I am fascinated by the underwater world: the strange, fragile life forms that live there and the huge forces of tide and current that surge around them. I have explored this world during my early professional life as a marine biologist in Scotland, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Pennatules explore how the tension generated by environmental forces interacts with and is reflected by the complex external forms of a small invertebrate sea creature. Made by folding/unfolding steel surfaces, its external boundaries are held together and shaped by complex internal structures, and both these elements form a visible part of the finished work.

Pennatule1

Bright and black nickel electroplated steel
2010 (64cm h x 49cm x 28cm)

Pennatule2 - Monk's Cowl

Bright and black nickel electroplated stainless steel
2011 (84cm h x 35cm x 50cm) (198cm h x 35cm x 50cm incl weathered mild steel base)

Monk's Cowl alludes to a crucified medieval monk, head bowed and hidden by his cloak, scapular and cowl, which are blown forward by the force of the wind. Dionysius of Fourna in his 18th Century Painter's Manual for church icons wrote of “a monk crucified on a cross, clothed in a tunic and a monk's hat and with his feet nailed to the footrest of the cross; (with) this inscription: 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, (which is in heaven).' “

Pennatule3

Bright and black nickel electroplated stainless steel
2010 (77cm h x 44cm x 61cm)

Pennatule - Sea Lily Enfold Me

Nickel and black chrome electroplated steel
2010 (86cm h x 27cm x 39cm)

Pennatule1 - Sea Lily Dawn Awakening

Nickel and black chrome electroplated steel
2010 (72cm h x 42cm x 24cm)