Rustnstuff: 2016

Friday, December 30, 2016

Restoration

Over the last couple of days I have spent the cooler parts of the day, morning mainly, restoring a chunky timber post sculpture and a galley press that we will use for printmaking.

We were moving the sculpture as we are redesigning the area where Lena our cast bronze sculpture resides.

We discovered that the base of the timber sculpture had developed a bit of wood rot; the splits in the timber were getting a little too wide on the sides; and some of the copper nails etc were working loose. To deal with the dry rot on the base I treated it and added a waterproof ply base; to stop the cracking I added two more threaded steel rods right through the block; and I re-nailed where necessary. The piece will now continue to age but no fall apart.

The press started out a bit worn. I dismantled it and then just got into sanding; dealing with rust; repainting; and assembling the lot.

I also sanded and repainted four chases that came with the press.

No art pieces - but art related and art enabling activity.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Morning walks - Coogee Beach

Fiona and I headed to Sydney to spend a few days over Christmas with her family. We walked each morning in the cool of the day - most days presented beauty to uplift; but as you will see from the last photo not all folk appreciate the pristine beauty around them.

The morning after a huge illegal party that spread across all the parks and beaches.

And we visited some chooks in a community garden - Fiona bravely feeding and patting chooks

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Imagine peace

In these days of anger, sadness and violence we are called upon to imagine and offer peace to counter the sadness and darkness.

This holiday and Christmas period offers an opportunity to not only imagine peace but to offer it as well.

I wish all peace and wellbeing today and each day - go well.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Fossils in metal and salad servers

I have done further work on some of the least over bits from the metal melt that I posted on earlier. I have turned the pieces into pendants and earrings. When Fiona saw the photos of the pieces she said that the dandelion images stamped into the textured metal reminded her of fossils in stone - I like that and think it is a true reflection on these pieces - see what you think.

For some time Fiona has suggested that it would be nice to have a set of silver-plated brass salad servers that complement the ladles and pate knife etc that have made their way from the garage-studio into the utensil draw. Well I finally got around to making as set as you can see below. Probably means we can pass on some of the bought ones.

I'm downing tools for the Christmas holiday period - back into action next week. Go well and be safe and happy.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Summer solstice sunrise and other delights

Summer sunrise is happening at about 4.50am for us at the moment. Fiona woke me at about 4.45am and exclaimed - how beautiful is that - she was referring to the pre-sunrise glow across the valley and mountains. I dived out of bed and tried to capture this summer solstice beauty. Couple of photos below - the intense colour only lasted 10 minutes - what a wonder to wake up to.

It was a great morning for a walk - gentle light and cool. The Coral trees on Treehaven Way are dropping their blossoms in the grass on the verge - Christmas colours? I was pleased to see the Satin Bowerbird's courting arena is still intact - such a beautiful structure.