Armoured Eggshells
This body of work remains open, and will be returned to.
My exploration of armoured eggshells began with a chicken egg. Optic, depicted in the accompanying image, was the inaugural piece in a series that examines the dual of strength and fragility represented by the o form. Over the years, I have cultivated a substantial body of work in this realm.
Two decades later they remain a source of fascination for me. I am in the process of conceptualizing new eggshell artworks (see 'Fester' image) that explore a more sinister dimension, employing an eclectic range of materials to convey a darker narrative.
An eggshell is a remarkable structure that exemplifies both delicacy and strength. Its universal symbolises new beginnings and encapsulates potential, showcasing the ingenuity of the natural world.
Every eggshell piece harmonises fragility with strength, telling stories through form and function, cause and effect.These convey unique narratives through intricacy.
In 2015 I was selected by Selfridges to install a show in one of the huge 3.5 metre widows in Oxford Street, London. It was an opportunity to make a whole new body of work for the installation.
The work, 'Something Wicked This Way Comes,' was displayed for over two months in prominent locations, including the window, Atrium and Wonder Room at Selfridges. It drew the attention of over 1 million people daily.
Some of the eggshell works shown below are from the Selfridges show and others more recently from 2019 onwards, I am still exploring ideas about them. All works are drilled eggshells, Ostrich, Rhea, Goose, and Quail with Iron, Brass, Copper Nails, or Bolts.
These works are surprisingly robust and travel well in their bespoke box. The whole body of work consisting of over 150 eggshells was made in India in a makeshift studio and brought back for installation in the UK....with no damages, that's how armoured they become in the making.
Below are examples of these works.
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