Celebration of Life: A sculpture in the making

Overview

The renowned naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough brings the natural world to our living rooms and hearts. For over sixty years, this impartial observer brings us the passion, insight and wonder of the living planet into our lives.

The concept of the Celebration of Life formed quickly in my mind as a monumental piece of carbon rock forced out of the earth’s crust with dramatic noise and energy. On it and within it, there are over ninety lifeforms that have inhabited our world and some that are here today, including man.

From the minuscule leaf-cutter ant to the magnificent blue whale, a wide variety of fauna, flora and fungi embellish this shard of carbon. 

The focal point of the piece is a young chimp sitting eating termites from a stick that she has learnt to use as a tool to extract these protein rich treats from a labrinth of holes in the ground. Lying outstretched next to her is man who is observing her habits, gesturing to us. This is a familiar image to millions of us around the world who have enjoyed for over sixty years, the visual narration of Sir David Attenborough.

As you explore the Celebration of Life you discover new plants, animals and insects you may have missed at first glance. This intrigue is deliberate on my part, I want you to keep looking, keep exploring and keep discovering. It’s a journey that is both enriching and educational. Each species has been especially selected with their unique story as well as their ecological and evolutionary significance.

Within the structure there are subtle messages such as the seam of dna that snakes through the rock and a tiny Darwin’s Finch perched on David’s shoulder whispering secretly in his ear.

The balance of birds, mammals, fish, plants and fossils are all carefully mapped out with their own story and latin names to help educate people today and the generations to come. 

Extinct and endangered species form the story told through the Celebration of Life sculpture experience.

Works
Installation Views