Primitive Streak

Primitive Streak captures the profound moment when the first line of symmetry appears in the human embryo at just 14 days after fertilisation. This organising principle – invisible to the naked eye – determines our entire bodily structure. I've scaled this microscopic event over 2,000 times into a powerful bronze sculpture that explores the parallel between biological and artistic creation.

The sculpture itself stands 42cm high, and when mounted on its base reaches an impressive overall height of 67cm, giving it a commanding presence that befits its profound subject matter. This scale transforms an invisible biological moment into a tangible monument to life's fundamental elegance.

Unlike the other works in my Carnegie Stages series, which closely follow embryological forms, "Primitive Streak" ventures into pure abstraction. It investigates that first creative line – whether drawn by nature or artist – as the genesis of all that follows. The primitive streak is life's first organisational gesture, lasting mere days at the microscopic scale, yet determining the fundamental architecture of every human body.

Originally created for my 2013 "Life Forming" exhibition at Pangolin London, I'm now making this pivotal work accessible to more collectors through this jesmonite bronze edition. Jesmonite is a contemporary composite material that beautifully captures fine detail and offers a bronze appearance. It's a museum-quality material that allows me to offer the work at a more accessible price point without compromising the sculpture's impact.

The work asks fundamental questions: What is the relationship between biological and artistic creation? How does complexity emerge from simplicity? Where does science end and art begin?

Also available in Foundry Bronze Edition at £6,950