Roots, Reverence and Colour

More arranging objects on a shelf, this time creating what resembles an altar piece or a small temple shape using recycled wood. The piece features a hole on top where I’ve placed a root. Alongside it, I’ve positioned a tiny ceramic bowl I’ve made, also with a hole, which holds a dried flower.

Roots have always held a special place in my work. My degree show (2000) featured several bound and wrapped roots reminiscent of some kind of creature. These roots often come from significant trees or plants, each carrying its own story in folklore and meaning. Although I can’t remember the specific origin of this particular root (my collection has grown too large to keep track of without labels!), I know it was chosen with the intention of elevating its presence.

Unusually for me, there is a hint of colour on the reclaimed wood—orange and green. I’ve been unexpectedly drawn to orange lately, which is unusual for me. This vibrant color is something I’m exploring more deeply and researching during moments outside the studio.

​I’m playing with creating small spaces that invite contemplation and reflection, perhaps even a sense of reverence. New work is emerging in the studio, challenging conventional ideas of sacredness and value. I’m exploring how we perceive and assign meaning to objects, and this process of arranging and re-arranging helps me uncover new insights and connections.