Species: Crookneck Squash (Cucurbita pepo)/Dimensions: 35.7 x 44.7cm

This extremely atypical squash leaf was collected by the artist from her mother’s garden. Time after time, Dessie would examine it and feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety of shapes and possibilities presented. Finally, she decided just to “wing it” and started by carving a horse, whose profile was jutting out from one side. As soon as that piece fell into place the rest revealed themselves one by one culminating in the appearance of no less than nine very different figures. Dessie decided that “Menagerie” was a fitting title for this eclectic array of creatures.