Pilot Project HABITAT at Uni of Surrey - ‘Vertical Undergrowth’
Vertical Undergrowth is an inhabitable artwork that contributes to the regeneration of the environment and biodiversity within urban and suburban areas.
My sculptural habitat combines the recent environmental approach in Architecture and sustainability within artistic practice, it is fabricated with 21 repurposed concrete slabs and 1 repurposed mild steel post for the armature. Natural elements such as soil, moss, native plants, shade and rain are part of the sculpture and equally important materials.
My artwork focuses on creating a habitat for snails and slugs. These two invertebrates feed on leaves, can defy gravity, and can move on walls, ceilings, rocks, plants, leaves, mosses, and cracks. They move on damp or wet habitats and thrive in disturbed urban and suburban greens such as gardens, fields and parks. Snails and slugs are the base of the food chain for some of the local species highlighted by Surrey Wildlife Trust.
Vertical Undergrowth mainly aims to support the Song Thrush and the Bull Finch.
178.5 x 50 x 50 cm - 2022
Model in scale for Habitat commission - Guildford
