My name is Phillippa Carnemolla. This year I have realised a dream of mine by being selected as the Artist in Residence for the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney. 

I am seeking funds to build a unique kinetic sculpture that will launch in March 2013. It will hang in the Fernery  in the Gardens and is  titled The Breathing Conifer. Based on the geometry of pine cones and with a real pulsating heart beat, the sculpture is a continuation of my creative theme of sacred geometry and the universality of life and energy   The sculpture is a community arts co-creation, being made with the assistance of over 70 young people living with a disability or in a situation of disadvantage. In return for your support I am donating pieces of my precious metal jewellery, viewed online at phillippa.com.au.

I have designed the Breathing Conifer as a kinetic (moving) sculpture based upon the geometry of pine cones (conifers) . It will gently pulsate as though it has a heart beat (vie a robot installed inside). The Breathing Conifer will become a centrepiece of the fernery at the Royal Botanic Gardens, and will be a dynamic commentary of the universality of life, a combination of plant and animal, and a celebration of the diversity of life.

What makes this sculpture a little different is that it includes young people who are disadvantaged or living with a disability - I want them to be a part of the process , make it with me and celebrate its launch with me.

What I have already achieved
I have already begun. I have designed the sculpture and manufactured the copper 'scales' I have held my first workshop at the Botanic gardens with young people from Eastern Respite and Recreation and the Come in Youth Centre.

Through the residency with the Royal Botanic Gardens, I have been given the opportunity to create outdoor sculptural installations inspired by the botanical collection. I have been mesmerised by the interaction between plants and animals in the gardens, and similarities and reflections that reinforce the universality of life.

From the start that I felt strongly that I wanted to share this wonderful experience and opportunity at the Botanic Gardens with a group of people for whom a high-profile, artistic experience would not typically be available. I am proud to say that the greater part of this ambitious endeavour has been achieved without any financial support from the Botanic Gardens.

Why I need your support

Although I have raised funding to make the copper 'scales'  for the project, one of the more cost intensive aspects is the structure and the robotic actuator that will make the sculpture move. I need your help to get the sculpture finished.

One of the most important aspects of this co-creation process is sharing in the wonderful sense of achievement that comes with being part of an exciting creative endeavour. With your help I can build this sculpture, and we can all share in celebrating the exhibition of an exciting public sculpture co-created with young people who are continually overlooked when it comes to important and prestigious public art installations. And you can own or give a piece of my jewellery that has been inspired by my journeys through the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.

Thank you for your support

Phillippa

Above: Phillippa with one of the sculpture co-creators, Lucy, at a recent workshop to make some of the scales.

About Phillippa

"In line with her current work in enabling environments, Phillippa's sculptural installations of botanical geometries have a community focus and benefit from the inspiring process of co-creation with children and young people with all levels of disability."

 Phillippa’s jewellery involves layering formal geometric forms with organic etchings of plants and bees. This layering of organic and formal, light and dark, has translated into large merino wool felt pieces – one of which was the winning entry in the Women on Boards Art Prize for 2012 – a piece titled The Reunion Angel.

www.phillippa.com.au