“8 Million #1, 2022, 280cm x 27 x 13, rusted & varnished steel, charred & stained Cornish oak.
« In 2021, wildfires, hurricanes & storms wreaked havoc in forests around the world.
Charred, damaged trees and scorched earth the only remaining evidence of once verdant and thriving ecosystems.
Rising temperatures and the consequent extreme weather conditions are severely challenging and damaging the intricate and fragile connectivity within the biosphere.
In the UK, the winter storms of 2021/22 took a terrible toll. Arwen arrived in November and more recently Dudley and Eunice, reportedly 8,000,000 trees were lost or damaged. »
“8 Million”, 2022, 306cm x 25 x 9, rusted and varnished steel, charred and stained Cornish oak.“8 million”
Christopher's body of work “Maelström” evolved during Lockdowns 2020-21: “maelström”; a situation or state of confused movement or violent turmoil:
« The Covid 19 storm raged in the world but the majestic towering cliffs of the Pentire Headland were oblivious to it, it was not about them.
Exposed to all the elements the Atlantic can throw at it, the wild North facing coast of Cornwall, East of Pentire Point, ironically became a refuge, a place of solace, during the turmoil in the outside world.
This striking coastline with its soaring jagged cliffs battered by the elements since perpetuity. Wearing the scars on their face of the countless storms they have faced & survived. A dignity in their serene presence. Wild crashing waves one day, shimmering transparent water washing their feet gently another.
On those few calm days, the crystal clear turquoise water revealed a myriad of underwater forms, wafting in the gentle but relentless swell. »
This new body of work was conceived here and utilises materials found historically in Cornwall, some in abundant quantities: copper, tin, iron, slate and wood.
Fragments are part of the “Maelström” series, 327cm x60 x60, steel, charred Cornish oak, patinated copper
250cm x 27 x 12, rusted & varnished steel, charred & stained Cornish oak.
Installation at Stone Lane Gardens, 2021
202cm x 20 x 29, steel, charred Cornish oak, patinated copper
250cm x 100 x65, steel rusted, varnished & painted
250cm x 100 x65, steel rusted, varnished & painted
205cm x 20 x20, rusted steel, charred Cornish oak
45cm x 170 x 50, steel, charred wood, patinated copper
Pieces in the “Maelström” series.
115cm x 50 x 20, steel, charred wood, patinated copper.
Pieces in the “Maelström” series.
Installation at “Le Théâtre Equestre de Bretagne”. 350cm x 400 x 75, steel.
Installation at “Le Théâtre Equestre de Bretagne”. 350cm x 400 x 75, steel.
Installation at “Le Théâtre Equestre de Bretagne”. 350cm x 400 x 75, steel.
160cm x 250 x 75, steel
160cm x 150 x 60
2 pieces, 95cm x 135 x 70, forged steel
60cm x 160 x 50, forged steel