Philippa Jones

At the invitation of Antarctica New Zealand’s Artist Programme, Environmental Artists Martin Hill and Philippa Jones visited Scott Base during 2014/15 seasons. As internationally recognised artists, these Wanaka-based artists objective was to visually communicate global science challenges in the region and also complete a ‘Fine Line’ project in Antarctica.

Since 1992, in collaboration with Philippa Jones, I have focused my art practice on making environmental sculptures in nature that return to nature.
My photographs are all that remain of the sculptures. They are exhibited, published and collected worldwide. For me making this body of work is my way of connecting with nature to tell the story of the transition that is underway now towards a circular economy that emulates the way nature works.
Nature is sustainable by design. Fuelled by sunlight everything is recycled: all waste becomes food for something else. In the new circular economy businesses and social systems are designed with principles learned from natural systems. Innovations using what is available locally run on renewable energy in cooperative relationships with one another, these cyclical systems eliminate waste and deliver multiple benefits and jobs. They out compete existing harmful models making them obsolete. What has art got to do with this? Changing to a new model of progress that does not destroy the living world on which life relies, requires us to use a new way of thinking. I believe art can help trigger this change and inspire us to look at problems as opportunities for innovation from which multiple beneficial outcomes increase wellbeing for all.