The installation of tube-like sculptures embracing the trunk of the Oregon maple were modeled on scanning electron microscope images taken by Colin Reid of the microscopic tubes that carried the water and nutrients up the Oregon Maple that fell in 2018.
Comprised of laminated layers of different materials the tubes included a layer of various images printed onto paper from the numerous scientific studies undertaken by David Taylor and Tim Hone, a layer of macerated plant material saved from the fallen trees was over laid on top of the imagery partly obscuring the research. These layers were then embedded under layers of acid free tissue. Finally the structure was coated in a green coloured unique bio plastic protective layer developed in conjunction with Conor Buckley.
All of the tubes were construted on top of a wire armiture that was altered in size and shape each time to ensure that all of the tubes had a different shape. At the time of installation the artist placed each tube in a circle so as to surround the tree trunk. The tubes were held in place for the duration of the exhibition by gardening wire.
These tubes were deliberately made from multiple laminated layers of paper. The installation was designed to alter and change during the exhibition in TCD. In fact each tube buckled, bent and collapsed in different ways mirroring the imagery and elements of the research being undertaken by David Taylor.
The artist was delighted to see the installation alter in such an interesting way during the exhibition. Each week she visited the exhibition and documented the change to the installation. I will add some of the images from these changes in a later blog post.
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