My artwork is based on the research of Katya Bandow who is studying Southern hemisphere conifers and how they struggle to adapt to climate change. I was inspired during the lab visit by the way that the conifers are frozen
in time and can’t change quickly to survive. I enjoyed seeing all the different plants and learning about the environments they need to stay stable and continue to live.

I chose to make a giant bunya pinecone as I really liked the way they look and how different they are to the other conifers with their giant cones.

My sculpture is made from clay as I liked the connection that clay has with plants. I chose to use a green light to bring life to my bunya pine. I also chose to use fake snow spray because Katya is researching how conifers react to frost and climate change.

I really enjoyed visiting a lab and working with a real scientist. The experience has taught me more about the place I live and the plants around me.

I hope that my work makes people think about the importance of the environment and the value of plants.