Rust makes its mark

From earlier posts it can be seen that I have been working on a large (3.3X1M) leaf form for Goondiwindi show. I have had it in the rain 'curing' rusting. But what a delightful surprise there was when I stood the pieces up to let the water now run off and have the rust pool a bit more at the bottom. As you can see from the photo below the leaf had stencilled itself on the bitumen. The photo was taken in the late afternoon with the western sun highlighting the rust - and I gave it a little enhancement to get a little more contrast - but worth the manipulation I think. The black drift is tannin stain from some blocks of wood I had used earlier to tilt the metal. Lovely brush strokes courtesy of nature.

Barry Smith © Leaf stencil courtesy of nature

I have had a good run at art this afternoon. I worked on lots of anodised aluminium leaves; but also gave myself a little break to create the little 3 Leaf Bowl (15cm in diameter including leaf forms) below.

Barry Smith © 3 Leaf bowl - top

Barry Smith © 3 Leaf bowl - back

You can see the leaves on this bowl fold downwards creating 3 legs. The metal for it came from a very worn pot - the metal is quite pitted but now also has hammer marks. On the back you can see the remnants of solder where some small legs were soldered on in the past. I did not polish all the soldered off as it would also have removed the patina and pitting.

Barry Smith © The leaf stash grows

And above you can see the leaf stash is increasing - creeping towards 200 now. I am now buffing the sharp edges off and drilling holes to hang the leaves on the pieces I have in mind.