Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Upward and outward

I'm not a great one for doing wall pieces for exhibitions; but King Ken of COMA fame said he was looking for a couple more wall pieces for the COMA exhibition in the Tree Frog Gallery.

So I have grabbed a little time in the garage/studio to make a wall piece inspired by Muna blowing Dandelion seeds when we were on one of our walks. The seeds just exploded in all directions - upwards and outwards to be taken by the wind to make new beginnings. The pop rivets 'seeds' in Upward and Outward all fan out from a point at the base of the piece between the two brass bits hooks on the copper plate.

©2012 Barry Smith - Section of Upward and Outward
©2012 Barry Smith - Upward and Outward - rivet 'seeds' fan out from the base
©2012 Barry Smith - Section of Upward and Outward
©2012 Barry Smith - Section of Upward and Outward
In a way the piece is also a metaphor for life. Now and then we venture upwards and outwards in new directions to find new aspects of ourselves; to find new possibilities; to start new aspects of our personal journeys.

Upward and Outward is made from recycled copper and brass from an old spray backpack that had been painted oxide red; copper from a small water tank; rusted sheet iron; new black coated pop rivets; and new copper nails. All mounted on a painting canvas stretched over a timber frame.

7 comments:

  1. ....or seeds of inspiration. A lovely wall piece, Barry. The "seeds" look striking against the copper and rust.

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  2. And you say you're 'not a great one for doing wall pieces'? I think this is outstanding, I love the warmth, the design and the idea behind it!

    Oh, and the photographs, of course. As always.

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  3. Your imagination knows no bounds Barry.

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  4. i've been looking at very late dandelion seed clocks, usually they would have been long gone. your vibrant ground for the seeds is delightfully opposite my recent lookings, i love that!

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  5. R, EM, JM, P & V - thank you all for your encouraging comments regarding my wall work. R - I like the concept of seeds of inspiration - nature of course offers much inspiration. EM - you are very kind with your comment. JM - if only that were true but it is good to try new things. P - the recycled stuff often offers great colours. V - always hard to think that we are experiencing such opposite seasons. All - go well. B

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  6. inspiration from the simplest of things is most beautiful! when i read about Muna blowing dandelion seeds i had visions of a young innocent girl in a field full of flowers blowing dandelions. that was lovely.

    the contrast of rust, copper and gunmetal is invigorating and powerful, coupled with the seeds bursting outwards, this should be sight to behold!

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Comments are welcomed - it is good to connect with fellow travellers.