CAY

Concept Note: CAY Series

This body of work is inspired by the formation and life of cay reefs small,
low-elevation sandy islands that develop on top of coral reef systems over long periods of time. Cay reefs are created through gradual natural processes: broken coral fragments, shells, and sediments are carried by waves and currents, slowly accumulating and shaping new land. What appears delicate and temporary is actually the result of constant movement, pressure, and time.

In this series, I translate this natural process into a tactile, material-based language using felt made from industrial waste. Felt, in this context, becomes both a metaphor and a medium. Like reef sediment, the material is accumulated, compressed, and layered. Each small unit contributes to a larger form, reflecting how ecosystems are built through repetition and collective growth.

The surface texture of the work mimics organic reef structures dense, porous, and uneven. These forms suggest both growth and decay, echoing the fragile balance within marine environments. The repetitive handwork also reflects the slow, patient rhythm of natural formation, contrasting with the fast-paced production that generates industrial waste in the first place.

By using discarded material, the work connects ecological concerns with artistic practice. It questions how waste can be transformed into something meaningful and regenerative, much like how broken coral becomes the foundation for new land. The piece invites viewers to think about cycles of creation, destruction, and renewal and our role within them.

Ultimately, the CAY series is about transformation: from waste to form, from fragment to structure, and from individual units to a collective whole. It highlights the quiet resilience of nature while also pointing to its vulnerability in the face of human impact.