Helen Birnbaum,Terra Firma Leaky boat,

2.5 x 2.5 m (made of 130 pieces), ceramic, metal and glass, 2021

Helen’s work Terra Firma Leaky boat brings attention to both the refugee crisis and ecological crisis, and how these are inextricably linked. Many refugees live in climate hotspots where the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events are causing an average of more than 20 million to leave their homes annually. The installation consists of 130 ceramic hands made in many colours to reflect all of humanity. Some of the hands are long fingered adults; some dainty children’s fingers and others gnarled with age clustering around the rusty boat waiting to get on. The boat is made from an old metal wheelbarrow. Helen is a ceramic artist, based in Lancashire, making science-based art with a social emphasis.

Website: www.helenbirnbaumceamics.com  
Instagram: @helenbirnbaumceramics 
Twitter: @helenceramics