ABOUT

Humans and animals have coexisted in cities for a long time. They have adapted themselves to the same circumstances in spite of their different languages, environments, and bodies. Dogs have been communicated with through ‘training’ systems, but the existence of most urban species often goes by unnoticed and can be hard to observe.

In Bellahouston Park one will find many urban creatures from the familiar dog to the shinnying squirrel. As a place where many species gather we can listen to and sometimes catch a glimpse of the more rare and shy city animals. I want to create an environment for communication with these lesser seen animals by using my work as tools of ‘training’ or as platforms for viewing.

PROCESS

Investigation

Bellahouston Park is a huge place for various living things ranging from the obvious trees, grasses, birds and squirrels to the less visible mosses and small insects. The wide grass and beautiful sunshine are a perfect environment to encounter and observe the animals. I have thought about how I can make a connection between humans and animals through my work.

I realized that many older adults visiting the park have problems to play with their energetic dogs. Dogs were running around with balls, but their owners didn't seem very eager to throw the balls. I thought it will be a good starting point to build a training structure as a first step of my project.

Studio Working Process

A catapult mechanism was used for my fetch machine.

I thought it would be nice to use a Mackintosh inspired design for the structure. 

Installation of First Project - Happy Fetch

I installed my fetch machine based on catapult mechanism for a week. People, especially the older adults enjoyed playing with it with their dogs.

Some problems were found during the installation. I need to replace the sponge balls with stronger ones, and a woman asked for the machine to be improved to throw the balls further. After a week some parts of machine were broken. I have started to design a second version of Happy Fetch to satisfy the needs.

Installation of a second version of Happy Fetch

I invited those studying the Masters of letters course at the Glasgow School of Art to come and visit my studio, from this visit I received good feedback and gathered opinions on my work. 

I created a second version of Happy Fetch. The use of slightly lighter materials improved its portability, and the addition of the sling shot mechanism enabled it to shoot balls further.

The new Fetch Machine was installed in the middle of Bellahouston park, waiting for the first dog and dog owner to come along and use it.  I organised a system where people could rent the Fetch Machine, at a chosen time and free of cost. This was done to help prevent the machine from being tampered with or broken.

Since initiating the renting system, I noticed that the dog of first guest didn’t react to the fetch machine as he seemed to prefer a stick.

One old gentle man walking around with his old dog tried it. He was in doubt if his 13 year old dog could play fetch. Against our expectations, the dog loved fetching the balls, almost as if he was waiting to play. 

The Fetch Machine will remain in Bellahouston park during March and April and will be available to rent on clear days.