Three Sea Reliquaries

I'm delighted to share that I have been selected as a finalist in the 2026 Estuary Art and Ecology Awards.

Three Sea Reliquaries continues an ongoing exploration of collecting, observation and the ways we choose to preserve fragile things. The work consists of three glass test tubes containing marine invertebrates formed in the flame. Each piece draws inspiration from the rich ecology of the Tāmaki Estuary and the shifting life found along its edges.

Over the past year, I've found myself increasingly drawn to the relationship between glass and preservation. Glass can function as both object and vessel, allowing ideas of holding, documenting and care to sit alongside one another. These works continue that conversation, sitting somewhere between scientific specimen, reliquary and sculpture.

Each marine form was made individually at the torch through a slow process of observation and translation. The specimens rest in carefully foraged sand and are topped with clear glass finials inspired by Neptune's Necklace, a seaweed commonly found along New Zealand's coastline. Together, these elements reference both the living shoreline and the traditions of natural history collecting that continue to inform my practice.

While developing the work, I spent time looking through citizen science observations recorded within the Tāmaki Estuary. I was struck by the diversity of life documented by people taking the time to notice what exists around them. That act of looking closely feels increasingly important. Many of the creatures represented here are small, easily overlooked and often unseen, yet they play an essential role within the wider ecosystem.

For me, this work is less about creating scientific specimens than it is about encouraging curiosity. By translating these marine invertebrates into glass, I hope to invite a moment of pause and a closer look at the extraordinary life that exists along our coastlines.

I'm grateful to have the opportunity to exhibit alongside so many talented artists and look forward to sharing the work when the exhibition opens.