Friday, January 25, 2013

Post installation on a rainy Friday

Yesterday I started work on an installation of three posts that I think might make its way into the Aspects Art Show 2013 in Goondiwindi.

When complete the tallest post will be 1.55m; and the other two about 1.3m and 1.15m. The posts are 150mm square. I have cut the posts from lengths of timber that were left over from the building of our house. The one I cut up was set aside because it had faults in the timber and not good for structural strength; but good for art.

©2013 Barry Smith - Posts for installation
The working title for the three post installation is Shards Rising - as I will be embedding shards of recycled 3mm mild steel into the faces of the posts but in a rising pattern. Photos of the steel marked up; and some of the shards cut. The cutting is done using my angle grinder with special cutting disks. I didn't get to finish the cutting job today as planned because it needs to be done outside and it has been raining pretty well no-stop since yesterday afternoon.

©2013 Barry Smith - Partial detail of beautiful rust sheet - marked up
©2013 Barry Smith - Some shards cut - longest 900mm
And as I was cutting steel, and one piece of the steel sheets was big enough, I cut a largish leaf out as a by product. It will get a bit of grinding and bending before it is finished.

©2013 Barry Smith - Rusted Leaf - about 1m long & 300mm wide
And of course after the rain the iron dust from the cutting process is turning a beautiful rust; as is all the other metal that has been left out in the rain.

©2013 Barry Smith - Water, rusted iron dust and leaf.
Still a long way to go with these posts by the design is there and the cutting and preparation has begun.



7 comments:

  1. Sometimes I wish I was younger and do things like this. Love the idea, look forward to seeing the finished product.

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  2. I always find it very relaxing when all the elements are cut and everything is ready to proceed and there is time to ponder (and play with ideas).

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  3. I like how they are standing in conversation... and I wasn't sure at first look, if that leaf in the last photo was real or metal!

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  4. This looks like it will be another fascinating piece. It's always inspiring to see what you are up to.

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  5. so amazing how you are always up to new ideas and artful adventures. Always interesting to see the wonderful things you are making.

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  6. Like Robyn - think this pause is at a beautiful place. A lovely moment to contemplate and enjoy.

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  7. P,. R, VA, AA, TL & SB - thanks for your comments - given I tend to do small stuff when beating metal it is good to do some big pieces. P - they are heavy - but part of my fitness program!!! R & SB - I totally agree there is a satisfaction in having al, the pieces ready for assemblage a delicious pause. VA - I love the idea that the posts stand around having conversations. AA & TL - maybe I'm just a restless artist - same medium and generally similar themes but I do like to find unique ways of expressing my love of timber. rusted metal the square post and a sense of standing and upward movement.

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