Inspired by the morphological studies of D’arcy Wentworth Thompson’s On Growth and Form (1917) and the biological discoveries of Sir David Attenborough’s deep sea excursions (The Blue Planet, 2001; 2017), this series of objects has been produced in response to research into the phenomena of the structures found in nature’s growth patterns. Combining considerations of mathematical principals, engineering, art, design and science, this work asks us to review and consider the teachings of nature and its systems.  

Marine life in The Deep (The Blue Planet, 2001; 2017) is its own phenomena; structural growth evident in biological forms under the sea are tangible examples that form follows function. The marine objects have been made with close consideration of the textures and forms found in marine-biological life, these are then juxtaposed with mathematically designed sculpture. This work draws on the beauty within nature in both an artistic sculpture and design context, its display refers to a science-exhibition setting to contemplate handmade human designed objects as sculpture in an educational context, and further asks the audience to consider what potential there is for interdisciplinary teaching and research across the subjects.  

The body of work also questions what we can learn from nature to implement across engineering and design disciplines; and in turn question how important nature is to us. The use of artificial materials in such a context also raises questions about the Anthropocene: the current epoch of ecological crisis. The materiality of the objects therefore offers additional connotations and provides a conversational piece regarding current environmental issues.  

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