Elevating the overlooked

I have to remind myself on the importance of what at first glance might seem insignificant holds  potential for discovery and reflection.
Two lumps of dried dirt—one of which I’ve created a hole in—on a slightly elevated shelf. By playing with these materials and a lovely root ball that I place on top, I create a totemic shape. This exercise is not just about the arrangement itself but what it represents and the ideas it sparks.

Why This Matters:

The process of elevating these small, undesired, and often overlooked objects plays with broader themes I’m currently exploring. By focusing on these pretty humble materials, I’m playing with notions of importance, value, and belief. Objects and materials usually seen as mundane or insignificant, can take on new meaning when positioned mindfully, maybe even becoming symbols of contemplation and reverence.

The Power of Elevation:

​Rearranging and elevating objects isn’t merely about aesthetics. It’s a deliberate exploration of how we assign value and meaning. A simple piece of dirt, when placed in a new context, can transform into something significant, prompting us to question what we deem valuable and why.
This activity is not just about the immediate visual outcome either but about the themes and ideas it brings to light. It’s a way to find new connections and inspirations that may have always been there but needed time to breathe.
This week I begin a time of contemplation at Tremenheere Sculpture Garden where I’ll be doing a residency for 8 weeks, researching, spending time with mud and considering ways forward. I can’t wait.