"Since thou canst not be my bride, thou shalt at least be my tree.My hair, my lyre, my quiver shall always be entwined with thee, O laurel....And as my head is ever young and my locks unshorn, so do thou keep the beauty of thy leaves perpetual."——Apollo,TheMetamorphosis

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“But just say, for the laugh, you had played along; that the door-leaves of your heart had jammed wide open, instead of their floodgates locking against that epiphanic assault - what would have been the result?”——Daphne and Apollo, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill

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This project extends beyond an exploration ofOvid's Metamorphoses, incorporating a critical reflection on the work of Irish poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill. By reimagining the myth through Daphne’s perspective, Ní Dhomhnaill deconstructs its underlying phallocentrism, offering a feminist critique that exposes the tragedy and objectification embedded in this narrative. This project engages with her deconstruction, examining the ways in which patriarchal structures shape and constrain female autonomy.

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I merged bio-plastic, tree bark fibers, and other plant-based materials to emulate the texture of skin and veins, symbolizing the gradual invasion and transformation of the human body by botanical elements. The use of botanical dyes for all colors emphasizes a commitment to biological materiality, making this project a holistic exploration of the body's metamorphosis and the dissolution of boundaries between human and nature.