Forbidden Desire — Blown Sugar Sculptures
Living Sculptural Installation, Timelapse Video, and Workshop Series | 2020-Present
Caster sugar, glucose syrup, water, food colouring
Sugar is a material of contrast. It is a desired treat. It is a forbidden indulgence.
Forbidden Desire explores the tension between beauty, sweetness, and the fleeting nature of life. Each sugar-blown vessel captures a single breath — acting as both a measure of time and a symbol of impermanence.
Created using traditional glassblowing techniques adapted to sugar, the delicate forms gradually collapse and dissolve, leaving behind a syrupy residue. This transformation reflects sugar’s own journey from a symbol of luxury and vitality to one of overconsumption and decline.
The work invites reflection on desire, decay, and the choices we make. What do we choose to consume? And what does it consume in return?
Featured in:
Currently Exhibiting: CALORIE exhibition at Science Gallery Bengaluru, India (2025-2026).
Residency at Arteles Creative Center, Finland (2022).
Museum of Me online exhibition at RMIT Gallery, Australia (2020-2021).
Forbidden Desire (2022), Residency at Arteles Creative Center, Finland
Forbidden Desire (2022), Residency at Arteles Creative Center, Finland
Forbidden Desire (2022), Residency at Arteles Creative Center, Finland
Forbidden Desire (2022), Residency at Arteles Creative Center, Finland
Forbidden Desire (2022), Residency at Arteles Creative Center, Finland
Forbidden Desire (2022), Residency at Arteles Creative Center, Finland
Forbidden Desire (2022), Residency at Arteles Creative Center, Finland
Forbidden Desire (2020-2021), Museum of Me online exhibition at RMIT Gallery, Australia
Forbidden Desire (2020-2021), Museum of Me online exhibition at RMIT Gallery, Australia
Forbidden Desire (2020-2021), Museum of Me online exhibition at RMIT Gallery, Australia
Forbidden Desire (2020-2021), Museum of Me online exhibition at RMIT Gallery, Australia
Timelapse of Melting Sugar
Forbidden Desire is a living sculpture - it changes over time.
Transformation and decay are a natural part of all life. Yet, society often prizes beauty and perfection, suggesting we should hide or conceal changes that occur naturally over time. Particularly as we age, and for women who don’t fit into the conventional aesthetic beauty standards.
Over 23 days the sugar sculptures slowly melt into hauntingly beautiful forms before pouring away. I hope Forbidden Desire will encourage us to appreciate beauty within the transformation process - of sugar, nature, others, and ourselves.
This time-lapse captures the transformation of sugar sculptures over 23 days, in a controlled environment at 23C. One photograph was taken every 4 minutes, totalling 8,471 photographs that combine into the film you see. Note: the melting of Forbidden Desire can vary from 1 to 120+ days by controlling their environment.
Music: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor. As we watch the sculptures melt, the accompanying piece echoes the emotional gravity of transformation.
How it’s Made:
Breathe into Sugar
This short film reveals the making process behind each blown sugar sculpture - a delicate act of breath, timing, and control. Using traditional glassblowing techniques adapted to molten sugar, each vessel is shaped in just 30 seconds while the material hovers on the edge of solidity and collapse. All breath thereafter is used to maintain the shape as it cools.
The process is as ephemeral as the final form itself, capturing a single breath made visible.
Book a Sugar Blowing and Edible Art Workshop!
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Step into the sweet world of molten sugar!
In this hands-on workshop, artist Jade Armstrong will guide you through the unique art of sugar blowing - a sculptural technique like glassblowing, but with sugar. You’ll heat, shape, and inflate your own delicate sugar sculptures, learning the science, history, and symbolism behind this surprising material.
During the workshop you will:
Watch a live demo and learn sugar-blowing techniques
Safely handle molten sugar and try blowing your own bubble
Create and take home your own beautiful, ephemeral sugar sculpture - to display, gift, or eat
Reflect on beauty, impermanence, and the power of process
Enjoy tea, coffee, sparkling/still water, and sweet treats on the side
Perfect for creatives, foodies, and anyone curious to try something totally new.
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What you'll get
A guided sugar-blowing experience using professional tools
At least one handmade sugar sculpture to take home
Insight into sugar’s history and symbolism
Refreshments: tea (herbal, green, black), coffee, sparkling or still water
A selection of sweet treats (biscuits or mini cakes - varies by day)
A unique, sensory experience to share with friends or gift to yourself
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Knowledge required: Beginner-friendly.
Suitable for: This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, birthday, or hens party.
This experience would also be a fun gift for her, gift for mum, Father’s Day gift or gift for couples.
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Q: Is sugar blowing safe?
A: Yes - you’ll receive hands-on support, safety instructions, and heatproof tools. Jade guides you step-by-step to keep it fun and safe.
Q: Do I need experience?
A: None at all! This workshop is beginner-friendly and designed for anyone with curiosity and a love of making.
Q: Can I eat the sculpture?
A: Technically yes! Most people choose to keep their sculpture as a keepsake (until it eventually melts!). You are welcome to do either.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Closed-toe shoes and comfy clothes. Aprons are provided.