HEARTH

BOTANICAL GARDENS TUESDAY 5 JANUARY - SUNDAY 24 JANUARY 2016

We were struck by the strength and permanence of the main tree, a Norfolk Pine. It stands like a sentinel - an imposing presence with a strong connection to the earth. Our installation pays homage to this tree by playing on the word HEARTH and the two potent words that lie hidden within that word - HEART and EARTH. We created this sculpture alongside award-winning typographer, Sarah Maxey. This was an internship role where I contributed to the design, construction, and installation of the work. I was also solely responsible for managing the project, as well as coordinating the creative team. This project had a short planning schedule of four weeks.The word Hearth resonated with Sarah for multiple reasons, not least because it seemed so fitting for our chosen site - the main entrance of the Botanic Gardens. You could say that this site is the metaphorical hearth or threshold of the gardens - the first view as visitors enter the main front gates off Glenmore Street. The lettering is designed to inhabit these three words and their respective meanings, being made up of shapes that suggest root forms, branches and foliage. The lighting pulses, much like a heartbeat, as if the tree is alive and communicating with us.

Gardens Magic showcases Wellington bands and performers, bringing local legends and rising stars to the Wellington Botanic Garden Soundshell. The concerts are free and a variety of musicians from different genres perform each night to a large audience of 500−2500 people. As the sun goes down, the gardens are transformed with lighting installations.