Conceptual nominee

In Search of Synergy

I see myself as part of nature not separate from nature.
I also see myself as a photographer, using this medium to communicate my world view: A deep connection with ecological reality is required if we are to transform ourselves and our model of progress from consumers of the earth to become guardians of the earth.

Photography is the final step in my art practice in which, in collaboration with Philippa Jones I create sculptures - in this series circles - from natural materials gathered from the environment that return to the environment. This process refers to the vital cyclical processes that govern all life.

The last sculpture in this series was made using nature’s universal construction system known as tensegrity: none of the sticks touch, they are held under compression by tension from the flax threads that link them. This means the system is in total dynamic balance and stress is distributed equally throughout the system, making it it flexible. One of the properties of tensegrity, is synergy - more than the sum of the parts.

My photographs record what was there, in natural light without manipulation.

Born 1946 London, UK, studied art and design. Worked as a designer internationally, founding an award winning design company in New Zealand.

In 1994 began making environmental sculptures in collaboration with Philippa Jones. Hill’s photographs of them are published and exhibited internationally.

A photography book Earth to Earth was published in 2007 with essays from leaders in sustainable practice.

In 2009 Synergy was made for Pou Whenua Project, Wanaka New Zealand.

A film of their art practice was made in 2010, titled A Delicate Canvas.

A recent project was Watershed, an exhibition examining the water cycle and climate change exhibited at McClelland Gallery Melbourne in 2014 and Gallery33 New Zealand, as well as at Pingyao
International Photography Festival winning an award for excellence in photography.

Awarded 2014 artist residency by Antarctica New Zealand at Ross Island McMurdo Sound.

In 2015 participated in an artist project in Fiordland, New Zealand.

Exhibited solo exhibitions at Andorra Land Art Festival and Inter Gallery Beijing. Synergy was a finalist in Arte Laguna Prize Venice 2016

Work in progress: The Fine Line Project, begun 1995: 12 ephemeral sculptures made and photographed on high points connected by a line encircling Earth.