Placing Stones
By Joe Nichols

When I go to the river I am always amazed at how the environment changes each time I return, some changes are subtle from the shade of the trees leaves, the changes in light as the density of the wood increases and some dramatic, the flow of water as the seasons progress, from floods to droughts this amazing habitat goes through it all and alongside it so do my stones. Appearing different every day as the environment plays around them.

I love the idea of ephemeral structures within a natural undisturbed environment; they stand at the mercy of the elements and ultimately return to their initial state with no mark left on the landscape.

Similar to the ideals of Andy Goldsworthy I wanted to create pieces which would be striking but sit at peace within their surroundings. 
The process of the build is an interesting experience; it makes me feel fragile, imposing a sense of vulnerability, increasing with every stone I place.

Although the build is controlled I ultimately have no control if the structure wants to move, if the centre of gravity is disturbed I cannot stop its fall. Nature imposes undefined limits, every structure is different and knowing when to stop is as hard as placing the next stone.

As I build so nature moves in, from insect life that call my towers home to the birds that rest on the top, they are built, accepted, incorporated and eventually consumed.