On Monday afternoon I could not settle into 'work-work' - it was cold, raining, grey and we are starting a new piece of analysis work as well as finishing off our reports. So what is one to do in such situations - head for the studio (aka garage) and create something.
At the moment Fiona and I have a number of exhibitions and projects on the go art-wise so it is usually possible to do something towards one of these. In October we have an exhibition in Melbourne (Handheld Gallery) called
Light and Lines. I am going to exhibit about 10-12 light catchers. I have made this many but am not happy with a couple so am doing a couple of extras to give myself choice.
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| Barry Smith © Soldered Light |
Anyway the above light catcher called
Soldered Light is the result of a 'misspent' afternoon in the studio.
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| Barry Smith © SL - yet to be polished |
You can see from the photo above that before polishing the components can have quite a bit of 'character' but that does not always interest the public.
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| Barry Smith © Crystal to refract light |
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| Barry Smith © Soldered Light |
The polished end results can emphasise the brass and the age-patina. At this stage I call it
Soldered Light to reference the fact that I have used three old copper soldering irons and the flame section of a blow lamp that was used to heat such soldering irons. The crystal is from a vintage chandelier - a droplet crystal - should send sparkles of sunlight in all directions.
Beautiful 'machines', Barry. Amazing what 'misspent' time can produce - planned time can end up wasted or unsatisfying.
ReplyDeleteThe juxtaposition of the solid, aged, metal and the apparent 'fragility' of the crystal works so well. Love the thought that it will scatter rainbows around the place.
ReplyDeleteI like the balance in this one B,it would be nice to see the reflection factor.
ReplyDeleteLove that piece from the blow torch - this light catcher is another beauty.
ReplyDeleteBaz .. another masterpiece ... we need to be installing a bank of your light catchers over Maleny town to bring the sunshine back ! ...
ReplyDeletecheers - Ken
Love this lightcatcher....the combination of surface, texture and materials is so intriguing! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting these light reflectors. I made a series of photos with a Murano glass. I leave you some links if interested.
ReplyDeletehttp://lafotografiaefectistaabstracta.blogspot.com/2010/05/fotografia-abstracta-259-tauro-2.html
http://lafotografiaefectistaabstracta.blogspot.com/2010/05/fotografia-abstracta-257.html
http://lafotografiaefectistaabstracta.blogspot.com/2010/05/fotografia-abstracta-255.html
If you look at the G Series for more.
I just love the aspect (no pun intended!) of your work that it not only looks good sitting there, but will DO something when light or water or other elemental changes around it occur. So much vitality, so many possibilities!
ReplyDeleteGiD - almost like creating a new 'machine' out of several old ones.
ReplyDeleteJM, KS and KM- am waiting for a really sunny day to test the scatter-rainbow factor.
S - just knew I had to have that blowtorch head - love findings bits that resonate.
P- thanks - hope all goes well river-wise.
TT - you are right - there is often a form and function element - can't always do it but good when it works - even if it is just letting nature do its thing.
B
Oooo!! How did I miss this beauty!! What a thing of beauty ... I dunno how anyone can not appreciate it! The metal parts are gorgeously old and the polished parts just give it enough depth and dimension!! From where I'm seeing ... It looks like an old laser gun that belonged to optimus prime!!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing concept. Can we - please - see photos of all of them? Don't think I'll be getting over your way any time soon.
ReplyDelete