How do artists use oxidation gradients on wrought iron to symbolize ecological succession?

Artists harness the natural process of oxidation on wrought iron to create visual metaphors for ecological succession—the gradual transformation of ecosystems over time. By controlling rust formation through techniques like selective sealing, acid treatments, or layered exposure, they produce gradients of color and texture that mimic the stages of succession: from bare metal (pioneer species) to deep rust (climax community). Some sculptors even incorporate living elements like moss or lichen into oxidized surfaces, blurring the line between art and ecological process. This approach not only highlights nature's resilience but also comments on humanity's relationship with environmental change. The resulting artworks serve as tangible timelines, where iron's transformation parallels forest regrowth or coral reef recovery, making abstract ecological concepts viscerally understandable through industrial materials.