Sculptures created from found materials like ice and thorns, driftwood, and even bleached kangaroo bones all presuppose that artistic design will yield to the cycles of time and climate, whether over an hour or a decade.

In this quote, Simon Schama explores the concept of art created from found materials, such as ice, thorns, driftwood, and even kangaroo bones. These materials, which are naturally transient, embody the idea that artistic design is not permanent but is subject to the influence of time and climate. Schama highlights the inherent impermanence of such sculptures, suggesting that their transformation or decay over time is an essential aspect of their artistic value.

Schama's statement underscores the notion that some forms of art are designed to evolve, deteriorate, or disappear, making the passage of time an integral part of the work. The use of ephemeral materials like ice and driftwood means that the sculptures are in a constant state of flux, whether they change over the course of an hour or endure for decades. This highlights the transitory nature of these works, which exist in harmony with nature's cycles rather than defying them.

The quote also reflects the philosophy that art should not only be about what is created but also about how it engages with the environment. By incorporating materials that will naturally decay or transform, artists acknowledge that their creations are part of a larger ecosystem where time and weather play a crucial role in the artistic process. It suggests a deep respect for the forces of nature and the impermanence of all things, including art.

Ultimately, Schama's words remind us that some art forms celebrate change and decay, using the passage of time as a medium. This approach challenges traditional ideas of art preservation and suggests that the beauty of these works lies not in their lasting form but in their ability to change and adapt to the world around them.