“In shape no bigger than an agate-stone on the fore-finger of an alderman”

Charlie Cover-Sutherland, Big Picture, Hobart City High School

In collaboration with Dr Diane Purcell, CSIRO

Artist’s Statement

My art is based on the research by Dr. Diane Purcell. She has been studying the ways in which algae and kelp grow and change within their environment based on certain variables. For example, how altering their food source can change the size or growth of algae. Her goal with this research is to find ways in which algae and kelp can be used for commercial use, such as food. I have always been deeply engaged with science and this project has allowed me to continue this as well as sharing that passion with a wider audience through my art.

My work consists of a fabric sculpture as well as several resin sculptures. It uses reused jewellery, fabric, wire, and embroidery. I chose to make my sculpture a three-dimensional object because I thought it would be interesting to engage with as opposed to a two-dimensional canvas. I chose bright colours because I wanted it to capture the viewer’s attention in a way that is fun, whimsical, and cute. The shape of the green fabric is meant to represent adult kelp as a backdrop to the microscopic algae, and the pom-poms are meant to represent the algae itself.

The aspect of Dr. Purcell’s research I am focusing on is the appeal of the algae itself. Dr Purcell described her attachment to some of her research samples and the way in which she humanised them by referring to them with human pronouns. I want my audience to view these little critters with wonder and whimsy. Human beings have the ability to attach themselves to anything. Perhaps it might seem silly, but I find the algae to be quite cute, personable, even. I want others to see them that way. I want them to feel awe at life, even if that life is only very small.

The title is a direct quote from the play “Romeo & Juliet” written by William Shakespeare.

Photographer: OI Studios

Description: My work consists of a fabric sculpture as well as several resin sculptures. It uses reused jewellery, fabric, wire, and embroidery. I chose to make my sculpture a three-dimensional object because I thought it would be interesting to engage with as opposed to a two-dimensional canvas. I chose bright colours because I wanted it to capture the viewer’s attention in a way that is fun, whimsical, and cute. The shape of the green fabric is meant to represent adult kelp as a backdrop to the microscopic algae, and the pom-poms are meant to represent the algae itself.