SUPERNATURE

Supernature was a collaboration with Jono and Debbie Retallick, a large -scale sculptural light and sound installation for the 2012 Olympic torch relay event in Guildford. 12 columns of light, 6 metres high, were suspended with 1000 pieces of porcelain leaves, resin insects and chalk from fine wire lines.

A 12 channel nature inspired soundscape composed by Mat Clark was played into and around the piece, providing a theatrical experience as more than 7,000 visitors moved through the woods on the opening night.

Growing up in Surrey means you probably spent time playing in the woods.

This was the starting point for the project – How our childhood play defines our notion of what the woods represent for us. As Mary explains:

 ‘Stepping off the path into the woods felt like entering natures cathedral.

The coolness, the smell of damp earth and leaves and the shafts of sunlight forming ethereal patterns across the woodland floor.

Once over my initial awe, I would build camps, always aware of the hidden inhabitants watching me. Collecting leaves and bracken to secure my shelter and then foraging for acorns and pine cones, preparing a safe place amongst the trees ready for nightfall.

Usually I was home before it got dark, but occasionally on long walks with the family we would still be travelling as dusk approached – this was when the familiar noises ceased and a new stillness would descend - a sense that it was time to leave, because Supernature was about to begin..’