, but the most common colors are tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white, and black. Since sandstone beds often form highly visible cliffs and other topographic features, certain colors of sandstone have been strongly identified with certain regions.
Rock formations that are primarily composed of sandstone usually allow the percolation of water and other fluids and are porous enough to store large quantities, making them valuable aquifers and petroleum reservoirs. Fine-grained aquifers, such as sandstones, are better able to filter out pollutants from the surface than are rocks with cracks and crevices, such as limestone or other rocks fractured by seismic activity.
Sandstone was a popular building material from ancient times. It is relatively soft, making it easy to carve. It has been widely used around the world in constructing temples, homes, and other buildings. It has also been used for artistic purposes to create ornamental fountains and statues.
Some sandstones are resistant to weathering, yet are easy to work. This makes sandstone a common building and paving material.
To log your find you first need to make some observations and send your answers to the CO via email. Please include the Earthcache name and GC code at the start of the email. Please await the reply to your answers prior to logging. Logs without submitted answers will be deleted.
Q1. What colours do you see on the sculpture's surface? What has formed these colours? Will the colours change with time and exposure?
Q2. Run your fingertips across the surface. Describe the texture. How does the texture relate to the colours? Will the texture contribute to weathering of the stone?
Please include a photo of your visit (optional).
The sculpture - 'Serene Seat Allora'
The 10 ton block of sandstone used for the sculpture was mined at Toolburra, and the sculpture itself was created over a 2-week period in Leslie Park, Warwick. Mark Warne, along with 4 other invited sculptors, were each allocated a specific division within the Warwick shire to create a site specific piece. The 5 artists worked during the day in full public view, surrounded by security fencing.
Allora was chosen by the sculptor for the location as it was at the time very lush and peaceful - a place for contemplation.
On the sculpture, there are a number of engravings/grooves inspired by the Allora area:
. The YIE is a cattle brand
. The grooves/patterns on sides are a direct transfer of an aerial photo of agricultural crops
. The owl is a direct link to the local story of the Owl Gate and ghostly connotations
. The fossil on the back of the seat is of either the giant wombat or Palorchestes that was discovered nearby
. The backrest of the seat depicts the Southern Cross - it faces north-east and in July (when the work was completed) that is the position of the Cross in the sky around 8:00 in the evening