In Balance is a reflection on the fragile equilibrium that fungi bring to the natural world. Funga’s vital role in decomposing organic matter and returning carbon to the cycle of life is under threat in the current climate crisis. This multi-media rotating kinetic work places the ceramic elements in potential jeopardy relying on gravity and fulcrum points to keep the sculpted work aloft. A 1920’s revolving piano stool supports a rusting steel mast with a bowl at its apex, in which a cross-bar balances and pivots, in turn supporting ceramic forms.
The ceramic elements are inspired by an extinct fungi, Potteromyces. Recently discovered in the Natural History Museum’s fossil collection by Dr Strullu-Derrien, this extinct fungi was named after Beatrix Potter, who, though famous for her children’s books, was also a renown mycologist in her day. Playing with scale, a ceramic fossil of Potteromyces, teeters above a terracotta fungal spore, which is counterbalanced by a three dimensional version of the fungi. Putting these ceramic elements in motion, brings them to life, whispering of the cycle of life, reminding us of their and our fragile place in the solar system.
In Balance was shown in Undergrowth at County Hall Pottery Gallery, London, curated by Elizabeth Jackson and Emily Jefferis in Spring 2026
Photos by Elsa Pearl
Jo Pearl Sculpture 