2025 ~ Copper, Brass, Wood (patinated and sealed with renaissance wax)

My first exploration into sculptural work, this piece came to fruition after my pet spiny-leaf insect Petunia passed away unexpectedly after she was fed leaves that had traces of pesticides on them - completely unexpected for locally picked gum-leaves. I mourned her more than I expected to, and that provoked me to make a sculpture to commemorate her.

This also was the catalyst of a new pathway of research for me; research into the devastating levels of biodiversity loss that the insect world is currently facing - part of which is due to the overuse and thoughtless abuse of pesticides. It is a subject matter that has gripped me completely, and something that has given a new purpose to my craft.

This piece also provided a way for me to explore new techniques and new artforms, and I really enjoyed the process. This will be the first of many more sculptural and larger-scale pieces to come.