Into Eden

Artist Colleen Southwell is inspired by nature, both wild and cultivated. Delicate, ethereal and finely detailed, her paper sculpture encourages the onlooker to pause, study, engage the imagination and connect with the cycle of life around us. Her meticulous art making process requires her to do the same. By its pure nature, her work cannot be rushed.

Colleen’s three-dimensional works reflect botanical, entomological and ornithological elements. Each piece is a delicate combination of detailed drawing in pigment, watercolour, fine gauge wire, gently manipulated paper and occasional found materials. These fragile pieces are mounted using entomology pins, giving the appearance of floating and employing shadow as a transient feature of the work.