Mallow

Mallow is conceived in response to the invitation to welcome a new object into a thoughtfully curated and much loved collection, embodying ideas, forms and principles of its site. The work has a circular lineage, an idea translated through materials and vast distances of culture, geography and time. Starting as a simple brushwork floral motif on a delicate ceramic cup, the form is captured as a line drawing then in a collaborative undertaking translated through scale and materials to articulate the ethos of its new home.

The work takes cues from the visual language employed by the architect to create Satou House with a client brief guided by Japanese design principles. The sculpture was created to fit within the framework of well-crafted simplicity, with spare lightweight structure that belies an organic strength. The motif itself has conceptual potency, Mallow Kuei Hua, represents the 9th Month of the lunar calendar. It is depicted amongst the range of classically beautiful flowers though could be considered a weed. The plant has been long used for medicines and food, growing wild alongside of roads and in grassy verges across Europe, North Africa and into South East Asia. The plant is known within traditional herbal medicine as a useful “…for the treatment of various infections or diseases, including cold, cough, tonsillitis, bronchitis, digestive problems, eczema, burn, and cut wound healing in rural areas.” is also the subject of contemporary research for its efficacy against a range of diseases. Aluminum, laser cut with 2-Pak paint over powder coat surface treatment, 2500 x 1300 x 80mm.