placuna plata o1

30” x 30” . |. S O L D | 2 0 1 7

This 4-panel piece is composed of Placuna placenta oyster shells from a region in the Philippines called Capiz. These shells have been used for thousands of years as a glass substitute because of their durability and translucency. I decided to crack them in half and light the edges on fire. When burned, they reveal an unexpected delicate silver patina. This piece was assembled in a pattern inspired by the golden ratios and Fibonacci spirals found everywhere in nature from sunflowers, succulents, and pinecones to lilies, ferns, and nautilus to hurricanes, cauliflower, and snowflakes.