River sculpture by Dan
Dan has created a number of sculptures in the River Don in Sheffield. They are all made from materials found in the river. All are free-standing and as the water levels rise during the winter months most will be returned to the river bed.
Postcard Cafe 
I love all of these sculptures.
It was a complete joy to stumble upon these sculptures last Friday. I returned on Sunday with my neutral density filter and met Dan who built the sculptures. He liked my photographs and so I’ve offered to take some more for him in the Spring when he will resume building more river based artworks.
When someone creates artistic interventions like these they are not only creating something visual. I think they are also a catalyst for other things. People pause by the river when normally they are getting from A to B in a hurry. They may look at the river differently and perhaps hear the sounds of the river which on most days they might pay little attention to. People start chatting to one another when normally they may just pass each other with only the slightest glance of acknowledgement. The artworks provide photographers with challenges they hadn’t expected. Some people simply enjoy the moment while others may walk away inspired to make their own artworks. I love that one persons artistic endeavours can affect so many people in positive ways. Dan himself has no website and is only known to people as Dan and he has no interest in promoting himself. His artwork comes from the heart and not his ego.
All in all I very much enjoyed Dans sculptures and along with all the experiences and conversations while I was there I was also pleased to capture some nice images. I suspect over the next few weeks many of the sculptures will be washed away and reclaimed by the river. Having some nice photographs allows the artwork to take on a second life!
Best wishes
Mr C 🙂