‘Leave What You Find’ is a series of ladder sculptures that Lathwood has been developing to experiment with and understand biomaterials as a new low impact sculptural material. Biomaterials by their nature are impermanent and have a short lifespan. The legacy of these ephemeral works
sit closer to performance works than traditional sculpture. The recipe used for these works consists
of agar agar (a type of seaweed), water and vegetable glycerin mixed with someone of bulk agent like waste coffee grounds or sawdust. The sculptures have the consistency of dried Weetabix and are very light.
Ladders of different forms have regularly made an appearance throughout Lathwood’s practice as she sees them as a symbol of change, desire and aspiration. They are the quintessential tools to get over something, to conquer obstacles and shift a viewpoint. The title of this work is taken from the 7 principles of ‘leave no trace’ (a set of ethics promoting conservation of the outdoors).
