It all started with a conversation around a table with three complete strangers who (over a glass or two), became collaborators and friends. Botanicals is the beginning of a collection of works exploring the flora and fauna used in the creation of Gin.

Gin has a rich and layered history and this is something we have tried to evoke through our layered and immersive artworks. Gin is predominantly flavoured with Juniper and this provides the backdrop for the three artworks launched at Art in the Park, this week at Eden Park in Auckland.

Just as distillers select their botanicals for scent and flavour, we have selected our botanicals for form and colour. Peppercorns nestle up to citrus blossom and vanilla pods. Cucumber leaves roll and entangle themselves around cardamon and lemongrass. Sweet smelling lavender sways alongside sage and coriander and the flags of the bearded Iris stand tall.

All three artworks are created from our colourful, repurposed steel drums, which are a waste product from the local food industry. The blooms and foliage are laser cut and brought to life by rolling and manipulating the forms and each element is then carefully welded in place and layer upon layer is added to fill the mesh framework.

There are three personalities or colour palettes within the collection: Classic: as Mother Nature intended, Kickback: deep dive into a dusk inspired colour palette, and Adventurous; bold and brazen not adhering to any rules.

Do you have a favourite?