The FlightPath series explores the materiality of graphite media whilst considering the plight of our less popular insects. The narrative is focused on wildlife corridors, the importance of a network of routes between habitats to ensure diversity, and aims to resolve the tension between abstraction and figuration while encouraging open discussion.
These concertina sculptures have focused my attention on the barriers to nature as I catch glimpses of exquisite insects between the folds and struggle to find empty space to draw within the marks. It has become a metaphor for the struggle in nature.
I am concerned with our habit of ignoring the common, less colourful creatures, treating them as pests. There are 350 species of Cranefly (who knew?) and whilst this piece describes a small subset, the principle speaks for all insects: they are suffering from pollution of their environment. Many years ago I was persuaded to use moss killer on the lawn, “it’s safe” they said. And that year the Starlings stopped visiting. I missed their squabbling in the birdbath and their stomping across the grass looking for leatherjackets. I missed the Cranefly emerging in the cool September evenings. Only now as I garden for the wildlife am I aware of how much I missed.
