![Bronze Act](https://cdn.magzter.com/1373620744/1686205736/articles/ssdsD3MJp1686560460514/BRONZE-ACT.jpg)
Meet the Artist
Who: Nic Bladen, botanical sculptor
What: Organic sculptures of indigenous botanicals cast in bronze and sterling silver
Where: Simon's Town, South Africa
'Somehow the orchid fraternity got hold of me?' It sounds like a plot twist in a floral conspiracy novel, but this was perhaps the turning point in sculptor Nic Bladen's career. From making a living creating jewellery (which admittedly was very well received), Nic was asked by the president of the local orchid society if he would cast a few whole orchids in bronze.
A former dental technician, Nic had learned about bronze sculpture under the watchful eye of Jan-Otto du Plessis at Bronze Age Foundry before going on his own. He'd been struggling along when the orchid request came.
'One day I cast a flower and that was it. Light-bulb moment. I'm casting at 0.3 mm, but I am also casting tree stumps. It's a marriage of the disciplines.
The orchid job successfully executed, the penny dropped about how beautiful organic matter casting can be and Nic embarked on a botanical path that has taken him to where he is today, exhibiting in the Everard Read Gallery in both London and across South Africa and with a workshop in a heritage building in Simon's Town.
Denne historien er fra June 2023-utgaven av South African Garden and Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 2023-utgaven av South African Garden and Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![Winter Warmer](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/Xh1Hj9dZU1721135313681/WINTER-WARMER.jpg)
Winter Warmer
Properly insulated homes are the next frontier for South Africa in a world of higher energy costs and a harsher climate
![Carved in MARBLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/ZcyTptpM91721135176468/CARVED-IN-MARBLE.jpg)
Carved in MARBLE
Use marble around your home to create an instantly luxurious feel
![A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/j6l-iYSaJ1721135055878/A-LESSON-FROM-THE-ANIMAL-KINGDOM.jpg)
A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom
Not all of us are graceful ballet dancers or stylish fashion followers, but we can still stake a claim to elegance
![Nature's Hidden Harvest](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/Ty91Jt5mX1721133942787/NATURES-HIDDEN-HARVEST.jpg)
Nature's Hidden Harvest
Clutching a bovine bolete deep inside a pine forest, Ryan Enslin discovers nature's bounty as he unearths her hidden gems and edible treasures
![PAPER BRIQUETTES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/GCe4ttrf11721133760823/PAPER-BRIQUETTES.jpg)
PAPER BRIQUETTES
Fuel your winter fire with these home-made briquettes made from recycled paper that you would otherwise throw away. Each brick burns for up to 1.5 hours
![WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/iJUs4ZPOV1721133525000/WINTER-DOS-AND-DONTS-HOUSEPLANTS.jpg)
WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS
Winter houseplant care is not complicated, but there are a few essential tips to follow to keep your plants alive until spring arrives
![In The Garden](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/I5mNd6u781721133231548/IN-THE-GARDEN.jpg)
In The Garden
July Garden To-dos
![ELEGANT AGAVES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/1w0rcc4ZI1721132996617/ELEGANT-AGAVES.jpg)
ELEGANT AGAVES
Low-maintenance and always looking their best, you can't ask for much more from these showstoppers
![MIRROR UPDATE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/IXaC-4tN61721132793014/MIRROR-UPDATE.jpg)
MIRROR UPDATE
Turn any old or plain rectangular mirror into luxe home decor with this simple and beginner-friendly DIY
![LOFT LUXE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/n5ip-RskN1721132541139/LOFT-LUXE.jpg)
LOFT LUXE
This Cape Town loft remodel, inspired by Balinese living, shows how much of an impact minimalist design can make in small spaces