{"id":2701,"date":"2026-03-25T10:13:47","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T10:13:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schoolofdesignleeds.com\/ds24\/?p=2701"},"modified":"2026-03-25T10:13:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T10:13:47","slug":"ella-mcbride","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schoolofdesignleeds.com\/ds24\/ella-mcbride\/","title":{"rendered":"Ella McBride"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Degree Show 2024<\/h4>\n
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Ella McBride<\/h1>\n

BA Art and Design<\/h3>\n

My practice reimagines natural growth, exploring alternative patterns for nature\u2019s resurgence. Originally, it began as a study of form, aiming to create sculptures that felt ‘alive’ and dynamic. Over time, the focus shifted to envisioning the regrowth of trees that have been damaged or destroyed. By sculpting and enhancing natural wood, I speculate on how these trees might evolve and re-sprout, symbolising nature’s rebellion against human destruction. My speculative approach can be applied to real life scenarios, pondering how nature might evolve to be resilient in the face of mass deforestation and the current climate crisis.<\/p>\n

handshake<\/span>Connect with Ella McBride<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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The final piece, \u2018Sprout\u2019, aims to create an environment that simulates the forest floor, effectively bringing the outside in and bridging the gap between site and studio. Severed tree stumps are connected by colourful, tubular structures, suggesting a resurgence that combats the human destruction which initially cut them down. The tubes are visually suggestive of otherworldly growth, with a definite futuristic quality which derives from the combination of natural wood, bright colours, and restless forms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2018Sprout\u2019 juxtaposes natural and artificial materials, telling a story of human destruction and nature’s resilience. The interactive domed structure invites viewers to enter, offering a canopy-like experience that evokes awe and wonder. I encourage viewers to walk within the sculpture and allow themselves to be enveloped by the by towering archways, reflecting on nature\u2019s power and adaptability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Site-specific work played a crucial role in the development of this project. By working directly in woodlands, I created interventions and sculptural growths that appear out of place in the natural environment. This approach enabled me to observe existing natural elements on-site and transform them, altering form and colour to create fantastical and otherworldly sculptural interpretations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n