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Petrichor

United Kingdom
2019

Germination
Performance
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Competition: Amber Memorial
1st Prize - Under construction
Collaboration: Kristina Chan


︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎

PETRICHOR
noun.
describes the sweet earthly smell produced when rain falls on dry soil.


This sculpture shows the cycle of growth and renewal. Its form represents that of a drop of water. Constructed from individual “u” shaped rods its structure acts as a funnel, directing and collecting rainwater to its base.

The base of the sculpture is open: filled with soil and seeded with Virgina Creepers. As time passes, the vines will grow, watered by nature, aided by the sculpture. These climbing vines will grow to twist around the sculpture that helped sprout them, demonstrating a cycle of growth and renewal. The Virgina Creeper represents mourning, but with its growth, we also see its transformative and healing elements.


This piece utilises the elements to change over time. Rain or shine, the very construction of the work acts as an irrigation system to the seeded soil at the sculpture’s base.

This sculpture does not sit upon a conventual plinth but is instead grounded. It seeks and interaction with memorial and earth itself. As the seasons pass, the climbing vines weave their way up the sculpture. This interaction illustrations a life changed, and a promise for the future.

Reflection. Rebirth. Renewal.


MEMORIAL GARDEN

Surrounding the sculpture is are two memorial walls.  Their curvature and slant oscillate along the walkway. They represent wings, warmth, and strength in memory.  Built from bricks they offer stability, but the gaps between them offer outlook, openness, and connection.  It is not a wall that separates, but rather one that brings us together.
They are part of a softscape.  Soft grasses, stipa tenuissima an dogwood, will change colours throughout the seasons, from soft green to bright orange and red, mimicking the warm of the wines, and the symbolism of corals, symbol of imortality.

This piece returns us to the earth. The sculpture breaks the earth but in turn returns to it and aids in its regrowth. It demonstrates how nature can both give and take, illustrating the reciprocity and delicate balance between ourselves and the world. It, like us, can grow and heal, given time and care


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