Drawing on their personal experiences through creating The Ancestor sculpture, Michelle and Andy began to notice what they now call ‘the big man effect’. Two people creating a 24ft man in a shed, with no money, and organising the worlds first contemporary art launch at Stonehenge for Summer Solstice 2010, in hindsight is too ridiculous to contemplate. Ordinarily this type of event is planned for  months with a team of people and a very large budget.
What became very quickly apparent to them was the reaction of the majority of people who saw him during his creation. They wanted to help. They wanted to join in and be part of this historic occasion. It was this support and encouragement that kept them going through the highs and lows of the build. It was the community that rallied whenever help was needed to make it happen. To provide opportunities which inspire others, to be part of something big, an iconic moment shared with the world has been such an incredible journey.
The resulting feedback and incredible international interest  has led to the creation of The Ancestor Project-providing opportunities.

What has been achieved so far

Bringing  the community together with local businesses and the Stonehenge community by achieving  the Worlds first contemporary art installation at World Heritage Site Stonehenge.
Created an iconic landmark sculpture with an increasing international following.
Generated international marketing for Amesbury through the internet, media and documentary coverage.
Created a new tradition for Amesbury with the twice yearly community interactive workshops and events based around his solstice crown.
Opened The Forge Gallery, a not for profit gallery where artists and crafters share costs. Providing affordable opportunities  and networking for local artists and crafters.
Providing a free of charge community exhibition space for local, youth and community groups.
Creating links with local schools and community groups for demonstrations and workshops.
Regular events, demonstrations, and guests free of charge for both local and tourist interest.
Provided, free of charge, a unique artwork presented on behalf of the people of Amesbury to the people of  Bolivia on the first part of a cultural exchange. This gift now resides in the Bolivian parliament building.

For the Future

Working with a local young artist to raise funds to provide the capital required to launch a range of T’shirts due to phenomenal public response to her Ancestor artwork.Provide work experience opportunity for A-level art students in a gallery setting.
Provided, free of charge, a unique artwork presented on behalf of the people of Amesbury to the people of  Bolivia on the first part of a cultural exchange. This gift now resides in the Bolivian parliament building.
If The Ancestor is able to find a permanent home in Amesbury they  will be working with a group of BMX Trails riders to create a community sculpture installation with 3 5.5meter 3D chalk hare carvings running round his base.
The Ancestor is able to support and promote events in Amesbury, he wears a poppy for armistice and would look magnificent covered in flowers to advertise the Amesbury Flower Festival, if there is another one.
More and more opportunities are being generated through The Ancestor, Michelle and Andy  hope to continue to share them with as many people as they can.
The Ancestor Project…providing opportunity.