Peace of Metal
Provoke Challenge Inspire.
Storm clouds gather. Peace is fragile.
Across the earth, the people are in conflict, the future, laced with anxiety.
Now, more than ever, we are called to respond. Voices cry out, struggling to be heard above uncertainty and fear.
There are numerous forces that today,
advocate destruction, in the name of peace, embrace annihilation, in the name of defence.
The voice of peace must be heard, above all else.
Brief history
About 25 years ago, visual artist, Lindsay McAuley, wrote a letter. It was addressed to every embassy in the world. He asked the Governments of each country, to participate in an art project.
The art project involved the requirement that each nation, of which there are 193 member states in the United Nations, send one military bullet shell. The intention, to be melted down as part of an art project, an initiative towards reconciliation.
Participating would indicate their commitment to their people and towards building a world of peace and disarmament. Involvement would prove, if only as a token gesture, that there is hope for the planet: that governments are really acting in the interests of the people, not just nationally, but also, for the entire population of the earth. Humanity!
Only one country responded with interest, New Zealand.
The project fell by the wayside, due to postage costs and generally, life got in the way to pursue the matter any further. This was before emails. It failed to draw the attention it deserved. Now, more than ever, it deserves attention.
The concept was initiated as a result of having children. To contribute to making a better world for them. Nothing has changed in that time. Nations are still at war. Now, decades later, it’s because of Grandchildren, that ‘Peace of Metal’ has once again resurfaced; to challenge Governments, to provoke action and to inspire change.
The Background. The Artwork
During World War Two, numerous bells were collected. Between 1939 and 1945, 175,000 bells across Europe were taken by Nazi Germany. The intention, to be melted down and used as military equipment. Church bells of all shapes and sizes were re-purposed, as a means to kill and maim.
For more historical information, click here.
This art project aims to reverse that process.
It is intended to melt down all the military shells sent from the Governments of the world to be re-purposed again, creating one artwork, a symbol of peace.
A single bell will be forged from the tools of murder, mayhem and destruction, created as an example of how humanity can, if we choose to, live in harmony on planet earth.
The sound of a ringing bell, calls people to gather. It is the essence of sound which draws us near. The power of frequency activates within us all, a means to expand our consciousness.
The alchemy of this project should not be overlooked; the transformation of base metals, in terms of their intended use, into an object of beauty and sound, that inspires the world.
‘Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee’. – John Donne
Implementation process
To achieve this project, there needs planning.
Firstly, there is an address required.
The shells need to be collected, one by one and stored, until the time comes to melt them down. It is envisaged an art gallery or museum would be an ideal location to facilitate this part of the process.
Before the member states of the United Nations can be approached, the artist needs to partner with a willing organisation affiliated with the principles of the project. Hence, this is a call-out to those who may be interested in becoming involved. This is a proposal, designed to attract interest, an invitation to participate.
It is also envisaged to possibly use the completed work, the bell, as the central feature of an international travelling art exhibition. Perhaps a photographic exhibition of the process may be more practical. Eventually, it will be displayed permanently as a public artwork, the location yet to be determined.
Hence, it is important to consider where the final artwork will be housed permanently. Perhaps, a purpose-built structure could be constructed, congruent with the principles of intention, the power of sound, the power of beauty and peace. See the ‘Resonance Project’ located on this website as a possibility.
How big will it be
The size of the completed work should reflect the significance of the concept. Therefore, yes, it should be big. The sound, loud enough to be heard around the earth (symbolically).
For further information, contact Lindsay McAuley, (e) [email protected]
Donate
If you feel strongly about the intention of this project, you can make a donation to the cause. The artist would like to make it known, ‘Peace of Metal’ is a ‘work in progress’, therefore there is no guarantee that the outcome will be successful because of the nature of the dealing with governments on this level of sensitivity. Any money collected will be used transparently and specifically toward this project with regard to establishing the concept. This will go toward airfares, meetings and general administration until a board of directors is finalised.
About the Artist | Lindsay McAuley
Lindsay McAuley grew up living close to nature on a sheep and cattle station in outback Queensland, Australia, where he first acquired an interest in astronomy, art and metaphysics.
A career in the film industry and photography helped develop creative skills. As an extension to his artistic nature, he obtained a certificate in art and went on to win awards as a visual artist and in film making.
A prolific creator, his talents are diverse.
He has written several plays and now, an author, having completed a book entitled, ‘The Lost World of the Maya.’ About to be released is a romance novel, ‘Scent of a Lion,’ set in South Korea. In development, a children’s educational book, The Adventures of Kanga, the Lost Kangaroo,’ based in Cambodia. He has also written research reports on subjects as diverse as anatomy, astronomy and mathematics.
Lindsay’s artwork has featured in several group and solo art exhibitions, including a fine-art photography exhibition entitled, Skyharp. This project documents the changing light of the natural environment and its effect on an outdoor metallic sculpture which aligns with the equinox and the solstice.
Combining this varied background with an artistic sensibility and influenced by a social conscience, has compelled him to undertake a project involving world peace and disarmament. Entitled, A Peace of Metal, the concept involves the participation of all member states of the United Nations.
Restless by nature, Lindsay has travelled to 42 countries across all seven continents of the world.