THE SCULPTURAL HABITAT

Following an extended period overseas we returned to NZ in 2003 and looked for a property with an established structure of trees that would be suitable in fulfilling our ambition to develop a natural environment that moved the heart.

In 2004, our search brought us to this property which at the time needed considerable clearing of wild and noxious plant material, logs, tree stumps, and general wilderness

Clearing work had to be undertaken in conjunction with the Protea Patch Nursery and cut flower operations as time and money allowed. Consequently, the development work took us the best part of five years which afforded considerable contemplation of the area.

It was during this period that the broad vision of a sculptural habitat was born. The stategy was, that rather than impose a preconceived plan or foreign structures on the landscape, the large scale sculptural pieces envisaged should evolve in form and shape within the habitat as the availability of natural materials permitted.

Materials were scarce and progress seemed slow until 2007 when a freak storm with hurricane force winds left a trail of chaos and destruction. Suddenly grand old trees whose habitat this environment had been for many decades could now continue their lives in a new form with a new identity.

The organic nature of these major pieces complements and demonstrates the dynamic transformation of this environment through the partnership of man and nature in constantly influencing its ecological journey into the future.

The property is now at the beginning of its new life and will continue to evolve as a sculptural habitat as it matures and provides fertile ground for more works of natural and other suitable materials. Within our increasingly complex world, the ideas expressed in many of the art pieces are deliberately uncomplicated in design and construction to ensure maximum accessibility.

A map given to all visitors provides a recommended walking route through the Sculptural Habitat to give the best view of the artworks and environs.

Wendy & Tony

At another level again, the micro-work quotations provide a connection to the unseen reality of the multiple layers of physical activity.

Necklaces of scoria borders adorn the heart of the Habitat.

The weather elements impact on light, colour and movement, enhancing the life and energy of the artworks throughout the seasons.

The natural sculptures and artworks in the Habitat are part of a work in progress along with garden plantings and maturity.

Additional pieces along with microworks containing quotations are currently planned and will be installed progressively.

The large sculptures comprise natural materials and if you look closely you will observe new inhabitants residing on them in the form of grubs, spider webs, mosses, lichens and other plants and organisms generating the establishment of a new ecosystem.

These ecological changes will continually alter the form, shape, texture and colour of each piece and are an integral part of each sculpture in the Habitat.

This new ecosystem should not be disturbed.

The Sculptural Habitat address is:

545 Matakana Road,
RD5,
Warkworth.

Phone 09 425 8277.

Fax 09 425 8052.

Please click on "Map" tab in the left margin for more details.

The Art works in the Sculptural Habitat are not for sale.

For commission enquiries, please contact:

Wendy on 09 425 8277.