Four botanical sculptures inspired by local eucalypts have been installed across St Marys and Pasadena.
Germinal
Artist: Trevor Wren and Danica Gacesa McLean
Council contributed: $38,000, plus GST
Location: St Marys and Pasadena
Installed: 2024
The sculptures represent the early stages of the life cycle of South Australian eucalypts including River Red Gums, Grey Box and Blue Gums.
Made from a range of durable materials including recycled elements, they are designed to sway slightly with the breeze, reflecting the natural world.
Danica says she and Trevor developed the concept after touring the reserves in St Marys and Pasadena.
“We were both greatly impressed by the vast amount of open space and urban forest within the area and the community’s appreciation of the natural environment,” she says. “We have created botanical forms pared down to minimal shapes and outlines. They are light and airy structures which create interesting shadows and have a minimal ground footprint.”
She says the artwork’s themes touch on nature, rejuvenation and growth, taking inspiration from the seeds of trees and plants found at each location.
Locations include Norman Street Reserve, Thurles Street Reserve, the Dorene Street Corridor to Donald Street Reserve and the Pasadena Community Centre.
A second phase of the project, Sprouts, will see the installation of seats created to look like sprouting seedlings.
Trevor and Danica’s works can be seen across many of the state’s public places including the Federal Law Courts, SANTOS head office and Adelaide Botanic Gardens as well as installations at Port Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Port Noarlunga, McLaren Vale and Kangaroo Island.
Funded by a City of Mitcham Public Art Grant.