Sophie Ferrier has a multi-media, interdisciplinary ecological crafts practice based between England & Wales. Sophie’s practice is land-based and ecologically restorative; relaying a narrative rooted in artistic research, materiality, and local environments. Building upon a foundation of ceramic knowledge, Sophie utilizes contemporary practice to reshape relationships with ‘waste’ material. From food waste to non-native invasive plant species, Sophie’s aim is to heal local environments through the storytelling of restorative materiality; re-building a kinship to the natural world through objects of enchantment. These engaging and tactile objects highlight the importance of circularity, and close the communication gap between ecological research and audiences.
The Urns of Restoration on show have been meticulously fashioned from non-native, invasive plant species; Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), requiring removal from our local environments. These urns are bound together with biodegradable binders, resulting in a material that exhibits the adaptability of clay when wet and the durability of wood when dry.
This collection serves as a profound statement on materiality and underscores the importance of embracing circular systems within the realm of Craft & Design. It aims to stimulate contemplation on the complexities of our consumer culture, urging a re- evaluation of our consumption patterns.
Symbolically, the urn represents death, yet it also embodies the ecological truth that nature knows no true demise—only the perpetual recycling of nutrients. As stewards of the Earth and artisans, we are called to embrace the principles of material recycling and reuse.
The process underlying this practice is inherently ecologically restorative. By removing invasive plant species, we contribute to the restoration of our rivers, the reclamation of native biodiversity, and the rehabilitation of soil structures. Moreover, by repurposing organic matter, we ensure that nothing is wasted in this transformative journey.
