giant dandelion seed heads
Organ donation art for Derriford Hospital, Plymouth
Seed-heads, such as those produced by the dandelion, are a strong metaphor for survival, as billions of seeds can be spread with just the faintest of breezes and so continue regeneration. On this artwork the outer circle of seed-heads are intricately laser cut from stainless steel, the largest ones fixed off the wall with spacers to seem like they are dynamically floating towards the viewer, light glinting off the steel adding further vibrancy.
Play the video below to see the ITV West Country News Report featuring the new Derriford Hospital Organ Donation Memorial Artwork.
Dandelions are nature's timepiece accentuated on this spectacular artwork by using the wording, 'the gift of life' encircling the seed-heads, working together to resemble cogs inside a gigantic clock and further infer continuation of life.
Feedback
"...I have been approached by many people who have either walked past the art, seen the coverage on ITV or both. These were people from all walks of life. Every single comment was positive and everyone commented about the quality of the art AND the underlying message. Two couples told me that as a direct result of the TV coverage they had discussed organ donation at home and that their children expressed a desire to donate if it came to it and they will be joining the register. What a pleasure to hear how our aims seem to be being achieved. This reinforces to me how art placed in context is a powerful weapon to inform society about important messages."
Martin Walker, Chair of the PHNT Organ Donation Committee
"The artwork is a wonderful tribute to all those who gave the gift of life and symbolic of life flourishing for those whose lives have been saved or transformed as a result of organ donation. We all want to live long, happy and fulfilling lives and for most they are able to do this. Unfortunately, for some this does not always happen perhaps through illness or as a result of a tragic accident. My 11 year old daughter, Emily passed away ten years ago as the result of a tragic accident."
Jackie King, Mother of Organ Donor Emily Gorman