Louise Marson

Sea Urchin series

Marson’s Sea Urchin series experimental work places nature at the centre of her practice, transforming marine waste into sculptural biodegradable forms. Biodegradable and crafted entirely from reclaimed materials, the contemporary artwork signifies a journey from life to discard and ultimately to purpose.

The process starts by meticulously selecting discarded objects, including sea urchins, oyster shells, and hessian oyster bags. Sourced from the Queen Victoria fish market bins, these salvaged objects were destined for landfill.

The oyster shells are burnt to form lime, then combined with sand to form the mortar in these artworks. It underscores the metamorphosis of materials from discards to integral components of creativity.  

The skeleton of these molluscs once housed life’s vibrant, soft tissues, considered a delicacy fit for consumption. The urchin is an interplay of strength and vulnerabilities.

Once composed of soft, edible tissue, the skeletal forms now symbolise resilience, decay, and interconnectedness. Marson encourages viewers to reflect on the relationship between function, form, and the subtle power of the natural world.