Polymer clay, air-dry clay, oil paints,  resin, real burned wood stump

11x25x9 cm

2020

The work was created under the impression of devastating fires Australia faced in late 2019 - early 2020. The losses of bio-diversity were huge. However, I strongly believe that nature is more enduring than we can suppose. It will rise from the ashes, we just must be supportive more than ever. People have to understand that nothing is more important than nature. Just remember, if we continue killing our planet, one day our planet will kill us.

Every detail, leaf, mushroom, stamen, or sepal in my artwork is sculpted from scratch. I’ve perfected over a hundred plant species through years of practice. I work with various materials – polymer clay, ceramics, air-dry clay, metal clays, and papier-mâché – sometimes combining them. I create unique tools or bend established techniques and norms for a hyper-realistic touch. My art’s essence is studying and recreating, not just the final sculpture.

I've sculpted this mushroom sculpture using a real burned log as a reminder that nature always strives and manages to be reborn even after the most terrible fires and disasters.