The steel reinforcement mesh, embedded in tree resin, instead of being engulfed in concrete as it would be meant to, reveals a relationship that stands on both fragility and endurance, conflict and cooperation. Its orderly grid hints at our human inclination to shape and control; yet, immersed within the resin, a new narrative emerges - one that reflects the intersections between the human hand and the delicate fabric of nature.

The use of the mesh serves as a poignant metaphor of the colossal impact of the industry upon fragile ecosystems; the resin, once secreted by trees as their protective armor, becomes a symbol of resilience and adaptation, and a testament to their silent struggle against the ever-encroaching challenges of climate change and human activity. Resin in trees can be a good indicator of the plant’s wellbeing, given that the production of such is highly influenced by altered conditions related to climate change; with the tree getting increasingly stressed, its resin production diminishes, leaving it more exposed to external threats such as bark beetles, which penetrate the tree’s inner layers and feed off its bark from the inside.

Evoking the entrapment of insects in amber, the resin captures the essence of the symbiotic and intricate relationship bark beetles have with trees. These tiny creatures, often regarded as pests, hold a crucial place within the ecosystem. Their interactions with tree resin exemplify the delicate balance of coexistence and adaptation, revealing nature's intricate responses to environmental pressures. The inner-workings of this relationship should naturally be perfectly functional, however its innate balance has been dented by the excessive force of the industry’s intervention. Through this parallel, the work highlights the interconnectedness of all life forms and emphasises the profound impact that small organisms can have within ecological systems. It compels us to navigate the challenges of the anthropocene with humility and foresight, transcending human-centric narratives, and embracing a more holistic understanding of our relationship with the natural world and of the equilibrium we must uphold.

Despite the image of the obvious conflict between the two elements of the piece, there is an undeniable side of concourse between the two, as the grid is supporting the resin, and they together become one.

The work aims to transcend the mere juxtaposition of materials, inviting to delve into the depths of coexistence and interdependency. The steel mesh, once an instrument of human ambition, finds itself intertwined with the resin—a testament to the intricate dance of power, responsibility, and cohabitation. In this entanglement, the artwork becomes a metaphorical meeting ground, where the forces of human agency and the regenerative capacities of nature are bound together, caught in a fragile equilibrium.