Bud – red and gold by Ruth Moilliet, Stainless steel and anodised aluminium, Original Edition, 1.2m high by 80cm wide by 80cm deep, Nature, Floral sculpture

Bud – Red and Gold by Ruth Moilliet is a striking floral sculpture made from stainless steel and anodised aluminium. Standing at 1.2 metres high and 80 centimetres wide and deep, this original-edition work blends natural beauty with industrial materials.

At first glance, the sculpture appears as a closed bud. Its outer form is smooth, metallic, and elegant. However, as you look closer, the bud reveals a vibrant interior. Inside, a burst of red, yellow, and white flowers bloom. Each petal is crafted from coloured aluminium, adding vivid contrast to the cool steel shell.

Moreover, the interior hosts small white bees and butterflies. These delicate forms appear to fly between the blossoms. As a result, the sculpture feels alive, filled with motion and purpose. The insects suggest pollination, transformation, and the cycle of nature.

Additionally, light plays an important role. The reflective steel surface mirrors its surroundings. At the same time, the anodised colours shift depending on the viewer’s position and the time of day. Thus, the sculpture constantly changes, offering new details with every glance.

Though static, Bud – Red and Gold captures a fleeting moment. It celebrates nature’s delicate systems while contrasting them with strong, lasting materials. Through this contrast, Moilliet explores life’s fragility and resilience. The piece invites reflection, encouraging us to pause and appreciate the small, intricate moments that often go unseen.