Instillation – Thrive

'Thrive' is an idea I've wanted to bring to life for a long time, it was installed in the Sussex Prairie Garden for their summer season 2017. I am fascinated by the amazing forms and colours of spores and mushrooms, hidden away amongst the undergrowth; an alien habitat. My 'Pod' designs are a motif of this concept, especially on a giant scale, they would bounce and sway in the wind. I stumbled upon this enormous Yew trunk, with its stunning crimson tones and knew it would be a perfect base for this project. I wanted the 'Pod spores' to erupt from the side of the trunk, and escalate to a magnificent scale - almost unworldly. Together they bounce and flow in the wind, coming to life in their own island amongst the surrounding gardens. Each piece is completely hand bent - no shape former used - made from a single length of steel rebar in difference thicknesses. Some just 50cm long, and other as long as 14 metres, proving to be an extremely tricky but rewarding project. I hope to continue on with this theme in future projects.