Petra Boshart

I’m fascinated by the mysteries of live/forms.
We as humans are part of nature and follow the same rules of development and growth. I’m looking for parallels in natural forms and human existence. I try to capture this as well as my own experiences in stone in such a way that though the image is new, it appears it has always been there.

Into the deep

In my last series ‘Into the Deep’ I use hydrozoa as a metaphor for the principle of movement.
Stream/ flow was a main theme in my work and I discovered that in fact a jellyfish is the materialization of movement (it exist 98% of water= oneness with water). And it is also a symbol of the cyclic movement of life.
This series is not only about beauty, grace and movement, but as I recently realized, also about vulnerability, sensitivity and fragility. A reflection of the phase that I am going through, but also our planet and its inhabitants.
I’m fascinated by the mysteries and origins of life and form.
Research of microorganism and where life starts, the recycling movement of it.
I have always looked for simple natural forms, signs, symbols to catch the essential human experience (to start with my own).
Like the flow of a river could symbolize a thought or a sensual experience. How to find this form, which is not figurative, neither abstract, but an intuitive knowing.
During the work process I am looking for the ultimate image, which coincides with my mind's eye,
but at the same time I also strive for an element of chance and surprise. Sometimes it's a quick and rake find, but it can also be a long-term struggle.
Stone is the language I speak, as a child of three generations of stone masons I grew up with the smell of Sulphur and the sound of hammers. It is the most beautiful material, nature itself. And it speaks to me.