ARTIST STATEMENT
Coral bleaching has become an increasingly apparent issue in recent years as global temperatures continue to rise and fertiliser run off is inundating coastal waters. The effects are slowly creeping up on our corals, and soon the effects will be completely irreversible. Hanging by a Thread represents the contrast between bright and colourful living coral, and the white, skeletal bleached coral. The white stitching and clay appear to be inching up the coral like a disease, illustrating the fragility of the natural world. Hanging by a Thread juxtaposes both the undeniable beauty of corals and the perils they face.
ARTWORK PROCESS
The artificial reef was constructed upon several layers of built up cardboard . The cardboard was then covered in fabric and sand from the Mackay Harbour. Delicately constructed coral and marine life are supported by fine wire to create the illusion of depth and movement within this space. The purple coral in the top half of the installation was painted and hand-sewn on canvas. The stitchery is white as are the coral and fish which occupy the sculptural component of the installation below. This is symbolic of the detrimental effects of coral bleaching and the fragility of the marine ecosystem.
