Catherine Asquith Art Advisory was consulted to source and manage a site-specific artwork commission for the lobby of the recently refurbished 255 George Street, Sydney.

The inspiration and source material for “Thought Forest”, a three-panelled bronze relief sculpture, by Sydney-based artist, Camie Lyons, is the Australian bushlands.  Finely sculptured branches, forest undergrowth and falling leaves are re-contextualised into an urban space.

In her preparation for the project, Camie researched the site’s botanical history and consulted with Sydney Botanical Gardens to investigate and visit forest growth pockets in and around the site.  Her conceptual intention for the commissioned artwork was to “re-forest and re-energise the Annex space by bringing back the original species of trees that once stood on the site.”

Collecting branches and twigs from the Angophora, Sydney Blue and Red Gum and Iron Bark species, as her primary source material, and from old growth pockets of bush that still remain intact around the CBD Sydney, and incorporating these into the final artwork, “Thought Forest” represents the journey made each day by employees and visitors to 255 George Street.

Construction of the artwork involved positioning the bronzed and patinaed branches of various species to build a strong and complex system to conceptually represent diversity, connections made and the building of relationships at 255 George Street.   

The side panels, with their elegant and rhythmic branch systems travelling towards the central wall, allude to the ‘sparking of ideas’ by the intelligent and forward thinkers gathering within the space, a hive of activity, working towards a bright and resilient future.

At its heart, “Thought Forest” is a welcoming and beautiful artwork, which enhances the experience of the space and acts as a gentle reminder of this valuable resource, our special and unique Australian Bush.

Artist: Camie Lyons

Art Consultant: Catherine Asquith

Project Manager: Mostyn Copper

Architect: Richards Stanisch