Obovate

Obovate

By artist: Alyson Hayes

Bone china, wood round, LED light. 16 x 16 x 40 cm

Obovate is one form in my Understory series that tell the story of texture. Vessels are reclaimed and reimagined as majestic branches and trunks, and all that lies at their feet and live in their shadow. Illuminated imprints of bark, seeds, leaves and flowers fall to the forest floor in an endless cycle of being discarded only to give back. Detritus decomposes, creates nutrients and conditions soils. This is the way of nature: death creates life.

About the artist.

I create light sculptures that illuminate the delicate patterns and textures in nature. My works are little memories, imprints of my time in nature, the details that often go unseen. Since completing a Design degree at the College of Fine Arts (now UNSW Art and Design), I have traveled extensively and explored the natural environment of Australia and New Zealand. While in Perth, I worked with Angela Mellor whose paper clay technique allowed me to imprint nature's patterns and was instrumental to the evolution of my work. My ongoing volunteer work in bush regeneration has informed my art practice with a strong environmental focus and an underpinning belief that nature is the ultimate designer. I use a combination of slip-casting and handbuilding techniques that allow me to make multiples with unique textures and ensure the bone china is thin enough to be translucent when lit. Light is important to my work, drawing us into a world of wonder and awe where we remember humanity's deep connection with nature.

Collection or delivery.

This item is part of the Plant Empire Garden Art Exhibition, on display at Plant Empire from 17 October - 22 November 2026. Exhibition items are available for sale in person or online. In the unlikely event that a customer purchases the item in-store at the same time as it is sold online, we will refund the online purchase - thank you in advance for your understanding if this situation does occur. Exhibition pieces will be available for collection in-store or delivered from 23 November: to collect your item in person, please select the 'in-store pickup' option at checkout; or to have it delivered, please select either the Australia Post or courier option (Brisbane only) at checkout and your delivery fee will be calculated automatically.