Obsidian Seaweed Vesicle

In my artistic exploration, I often find myself collecting objects found in nature. It is no accident that we live near the ocean and the forest. The seaweed vesicles are often washed ashore with great chunks of plant, all attached together, removed by ocean forces often after a storm or large swell. It is an obvious ever-present marker on my beach visits of the ever- changing ocean environment , but also that of increasing rough seas created by and increased number of Low weather systems. It is a constant reminder of the warming of the planet and the resulting turbulence.

I chose jet black Obsidian for this piece, to reflect the sun-dried, hardened vesicles. Obsidian in New Zealand is only found in a few locations, with the blackest being from Northland or Te Tai Tokerau. This jet black gives more weight to the vesicle, making it seem more real or permanent.

I love the expression of delicate objects becoming more solid and permanent in their state, creating a story of resilience and endurance over storms and seasons. Obsidian carries with it the ability to release negative energy, promoting a change of negative energy into postive, resulting in a calmer being. It encourages introspection which too encourages change.