In 2007 we received a commission to make a series of works on a beautiful privately-owned large property near Wanaka. We proposed a project that documented a year through the seasons, beginning with summer. The body of work followed our philosophy of making the sculptures from materials found there and allowing them to disperse naturally after our photographs had recorded them.
By returning again and again to the same places throughout the year of the project’s duration there was the opportunity to create work that had continuity.
The wild growing willows provided yellow leaves in summer, bare branches for weaving in the winter, fresh green leaves in the spring, and - something we looked forward to - the possibility of a woven work left out in the field sprouting new spring growth - a live, growing sculpture.
By also photographing the beauty of the surrounding landscape – the lake with its stony beach covered in driftwood, the river flats and the tussock-covered hills and the major peaks beyond – and the way the distinct seasons affect them, we could fully express the context of the work. A location such as the river flats flood in spring, dry out in summer, flood again in autumn then freeze in winter and thus the location itself provides an example of the cyclical process which is integral to the meaning of the work.
Licensing: Sculpture images are licensed for use worldwide
Prints: Fine art prints can be purchased internationally
Copyright: Martin Hill all rights reserved