I first came up with the form of the Fireflies for a residential commission in 2008. The idea to develop the piece further came to me on a bike ride in 2009, inspired by two of my favourite books, Kim by Rudyard Kipling and Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, and my ongoing dream to capture something of a similar essence in light.

I wanted to make a meandering spring/stream of light, illuminated both gently and by natural means, so I designed a number of spherical lanterns, each to be illuminated with candlelight. Sadly, the naked flame proved to be too subtle, so our chosen source of light became the humble battery powered torch (flashlight) placed inside a stainless steel sphere. The torches illuminated fibre optic ‘sprigs‘ planted amongst deep blue salvia.

Now the torches are replaced with LED lights and the artwork creates a magical installation of illuminated springs, consisting of 2,200 flickering points of light.

It is my belief that light is a wonderful medium to connect mind, body and soul with the natural environment. I hope that the installation instils a sense of wonder and surprise to those that see it.