Inspired by Africa
This collection forms 2 contrasting reactions to personal journeys made to Africa.
The first and older section of works were related to fragments of animal bone, that were found where the animals had died. My experience of Africa was one where there were still true wildernesses/communities still in tact and although life was harsh, it was coherent. The theme was of new life coming from death e.g. forest fires making way for new growth.
The second series is somewhat more troubled. It is called 'Degraded Edens - African Winter' and explores the degradations to the wildlife, communities and environment that have occurred since my first visit. However, there is still a suggestion of hope - the stark landscape belies deeper forces at work; referred to by my use of embedded casts of wax/embedded sculptural forms. The forces are made literal - growing, germinating etc. Amidst the thorns and bare branches, there is the flash of a brightly coloured wing etc.
The first and older section of works were related to fragments of animal bone, that were found where the animals had died. My experience of Africa was one where there were still true wildernesses/communities still in tact and although life was harsh, it was coherent. The theme was of new life coming from death e.g. forest fires making way for new growth.
The second series is somewhat more troubled. It is called 'Degraded Edens - African Winter' and explores the degradations to the wildlife, communities and environment that have occurred since my first visit. However, there is still a suggestion of hope - the stark landscape belies deeper forces at work; referred to by my use of embedded casts of wax/embedded sculptural forms. The forces are made literal - growing, germinating etc. Amidst the thorns and bare branches, there is the flash of a brightly coloured wing etc.