This artwork is a visual tribute to the beauty of nature and captures the delicate and transformative nature of butterflies. It is inspired by the surroundings, the butterfly’s roles as pollinators of local flora, and other natural life cycles. These butterflies flutter amongst native flowers, including the striking Australian forthright lilies that grow nearby.
This pathway is designed to engage the curiosity of children in the joy of exploration. As families walk through the park, the colourful butterflies symbolise moments of transformation and new beginnings, much like the family events and birthday parties held in the space.
Artwork Design
In this artwork, I embraced the concept of metamorphosis: Just as caterpillars undergo a transformation to become butterflies, I took raw glass, reshaped it through kiln-formed techniques, and transformed it into vibrant colours and patterns. This evolution continued as the glass was photographed and digitised and then embedded into the footpath design to form the bodies of the butterflies.
Pre-made glass transforms into butterflies
I transformed pre-made glass pieces into intricate butterfly designs by cutting, arranging, and fusing the glass, then digitally manipulating the images to create vibrant, detailed representations of butterflies.
Facts About Butterflies
1. Circle of Life
From a tiny egg to a crawling caterpillar, transforming into a resting chrysalis, and finally emerging as a delicate butterfly, the circle of life illustrates nature’s cycle of growth, change, and renewal.
2. Butterfly Anatomy
A butterfly’s anatomy includes three main body parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen, along with six legs, two antennae, and four intricately patterned wings covered in tiny scales.
3. Butterflies Are Key Pollinators
Alongside bees, they help pollinate many plants, which is essential for biodiversity and food production.
4. Butterflies Taste With Their Feet
Butterflies have taste sensors on their feet, helping them identify which plants are safe for laying eggs.
5. About The Puddle Club
Male butterflies engage in a behaviour called “puddling,” where they drink from mud puddles to gather essential minerals not found in flower nectar.
6. Indicator Of Healthy Environment
The presence of butterflies indicates a well-balanced environment, as they’re sensitive to changes in climate, pollution, and habitat loss.
7. Butterflies Cannot Fly When It’s Cold
They need to warm up in the sun to get enough energy for flight.