Sculptures
The ‘Flora Fantastica Experiments’ respond to the interplay between science and art by presenting surreal, fantastical specimens that suggest an unknown, future environment.
Working with dye, crochet and embroidery, these specimens use hybrid forms to articulate an imaginary science. Imagined life forms are created from the influence of Australian and European flora, producing hybrid, biomorphic shapes. These experiments posit about the environment by exploring hybridity, alluding to human relationships with nature.
Exploring the space between art and craft, and the use of intensive hand-made processes, this work uses hand dyed linen and yarns and various embroidery stitches and textile techniques. These works make use of traditional craft practices in a contemporary context, referencing the embroidery hoop and the petri dish, the tactility of the crochet forms suggesting a bodily element to the specimens.
‘Flora Fantastica Experiment 05’, 2023, dye, wool, cotton, linen and glass, 20cm x 20cm
‘Flora Fantastica Experiment 04’, 2023, dye, wool, cotton, linen and glass, 20cm x 20cm
‘Flora Fantastica Experiment 08’, 2023, dye, wool, cotton, linen and glass, 20cm x 20cm
‘Flora Fantastica Experiment 01’, 2022, dye, wool, cotton, linen and glass, 20cm x 20cm
‘Flora Fantastica Experiment 02’, 2022, dye, wool, cotton, linen and glass, 20cm x 20cm
‘Flora Fantastica Experiment 03’, 2022, dye, wool, cotton, linen and glass, 20cm x 20cm