Art on the block

©2015 Barry Smith - Dappled light on tree lined terrace on the block

Art can take some unusual forms - including book stacks, book walls and book benches. In the garage-studio I have had a stash of: encyclopaedias (courtesy of the Local library and friends); and telephone books (courtesy of Ken M). As part of my current de-cluttering and reorganising of my work area I thought it was time to turn these stashes into functional artworks.

The encyclopaedias were to become a bench seat in a shady spot on one of the tree covered terraces.

©2015 Barry Smith - Enough encyclopaedias for a 5 stack bench seat

©2015 Barry Smith - Threaded rod cemented into the ground with water proof multiply to clamp the books - nuts need to be progressively tightened

©2015 Barry Smith - Completed bench seat  - I'll cut the rest of the rod off once I have finished tightening the nuts.

©2015 Barry Smith - Completed bench seat caught in afternoon sun

And the telephone books were destined to become a music seat as part of the decomposing organ installation between the mango trees.

©2015 Barry Smith - Rods and telephone books stacked ready for ply top.

©2015 Barry Smith - Top on - nuts to be tightened progressively - thread to be cut off.

©2015 Barry Smith - Ready to tinkle those keys?

Whilst I was making the many trips backwards and forwards carting materials and books I paused to check out the creativity of the small birds on our block - a now used nest in the very thorny native lime bush which has lost its leaves.

©2015 Barry Smith - Art by tiny birds - weaving exquisite hollow nests amongst the thorns

©2015 Barry Smith - Art by tiny birds - weaving exquisite hollow nests amongst the thorns

©2015 Barry Smith - Smart tiny birds use the thorns to keep the predators away

I often think that the changes Fiona and I have made on they block are just part of creating an ever evolving major land sculpture; or at least our own sculpture gallery-garden. Enough for a Friday I think - time for a relaxing red.