Insect and human shelter evolution are quite similar. The universal shapes of shelter are perceivable in both. The current path of exploration within my practice has to do with finding links between indigenous people and insects. My interests lie primarily within the boundaries of the architecture that evolved from each and also the effects of mankind’s disruption of nature on each. A subtle link is based in migration or nomadism. Insects and birds can relocate and rebuild according to resources available for shelter and subsistence. I believe indigenous people learned from the natural movements of these creatures.
An iron oxide crystal called magnetite exists within some migrating creatures. The iron crystal is sensitive to the earth’s magnetic field and gives these creatures knowledge of their location. The earth’s magnetic field is generated within the predominantly iron core of the earth. Iron profoundly links people and creatures.
My background is in metal art casting. One of my objectives just now is to depict relationships between architecture created by indigenous people and that of various insects.
Current environmental pressures fuel my practice. My most recent work is laden with devices of reverence and irreverence for nature. The works I am currently exhibiting explore the ideas of rubbish affecting migratory animals. I am currently using man-made non-biodegradable materials to portray the antithesis of nature, which I juxtapose with natural raw materials in order to create an awareness of the problems faced by our struggling environment.