Half organic and half formal, this sculpture was designed to complement the existing arches and organic shapes of the surrounding gardens. Artist Samantha Lissette explores the native Kowhai flower, contrasting the natural shapes with the formal structure of the cathedral arch.  She says of the work "In a kind of Yin/Yang play of forms and energies, I coupled these forms with the solid and strong framework of the arches. These arches reflect the existing arches the rose garden is formed by."

A nautical element is incorporated in the inside of the arch, which is an ode to Lissette's father, a seasoned yachtsman, who passed away while she was making this commission.

Situated in the Reflective Rose Gardens at the Auckland Botanic Gardens, *Rose Cathedral* was commissioned by the Friends of the Gardens in 2008 and unveiled in 2009.

Rose Cathedral

Both playful and useful, this bronze chair was designed to be touched. Inspired by the ovoid shell-like seat of an Eames chair, which reminded her of a bird, artist Samantha Lissette created an actual bird-chair.

"Gulls and ducks are an important ever-present part of the gardens. With this site-specific sculpture, I have striven to achieve a work which cleanly delivers form and function, equally bird and chair."

Made for the 2015-2016 Sculpture in the Gardens, this artwork is located on the main lawn of the Auckland Botanic Gardens. It was donated to the permanent sculpture collection by art patrons. [*Rose Cathedral*](/artworks/3947) in the Rose Garden is also by Lissette.

Lissette has a degree in philosophy and art history and her artistic career has spanned many disciplines and mediums. Working predominantly in bronze, Lissette works with abstracted natural forms.

Golden Goose Egg Chair

Named after the Leonard Cohen song *Dance with me to the End of Love*, this artwork is both joyous and full of engagement as the couple is absorbed in their dance of life, with total commitment to both dance and to each other, to the end.

"Perhaps it is true that all artists have a piece of ground – a patch – that is theirs and that, on one form or another, they are compelled to continuously find new ways of treating," says artist Llew Summers.

Christchurch-based Summers has exhibited in both solo and group shows since 1971. His large public art works can be seen in outdoor settings from Kaitaia to Wanaka. His work [*Butterfly*](artworks/3941) was purchased for the Auckland Botanic Gardens' permanent collection in 2007 and is a favourite with visitors.

He believed it is the role of the artist to challenge: "If it's not challenging, then, in some way, it's not new."

To the End of Love

Expletives generally uttered when someone is fed up and 'over-it', these loquacious seats are positioned in the contemporary New Zealand Rose Garden for the weary to rest their legs while their companions smell the roses.

The three brick benches are supported by the words 'pshaw' and 'tut, tut', spelled out in bricks. Artist Peter Lange's signature playfulness is evident, utilising contradictory elements of brick and stubborn sentiment to contrast with the comfort and softness of a three-piece suite.

*Curmudgeon Suite* was donated by a family with a long history of volunteering at the Auckland Botanic Gardens.

Samantha Lissette

Rose Cathedral

"Cathedral arches incorporate native blooms in this sculpture at the Auckland Botanic Gardens."

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