Ten Ingenious Ways to Fill a Terrarium
The terrarium has come back with a vengeance, a sophistication and a sense of humour.
We have so much to thank the '70s for: P-Funk, The Clash, platform shoes, the advent of modern computing, and, most importantly, the terrarium. Back in the day, you would finish off whatever was in your favourite brandy snifter or plastic bottle, wrap it in your latest macrame creation, throw in a few ferns, and marvel at the fact that you suddenly had a portable piece of nature in your home.
During the past few years, the terrarium has come back with a vengeance — and a sophistication with which it wasn't graced, traditionally. An expertly executed terrarium is now considered a work of high art, as demonstrated by the careers of New York's Paula Hayes and Melbourne's Clea Cregan. Even individuals putting together their own "ultimate, low-maintenance garden" at home can create a piece that'd make their mum proud.
Whether you're a film buff who wants to see your favourite character immortalised in glass, a nature lover who wants to wear some greenery around your neck or are just looking to add a trendy touch to your home, you're sure to be inspired and surprised by the latest manifestations of the mighty terrarium. It's probably not a bad idea to take Don Burke's advice and keep your creation well-watered.
The Hobbit Terrarium
Recognise this door? Behind it, you'll find the home of one of fiction's favourite adventurers, Bilbo Baggins. The Hobbit terrarium miniaturises the already teeny-tiny world of Bag End, Hobbiton.
The Beetlejuice Terrarium
Yes, this really is what you think it is: a one-and-a-half inch model of Connecticut's spookiest house, built to scale. Made of wax, wire, paint and a hairbrush, it perches on a 'hill' of live, growing moss. If genius truly is patience, terrarium artist Rachel Bishop well might qualify.
The Star Wars Terrarium
Yoda's famous quip "Size matters not" takes on a new dimension here. The 900-year-old Jedi Master stands upon a hand-created 'landscape' surrounded by a glass globe just five inches in circumference.
The Australian Open Terrarium
CHARD asked Melbourne artist Clea Cregan to create this one for the Australian Open VIP Lounge. Cregan's Miniscapes can be found in all kinds of interesting places in Victoria's capital city.
Forensics in the Flora
Contemplating inviting friends over for How to Host a Mmurder? This terrarium could be the perfect conversation starter.
Surreal Scenes
Canadian costume designer Thyrza Segal fills her terrariums with Dali-esque visions. Polymer clay figures — half-human, half-flower — peer out from dreamily arranged, organic foliage.
Terrarium in a Tear Drop
New York artist Paula Hayes creates scenes of delicate beauty within glass that has been hand-blown into organic shapes. Last year, she installed a large terrarium at Lever House, New York City as part of an exhibition that explored the interaction of human beings with the natural environment.
Terrarium in a Light Bulb
Blown a light bulb and feeling guilty about throwing it away? Get out your tweezers and devise a world of your own imagining.
A Living Necklace
Seattle-based artist Courtney creates miniscule universes that you can take with you everywhere you go.
Litill Terrariums
New York-based artist Lauren Coleman uses succulents, sand and found objects to create unique terrariums of simple, elegant design.
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