Organism

Following the launch of my first series, Propagation Project, I struggled to sustain my practice financially. After seeking advice from the Crafts Council and several galleries, I decided to create smaller, functional items that were also more affordable.

Back in the studio, I began questioning my production speed, challenging myself to forge components faster and see how quickly I could produce a litre of components. After refining various aspects of my process, I successfully halved the forging time. One day, while working in the studio, I noticed a pile of small red chillies at the local vegetable market. They resembled the spiky components I was forging, and I envisioned them as a striking contrast against my black steel objects—thus, the idea for the "chilli holder" was born.

I exhibited the Organism series for the first time at the Chelsea Craft Fair in 2001 and it became my bread and butter for a period, providing a steady income.