Kael Bowditch
Trinity Grammar School
PERMANENCE IN TRANSIENCE
Designed Objects
Photographic Paper on Foam, Metalwork
Permanence in Transience investigates the fleeting beauty of flowers, and therefore the transient beauty of existence, through macro photography and flora-inspired jewellery. Delving into hidden microcosms, I found vibrant colours, intricate compositions and delicate textures. Each jewellery piece, based on the ephemeral nature of flora, represents life's impermanence. My body of work offers a tangible connection to audiences to appreciate the preciousness of each moment and to pause, reflect, and find solace in the perpetual cycle of birth and decay by embracing the profound allure of the natural world.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Darren Gentle; Katie Scott and Kathy Willis, Botanicum.
Marker's Commentary
Permanence in Transience is informed by our relationship to the ephemerality of nature - the cyclic seasons and stages of renewal in the natural world. The work consists of three components: macro photographs of nature, organic-inspired jewellery pieces and portraits of the designed objects being modelled. The macro photographs of nature, including flowers, leaves, buds, rocks, shells and bark, are highly considered, demonstrating sophisticated camera craft. This is evident through the use of cropping and manipulation of depth of field to capture the range of textures, forms and vivid colours within the natural world. Accompanying these photographic prints are four intricate and resolved jewellery pieces, which are each thoughtfully displayed on a natural wooden plinth. Each jewellery piece responds to the macro images, with the natural forms and textures echoed through the highly sophisticated metalwork designs. These designed objects consider the minute detail of microcosms, through exploration of organic forms and various materials to reflect the intended design.
The work explores the dichotomy of the transient allure and beauty of the natural world with the traditions associated with jewellery, which is often handed down, precious and highly valued. The third element of this body of work consists of a series of portraits using studio lighting, which capture the jewellery being modelled, linking it to advertising and beauty photographic conventions. The dark backgrounds of these photographs incorporate the natural textures which inform the designed pieces modelled in the shot. Technical drawings for the designed objects are also incorporated into the composition.