A long-held fascination with succulents has led me to creating these Euphorbia inspired sculptures. Whereas Cacti are native to the Americas, succulent Euphorbias are from the old world – mainly Africa. There are around 2000 types of Euphorbia globally with 723 species living in Africa and Madagascar. Around 170 TO 185 occur naturally in Southern Africa, 74% of which are endemic.

Many of these succulents produce true leaves and bracts of reduced flowers (mostly yellow but also green and cream), which develop into triangular seed pods (often red) and many of these plants have thorns. Succulents can be easily distinguished from Cacti by the poisonous latex-like white sap that appears when a portion is broken off.

I’m attracted to succulent Euphorbias by their totem-like stance and often bulbous forms. Colours range from a very deep green, through to turquoise and yellow. I have used multiple layers of glazes to suggest these variations. Many birds use the taller plants as look-out posts which is why I have included birds on some (mostly Cape White Eye, commonly found all over South Africa), which add more interest to the forms.

Catherine is constantly inspired by the natural forms she sees all around her – seed pods, succulents, Fynbos flowers, cacti and sea urchins, these are the sources for much of her creativity. By combining her skills at sculptural work and the use of multiple glazes, Catherine reinterprets natural forms to create beautiful ceramic art pieces.

Size: 250mm x 250mm x 730mm (height)