Dedication to our Underwater Forests

Materials: Andesite rock, macrocarpa, acrylic paint, polyester rope, steel pin.

Dimensions: 250 x 60 X 45cm

This sculpture aims at highlighting the importance of our Bull Kelp Forests of rugged wave-exposed rocky coastlines around New Zealand.

The sculpture is of a single seaweed vesicle. The bubbled effect or bumpy surface of this carved vesicle, represents the air we breathe, the air bubbles of the rough underwater environment and life cycles of all creatures that rely upon the bull kelp for food and protection.

The corresponding, concave circles carved into the plinth, likewise represents the underwater world. The braided rope is inlaid into the seaweed vesicle, indicating the relationship of give and take ( we harvest various seaweeds for good and pharmaceuticals) and responsibility that we have to the marine oxygen replenishing ocean and her inhabitants.

These ‘large seaweed vesicles’ or ‘air sacs ’ are often found washed ashore, particularly after a storm, often attached as part of a branch of the larger seaweed plant.

Amie has carved one a large scale to demonstrate the important role that our seaweeds and kelps in particular , provide critical ecological functions, increase biodiversity and provide habitat to seals, pāua, butterfish and other important animals. Bull kelp also have immense cultural values, as coastal iwi over centuries have used bull kelp forest as hunting grounds, for food, and to make products, like pōhā for food storage of, for example, muttonbirds. Today, bull kelps are threatened by a range of natural and human activity related stresses: pollution or environmental change.

A collaboration of Amie Redpath, stone carver, and John Lolesi, wood crafter and Knot Tyer.