Homage to maritime heritage

May 29 2008 By Fraser Wilson

Rise Sculpture

STANDING 20ft tall like a guardian angel to the residents of Glasgow Harbour, a new feature of the city's forever changing landscape emerge don Thursday.

'Rise', the latest striking sculpture by Glaswegian artist Andy Scott, was unveiled by Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council.

The artwork features the head and body of woman with propeller-like arms, in a homage to the marit imeheritage of the area which looks on to the Go van shipyards.

Mr Scott, who is the creator of famous landmarks across the world including the iconic M8 'Heavy Horse' in the east end of the city, said he hoped his latest master piece would be appreciated by the residents of the developing area.

He said: "I hope they respect and appreciate the craft and skill that's gone into it." I'm very proud of Glasgow and a great advocate for the city.

"I'm in awe, almost, of its industrial heritage and if I can reflect that then it'll have been a job well done."

The 1.5 tonne sculpture, which is visible from the Clyde side expressway, consists of thousands of small steel strips welded together round a metal frame. It took nine months to complete at Andy's Mary hill workshop.

Mr Purcell said: "Public art is important to a city and this work by Andy Scott, a local artist with a growing international reputation, is a wonderful example.