Algae

Poiesis , algae and healing powders, light box, 1.5 degrees Art Exhibition, 2019 (Kaleidoscope Gallery, Sevenoaks and Trinity Theatre Tunbridge Wells) Poiesis is inspired by the notion that we are created by starlight and stardust.  The light from the Big Bang penetrated the darkness and created the carbon.  This produced the microorganisms which created the blue green algae, whose photosynthetic activity brought oxygen, so all animate life could exist.  The word ‘Poiesis’ the root of our modern “poetry”, was first a verb, an action that transforms and continues the world.

‘Holding My Breath’, This installation highlights the role of seaweed in acting as the lungs of the ocean.  If the ocean dies, we die.  The ocean is the life support system for the planet, providing 50% of the oxygen we breathe and regulating climate. ‘Holding my breath ‘ 2019, porcelain, seaweed, oil, canvas , Past, Present, Future’ Mister Gallery, Edenbridge I used the breath to make a gesture in cobalt oxide on porcelain at 11.11. the word cobalt is from the German word 'kobold', which means ‘goblin’ or evil spirit and 11.11 is a sacred portal for change. The gap between the breaths is where the magic happens. Visitors were invited to make a wish for themselves and the planet over the water and algae. Water carries memory – water was collected from a sacred spring and the water blessings were taken back to the ocean after the show.

‘My Breath in Your Hands’, ‘Miniscule’ exhibition curated by Vanya Balogh, part of Crossland Projects, Venice Biennale, 2019 These miniature lung-like porcelain creations were made with my breath (blowing into mini balloons) and held together with an algae nest. The work was made to highlight algae’s role in our life and future. The potential of algae as a miracle living substance that can be used as an economical food and renewable energy source shows its relevance in these interesting times.

Homage to Algae, Miniscule exhibition, Venice, 2019 The highlight of Venice was creating a healing mandala ritual at the ‘Miniscule’ gallery to highlight the magical powers of algae. I chose to start at 12.12, a portal activating heart opening, new energy and transformation. Visitors were invited to blow a wish for the planet over the mandala with a mini algae basket at its centre. The materials also included cedar for abundance, ash keys for insight and flowers including elderflower, which symbolises letting go of the old, moving out of our comfort zone and choosing a different way to be.

(A Homage to Algae, the Elements and Transformation) ‘Nothing Endures but Change’, 2018. A group exhibition of ephemeral sculptures curated by Susan Haire of The London Group. Part of the Waterloo Festival ‘Transforming Minds’ The Greek classical elements of earth, fire, air and water were considered the building blocks of all matter. Algae is often believed to be the source of life. Inspired by the alchemy of the elements and the cyclical rhythms of nature, Regenesis is a homage to transformation through the recycling process. Wood from a loved dying cedar tree was used to create the sculpture – creation often emerges through destruction and dead matter can be transmuted. Changing states alter our perceptions ‘when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change’ (Dr Wayne Dyer)