The inspiration behind Kelp comes from the gifts our oceans wash up on our shores. It's a response to the dilemma our planet faces if we do not take climate change and global warming seriously. The oceans' rich biodiversity and spectacular ecosystems are at risk. Our stunning coral reefs are suffering from severe bleaching. These jewels of our oceans, reefs and shores are to be treasured and nurtured for future generations, to inspire and promote a better, healthier future.
I have repurposed wire, bamboo rope and raw, recycled silk fibre, to create a washed up, textural and almost living-looking organism reflecting the mounds of kelp washed up on our shores which have healing qualities. Nature's gifts need to be treasured and nurtured.
Courtesy of Saint Cloche Gallery
Artist Tracey Deep needs little introduction. Celebrated for her sustainable sculptures and installations using organic and industrial recycled materials for over two decades – her creations are as distinctive as a signature, and have graced events ranging from the Art Gallery of NSW to Belle Magazine, from Tropfest to Star Trek, and from the Winter Olympics to Hugh Jackman.
Working as a floral sculptor for over 20 years, Tracey’s art practice has evolved more recently into the realm of environmental art, sculpture and installations. Her passion is working with used, industrial, organic, discarded, pre-loved and discontinued materials, to create sustainable art. Revelling in the natural world, her works reflect a poetic play of light and shade, earth textures and sensual forms, inspired by the essence of nature. She has exhibited widely and has been a Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize finalist three times.
bamboo rope, raw recycled silk fibre, wire
80 x 65 x 80 cm
Finalist
Tracey Deep, in conversation with Professor Ian Howard, discusses her work Kelp. Recorded on 14 October 2017 at the exhibition.
Judges of the 2017 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize: Djon Mundine OAM (Curator, Writer, Artist and Activist), Roslyn Oxley OAM (Gallerist and arts benefactor) and Alexie Glass-Kantor (Executive Director, Artspace, Sydney and Curator, Encounters, Art Basel | Hong Kong)
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