Limpet Coracle
1997
This sculpture was commissioned by Air New Zealand for the Auckland International Airports 1st class departure lounge, and was required to have a travel theme.
I had heard of recent research by a marine biologist, whose summer thesis included tagging limpets in rock pools on Aucklands west coast. The research found that, daily, the limpet moves to open sea to feed and returns to the same position in the same pool. The little shellfish strongly resist being moved but appear to have a perfect attitude to travel.
Dimensions: Length 2800mm x Width 1800mm x Depth 500mm.
Materials: Macrocarpa, cast and beaten bronze, brass rod, acrylic stains, oil based pigment, beeswax and dammar resin.
Image: Haru Sameshima