THE ART OF LIFE CYCLES NOW

MARTIN HILL & PHILIPPA JONES

Consider the beauty of autumn leaves as they fade and die as much as you delight in their brilliance as they first bloom with bright colors. Their seasonal segment is, of course, part of the whole beauty of the circle of life.

For over 20 years environmental artist and photographer Martin Hill, together with his longtime partner, artist Philippa Jones, have created incredibly beautiful environmental sculptures that celebrate life as it moves in circles. 

“The use of the circle refers to nature’s cyclical system which is now being used as a model for industrial ecology,” Hill explains.

The installations are natural monuments, that reflect nature’s cyclical system. They are temporary sculptures in nature that return to nature.

They begin by traveling to remote locations, seeking extraordinary beautiful settings. They collect leaves, stones, grasses, twigs, ice, and other natural objects found nearby and arrange them in circular shapes that both fit and contrast with their surroundings.

They transform landscapes into magical works by channeling a visual circle of life. These photographs of the works are all that remain, as the ice melts, the leaves dissipate and decay, and the twigs tumble away with the wind.  

“For me making this body of work is my way of connecting with nature to tell the story of the transition that is underway now towards a circular economy that emulates the way nature works,” says Hill.

As their circular sculptures give up their molecules to nourish and feed new life, these artists hope to inspire circles of sustainability in innovation and business endeavors.

“Changing to a new model of progress that does not destroy the living world on which life relies, requires us to use a new way of thinking,” says Hill. “I believe art can help trigger this change and inspire us to look at problems as opportunities for innovation from which multiple beneficial outcomes increase well being for all."

The sculpture above is constructed from a singe sheet of perfectly hewn ice. The photograph was timed to capture the perfect light and reflection as the sun moved into the right position to complete the circle.

Hill’s book, Earth to Earth: Art Inspired By Nature's Design, first documented the environmental installations.

Check out Delicate Canvas, a documentary film of the artists’ working practice.

And check out Hill & Jones’ ongoing global environmental art/science installation, entitled The Fine Line Project, begun in 1995 and nearing completion. They have created a symbolic line encircling the earth connecting 12 ephemeral sculptures made on 12 high points of the earth.

It starts and will finish on the summit of Mt. Ngauruhoe in New Zealand and symbolises the interconnected and interdependent network of natural systems that connect us all in the web of life.

“Can we create the international will to stabilise climate and population, eradicate poverty and restore ecosystems before it is too late?” asks Hill. “This is the fine line we tread today.”

This self-funded project will culminate in a touring exhibition, a documentary, a book, and a suite of digital multi-media educational materials, produced in collaboration with scientists and writers.

To see more of these beautiful works, visit the artists’ online gallery, Flickr, and blog.

Read more about Beautiful Autumn Treasures, as it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact including 10 Gorgeous Topaz Treasures Now, Autumn Treasures: 10 Extraordinary Pheasants, and Gorgeous Autumn Pear Treasures Now.

Enter your own images and ideas about Beautiful Autumn Treasures in this week’s creative Photo Competition. Open for entries now until 11:59 p.m. PT on 11.09.14. If you are reading this after that date, check out the current BN Creative Competition, and enter!

PHOTO CREDITS:

1. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Autumn Leaf Circle. Materials: Autumn leaves, flax, tree branch, lake, mountains. Lake Wanaka, New Zealand.

2. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Autumn Leaf Circle. Materials: Poplar leaves, sticks, lake. Clutha River, Wanaka, New Zealand.

3. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Diamond Lake Leaf Circle. Materials: Hoheria leaves, (lacebark). Diamond Lake, Wanaka, New Zealand.

4. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Gorge Circle. Materials: Fallen leaves, rock, water. Motatapu Gorge, Wanaka, New Zealand.

5. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Leaf Cycle. Materials: Pohutukawa leaves, sand, water. Karekare beach, Waitakeres, New Zealand.

6. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. River Stone & Petals. Materials: Poppy petals, stone, water. Hawea River, Wanaka, New Zealand.

7. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Life Cycles. Watershed. Materials: Native red beech leaves, rock, stream. East Matukituki Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park, New Zealand.

8. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Encircled Stone. Materials: Pohutukawa leaves, stone, sand. White’s beach, Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand.

9. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Cascade Saddle Ice Circle. Materials: Frozen snow, lake, mountains. Cascade Saddle, Mt Aspiring National Park, New Zealand.

10. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Synergy. Materials: Raupo stems (bulrush), linen threads, lake, mountains. Lake Wanaka, New Zealand.

11. Photo: Courtesy of Martin Hill. Fine Line Project.

12. Image: Courtesy of Martin Hill. Making the New Zealand Fine Line Project sculpture 1995.

13. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Diamond Lake Ice Circle. Materials: Mid-winter ice cut from lake. Diamond Lake, Wanaka, New Zealand.

14. Photo: by Martin Hill and Philippa Jones. Tussock Grass Circle. Materials: Tussock stems, lake, mountains. Cascade Saddle, Mt Aspiring National Park, New Zealand.