Transience, 2023
Found plant material, plaster
Sculpture
13in x 5.5in x 19.5in
Walking is a part of my art practice and I carry a special bag for any “treasures” I might find, from pieces of metal to interesting leaves. This walk was in the winter after a storm and the streets were littered with uprooted plants and dead leaves. This plant was in the middle of the sidewalk and was already browning. I loved the shape of the plant and the color. It was a momento mori, a reminder to contemplate my own transient time on this earth. The ephemerality of the item also drew my attention. Knowing this piece will eventually decay and change over time highlighted the cycles of life and death. The plaster base highlights the importance to this plant. The shadow cast on the snow white plaster also signifies the relationship between life and death, light and shadow.
Heather J Chamberlain 