Totem for the Trees Sculpture

Catriona Pollard’s unique sculptural work offers glimpses of shapeshifting natural forms, from unnoticed branches, leaves and seedpods into stunning works that celebrate the abundance of nature. She uses foraged and discarded plant material with traditional basketry and assemblage techniques to reimagine nature. Her work is emotionally authentic, uniquely contemporary, and visually stunning. Her work highlights the link between raw foraged organic materials, like vines and seed pods, with earthy materials like base metals including copper, and natural elements like charcoal, clay and ash. Most contains nothing but the organic material – no glue or synthetic dyes, and most don’t even use anything to bind it together, such as thread or wire. She uses nature as a way to connect with people that goes beyond physical beauty but touches them in a personal and profound way. Transforming discarded organic material into sculptures forces people to view the natural world around them in a different way. It transforms the inherent beauty of nature into moments that encourage reflection and connection. The forms she weaves tell stories relating to friends, family and experiences. They are about truly seeing the extraordinary in everyday moments. Simply, it’s about being still, and letting the beauty surface. Catriona has had a number of solo exhibitions and exhibited extensively in selected and group exhibitions. She has been shortlisted as many art awards including Emerging Artist of the Year Craft NSW, finalist Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize, Northern Beaches Art Prize, North Sydney Art Prize, Warringah Art Prize, and Mosman Art Gallery.