The first sculpture on the Bristol BearPit Plinth is by Patrick Joyce. Patrick was a key figure in Bristol’s independent art scene of the 1990’s and 2000’s. Along with producing a robust set of engaging and often shocking paintings and sculptures he set up the influential Minto Studios, Fat Stoogie Studios, and co – authored the TOSS project in 1998 with PRSC’s Chris Chalkley who continues to take inspiration from him. In 2008 Patrick was diagnosed with the progressive wasting condition Motor Neurone Disease. A life long lover of cars, he designed this piece for a Rally around the coast of Ireland – his last serious driving trip before the progression of the condition meant he had to hang up his crochet backed driving gloves. The markings on the car are all riffs on existing Rally Car branding altered to reference the challenge of his condition and the fact that, if you know anything about motoring, the basic car is a bit crap.
This sculpture is the first of an ongoing series of sculptures scheduled to remain in position for three months, as part of the Stokes Croft “Outdoor Gallery” project. The first two sculptures have been organised by PRSC for the Bearpit Improvement Group, with financial assistance from the Arts Council of England.
Inquiries should be directed to PRSC