Commissioned sculptures
Since my sculptures are based on ecological principles, each concept is related to the landscape of which it will become a part. Converting ideas into reality is handled with skills honed over decades as a designer working with clients and as a sculptor working with materials, place and form.
My creative process is described in the 2 minute video below:
Cyclic Flow
Rusted steel, 2000 x 2000 x 2000mm
Created for Sculpture in Central Otago exhibition at Rippon Vineyard 2011 in Wanaka. The title of this sculpture refers to the fundamental principle on which nature works. The circles are inseparable and depend on each other for support.
The two interlinked steel circles represent the flow of materials in sustainable industrial ecology. This principle is now being adopted by businesses to create a sustainable circular economy.
Interdependence
Rusted steel, diameter 5 metres
A site specific sculpture installed in a lake on a landscaped property near Queenstown, New Zealand. A helicopter was used to airlift the 600kg sculpture from Wanaka to its site.
The sculpture is a steel chain, each link connected to the next for support, expressing the idea of the interdependence of natural systems. Interdependence is a principle of relationships in natural systems that when broken can cause collapse.
What Is Life?
Raupo stems, linen thread, 1500 x 1500 x 300mm
Constructed using life’s universal organising principle known as tensegrity: none of the stems touch, they are held under compression by tension from the threads. It is in total dynamic balance and stress is distributed equally throughout the system, making it flexible and resilient – the same characteristics found in sustainable societies.
Installed on wires between trees above the shore of Lake Wanaka for the Festival of Colour’s Pou Whenua project. Dedicated to John Pawson, 1956 – 2008.
Out of the Ashes
Burnt kanuka trees, wire, diameter 2500mm
Part of a year long commissioned project One Place One Year, Out of the Ashes was made in response to a fire that spread through native trees on the client’s property.
Kanuka Circle
Kanuka logs, steel frame, 3000 x 3000 x 300mm
Logs harvested when clearing the artists’ own building site - a reminder that nothing should be wasted. The sculpture was located on a westerly ridge in front of the client’s award-winning house. It stands against the distinctive mountain peaks behind which the sun sets.
Life On the Edge
Rocks, 1 metre high
Made for a client with an alpine chalet. Rocks were gathered from the mountainside to make a large sphere poised on the edge of a projecting bluff above Albert Burn Saddle looking out towards Mt Aspiring. The alpine vegetation here at altitude is delicate and threatened by the warming climate.
Leaf Fall
Corten steel, spindle, 1500 x 1500 x 150mm
Celebration of the seasonal transformation in this southern region. Wind blown autumn leaves have a strong symbolism, as a reminder of the endless cycle of life. As the sculpture turns the leaf shapes move and change.
In the Balance
Corten steel 900 x 300 x 300mm
Three steel rings precariously balance each other. The work was made in three sizes, from 2m to 50cm high.
The sculpture refers to cyclical systems: the relationship between human systems and Earth’s natural systems is in the balance. Breaking the relationships between the systems collapses the whole.
Circle of Life
Blackened kanuka branches, stainless steel, 3m high
Evoking a harmonious relationship between human systems and nature. We can only become regenerative with design that emulates natural cycles in industrial ecology. By taking only from the earth what can be replaced by nature and placing on the earth only what can be absorbed by nature can we return to the circle of life.
Redrawing Ourselves
Steel, paint, 2 metres high
Two guardian figures sketched in steel. The intention was to personalise the space by inhabiting the modern designed property with a human relationship.
The principles of sustainability that underpin our art practice include the need to evolve human nature beyond the world’s current story.
We Walk On Water
Raupo stems (bulrush), steel armature, cable ties, 2000 x 1000 x 900mm
Constructed at a wetland and installed temporarily for the photograph. Also transported and installed at McClelland Gallery, Melbourne as part of the Watershed exhibition.
Water Guardian
Toetoe stems, flax, 2 metres high
Commissioned by Sustainable Coastlines, a national NGO working with volunteer community groups on riparian planting to improve and protect waterways in Christchurch’s post earthquake red zone, it stands as a guardian before eventually becoming part of the wetland again.
The Visitor
Wood, steel armature, spindle, 2 metres high
Cut kanuka logs with steel frame and rotating base. A commissioned sculpture installed at Peak Apartments and Event Centre, Wanaka, New Zealand.
We spend our lives as visitors on earth.
To discuss sculpture commissions please contact us - we would love to hear from you.
Licensing: Sculpture images are licensed for use worldwide
Prints: Fine art prints can be purchased internationally
Copyright: Martin Hill all rights reserved