Cultivation of the Pearl series, 2020

To culture a pearl a mollusc is traumatised so it forms a hard barrier in order to survive – the pearl.  The process begins by inserting a foreign body into it’s flesh. Over years the numerous layers of protection increase and a pearl is formed within the mollusc’s hard shell. In pearl farms multiple pearls are formed each shell, lined up row after row with countless others.

The series Cultivation of a Pearl: an investigation was produced from an extensive investigation into the formation of pearls, it’s biology as well as it’s mythology.

The body of work was exhibited in the group exhibition “Lust for Lustre” at Ellenbrook Arts, Ellenbrook in 17 January – 28 February 2020.