Florence Hayal
mixed media
25.7in x 8.3in
Title Tissue Terrarium
The terrarium was originally a physician's idea. He had been using an enclosed glass case to breed moths and butterflies, then noticed how moss and ferns did really well in them. They were mini ecosystems. I love this idea.
Researching the origins of terrariums led me to reflect on our impact on the natural environment and that smaller but more impactful ecosystems might be incorporated into our futures. I looked at artists who work with flora placed within box structures, including Marc Quinn. His work showed how there could be eternal preservation of the flower, whilst at the same time it being the death of it.
I chose to work on creating a sculptural piece reflecting both the fragility of building and the ethereal beauty of wildlife. Ttissue paper shows a glow of light, an element of both the hidden and the translucent, as well as fragility. Drawing insects and flora on such a fragile medium was tricky and I had to replace my use of paint or colour pencils with watercolour pencils, as they are softer. All this reflected the delicate balance between manmade and natural, also illustrating the need to consider replacing things in order for a successful outcome. The piece links back to the original terrariums, with its nod to insects, flora and tiny ‘houses’.
“ Moving forwards, I would like to carry on with my botanical drawings and nature inspired paintings. However, learning of green ecologies and this term's theoretical research has given me a new outlook and better understanding of plant evolution. My next step is to demonstrate this context in my own work; possibly through chiaroscuro.”