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A series of glass panels located in
the Gardens, which capture the tracks of small mammals going
about their lives
A series of glass and carbon panels by artist Martin Prothero
reveal the tracks of small mammals going about their lives,
recording even the tiniest movements, and emphasising the
importance of the link between habitat and wildlife.
Devon based artist Martin Prothero searches different habitats
looking for animal tracks and signs, eventually building up
a personal map of the creatures' habits. With this knowledge
he can then record their marks and footprints. The final images
are made by the animals themselves.
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A large sheet of glass is coated with very fine carbon powder,
and placed on the ground in a location frequented by a particular
species. As the animal walks over the glass, fragments of
the carbon powder are lifted off to leave a trail of the animal’s
distinctive tracks. The technique leaves images of the most
incredible detail – muddy deposits left by the animals'
feet, hairs, a whisker, even the sweat glands on the underside
of a mammal's paw can clearly be seen.
Prothero combines scientific recording methods with the art-making
process in order to allow the biodiversity of an area to be
faithfully represented. The process of making the artwork
is a process of learning from the land. Through his work,
he aims to encourage people to look more closely at their
locality and appreciate the richness of the life that surrounds
them. He has developed his techniques working with Devon Wildlife
Trust and Exeter City Council’s Countryside Service.
The carbon panels are sandwiched with a further sheet of sturdy
glass and mounted in wooden frames. These are then displayed
at different sites within Kew and a small accompanying sign
details more about the creature which has left its marks.
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