Sunday, April 6, 2014

One finished and the second started

Over the weekend I have continued to work on the two pieces of work I want to submit to the Goondiwindi Aspects Art Show.

The first, an installation of 25 leaf forms on bent rusted iron rods, has been completed.

©2014 Barry Smith - An installation of patinated copper foldformed leaves
After Friday there were still a few more steps including hammering and opening the leaf forms.

©2014 Barry Smith - 25 leaf forms hammered and opened
Grinding sharp edges off and polishing the forms with a steel wire brush so that the patina solution had a better chance of acting.
©2014 Barry Smith - Very smooth and clean leaf forms
Applying the patina solution with a pump sprayer; and letting it cure.

©2014 Barry Smith - Patina solution applied - SZQ's rusted Iris in the background
The installation has been designed to be installed in light coloured gravel but the grey gravel by the bell deck demonstrates the idea.

©2014 Barry Smith - An installation of patinated copper fold formed leaves - in grey gravel
©2014 Barry Smith - An installation of patinated copper fold formed leaves - in grey gravel
But because the installation needs to shown indoors I have made timber planks to hold the rods - doesn't look as good - but ….. And they can be placed in different configurations. The timber is Spotted Gum -  recycled offcuts and second quality discarded planks. I might need to shorten some of the rods to get some layering happening - I will discuss that with my design consultant.

©2014 Barry Smith - An installation of patinated copper fold formed leaves - in Spotted Gum planks 
©2014 Barry Smith - An installation of patinated copper fold formed leaves - in Spotted Gum planks 
©2014 Barry Smith - An installation of patinated copper fold formed leaves - in Spotted Gum planks 
I also started the other work - a double spiral of leaf forms encircling a 175cm high 20cm square post. The top and side grain is beautiful now that I have done the first sand and oil; and I have cut the 45 degree slots into the post to hold the leaf forms - 16 copper leaves 25-27cm long.
2014 Barry Smith - Growth rings 
©2014 Barry Smith - Post with angled top and slots for the copper leaf forms
I need to finish the second work this coming week.

5 comments:

  1. your leaf sculpture is quite simply exqisite. Love the colour x

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  2. Beautiful, love the colour and the leaves look as if they are swaying in the breeze.

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  3. Love the installation... both on gravel and on the wood.

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  4. Hi SB, D and VA - thanks for checking out the works as they progress. SB - glad you enjoy the playful bending simplicity of the leaves. D - I'm going that the colour deepens over time; and please you picked up the swaying leaves - I hoped to give a sense of movement in the breeze. VA - whilst both look good I feel the forms rooted in gravel or grass do give a greater sense of freedom. All - go well. B

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  5. Yes, I can see that sense of freedom when I look at it with that in mind.

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