Artist statement

Nature is a vibrant and sublime force which has been taken for granted by humans, almost to the brink of extinction. Silent Forest is a fictional representation of the ‘end’ of nature. I wanted to create the illusion of a dystopian world where trees no longer exist. The installation comprises several ‘replicas’ of trees, small and painted grey. The sculptures are samples or parts of a model, awaiting assembly by someone who has never experienced a real tree before. In the real world, I want the audience to reflect on their part in the exploitation of the environment and consider how they can make a difference.

Process

After lengthy experimentation with press-moulds and casting with plaster, the resolved artwork started with taking clay impressions of tree textures. Each impression was put into a casting box, which was then filled with plaster. Casting boxes were unscrewed to release plaster bricks and clay was carefully removed. Once the plaster was bone-dry, they were painted and mounted in plywood ‘crates’. 

About the artist

Hi, my name is James Catayong. I am an eighteen year old that was born in Australia but come from Filipino and Indonesian descent. After school I am going to university to study a Bachelor Degree in Design as I want to become either a fashion and or a game designer. As an artist I am inspired by the fact that art can be used to communicate a message that can be understood by all. I am grateful to be chosen to be apart of the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art and express an important message to a greater audience.