Remembering Altona Memorial Park

Quite some time ago we were commissioned by Florence Jaquet to create a sculpture for Altona Memorial Park. Florence, being not only a Landscape Architect but also a botanical artist designed the memorial garden with a seasonal theme including paving featuring decorative botanical etchings designed by Florence herself.

The Lump Leaf Skeleton Sculpture was selected by Florence as a main feature in the project and incorporated perfectly with her seasonal theme. Although at Lump we customized and supersized the Leaf to 5m in scale.

Being in a public place we had to pass rigorous standards imposed by the structural engineer. The concrete sub structure at the time was one of the largest we had made and entailed lots and lots of digging and the removal of So. Much. Soil. This was ceremonial in a kind of way, considering the surroundings. Although, after the last wheelbarrow of soil was removed and tucked away behind the crematorium, the guys stopped to ask what the fine dust was covering their heads and shoulders. But that is another story all together.

The installation of the sculpture involved the use of a Bubble crane, Bubble cranes are great for heavy lifting and long reaches as opposed to a Franna crane for example, that is used for heavy lifting and “walking”. Being 5m in height and made from 6mm corten steel we needed a heavy lift off the tray.

Sometimes I ask myself about the significance of the leaf skeleton in the last stages of decomposition standing as a 5m sculpture displayed in a cemetery. But I always end up with the same light feeling of comfort. The leaf skeleton sculpture is this situation is a simple representation of natural organic beauty and fragility. The sculpture is sympathetic and unimposing to its surroundings and displays an undeniable significance of returning to the earth.

The seasonal garden is extended further through self-sustaining fountains and drought tolerant ornamental planting. And with a beautiful Lump Leaf Skeleton sculpture standing proud amongst the other features of the garden it is a beautiful place to remember, sympathize, reflect and feel comfort.

Images by Little Red Photography