Rustnstuff

Time to play with a prototype

2012-02-19T17:27:00.010+10:00

On Saturday and Sunday both Fiona and I managed to intersperse a bit of art amidst the work-work (preparing for a couple of conference related events in Melbourne this coming week); and the ordinary things faced by all of us - maintaing the block and house cleaning etc.

On the trip to NY I sketched a cuff bracelet that was hinged in three places to make it easier to take on and off and form to the wrist a bit more. I managed to complete a prototype - still a bit rough around the edges. Fiona kindly modelled it (see below) and said it had a comfortable feel.

Barry Smith © Hinged brass and EPNS bracelet - top

Barry Smith © Hinged brass and EPNS bracelet - bottom

In the finished piece the side hinge pins would be heated to form balls. At the moment it is held together with wire from used pop rivets The top hinge would have a pin with a ball on one end so that the hinge and pin become part of the design. At the moment the top hinge is held together with a brass plated nail. The band that goes under the wrist would be in one piece so that it would not pinch. The EPNS bits are held with copper rivets.

Barry Smith © Hinged brass and EPNS bracelet - opened top view

Barry Smith © Hinged brass and EPNS bracelet

Barry Smith © Hinged brass and EPNS bracelet - opened - inside view

Barry Smith © Hinged brass and EPNS bracelet - open

I was pleased with the prototype - so when I get a little more time I will make another but with a little more finessing.

Forty finished on Friday

2012-02-17T18:45:00.000+10:00

Well the title sounds a bit impressive but it simply means that after a morning at the computer I got down and dirty in the garage-studio. As you can see from the photo below I finished forming and unfolding a few more tiny leaves and then drilled, sanded the edges of them and polished the lot. They look gorgeous on the rust in the afternoon sunlight. All the leaves were made from metal recycled from the base of a salvaged jardiniere. Can you see the wee 1cm leaf on the right?

Barry Smith © A Litter of Tiny Leaves on Rust

I formed etc a few other slightly bigger leaves and gave them a polish as well. They are drilled and ready to become earrings. The more slender silver pair are silver over copper - lovely to work with cold. I wonder if JM can recognise her pair of leaf forms in brass on the left?

Barry Smith © Leaf forms for earrings

Since I was in polishing mode I gave the two small bowls I beat before going to NYC a polish - but left the worn lustre on the the inside - polished a bit to show the hammer-marks and underlying brass. I have been offered space in the exhibition cabinet at the local library for the next few weeks so I think these little bowls will make their way into the display.

Barry Smith © Small beaten EPNS bowls on rust in the setting sunlight

The 12 leaf bowl also got a bit of a polish. It still needs a bit more work to form a slightly deeper bowl. I bought a raising peg in NYC - am still awaiting it to arrive via US post.

Barry Smith © Twelve leaf bowl gets closer to completion.

And to end the day another photo of the forty leaves on greyed wood just to let the tiny ones shine.

Barry Smith © Tiny foldformed leaves reflect the setting sun

It is a good feeling to be getting back into a pattern - the Friday art is a real injection to the soul.

A tiny commission that feeds the soul

2012-02-15T17:45:00.006+10:00

Not a lot of time for hands on creative art at the moment. I'm still catching up with things (particularly weeds) about the block; and doing computer (paperless) work of both a work-work and community nature. But one little respite and way to feed the art soul has been to grab bits of time and beat metal such as this handful of tiny foldformed brass leaves.

Barry Smith © A stash of tiny brass leaves

I have a commission to make about 25 tiny leaves (3/4-1 inch long) that the client wants to use to create a unique piece for a ceremony. Whilst I have not got thinking space and time for bigger art pieces, it has been good to have this set task so I can duck downstairs into the garage studio and hammer a little litter of leaves on the anvil from time to time.

Barry Smith © Cut pieces of annealed recycled brass.

Barry Smith © Folded and cut to shape

Barry Smith © Formed and ready for second annealing

Barry Smith © An anvil full of opened foldformed leaves

As you can see from the photos above I have gone from small pieces of annealed brass to about 30 tiny leaves; and this time just to challenge myself I did make one 1/2 leaf. These leaves are in the rough (but some of like them like that - some beautiful colours); and will get a polish - maybe on Friday. When you look at the stash of leaves in the palm of my hands it hardly looks like 30 pieces of beaten brass.

Some ephemeral art from Bunya Dreaming; and bounty from the block

2012-02-12T16:31:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I spent the day at Bunya Dreaming with other art4place artists running the 'art challenge'. The Bunya Dreaming gathering art challenge encourages registered 'artists' (children and adults) to create ephemeral olacemaking art according to a theme and/or to reflect the totems of the Aboriginal people of the area (Gubbi Gubbi people). The theme this year was mother as a mark of respect to Beverly Hand's mother who died last year. Beverley is a Gubbi Gubbi elder and driving force behind the Bunya Dreaming gathering - and application and only event. Bunya Dreaming is held on the shores of Baroon Pocket Dam - the traditional spot for the original Bunya gatherings and feasts.

Though about 40-50 pieces of art were created I want to share the following two adult works. Other works by both child/youth and adult 'artists' and the fuller story of art4place's involvement in the day can be found HERE.

Barry Smith © Goanna Team (women art team) - about the birth of Bunya Dreaming and the Bunya Dreaming place

Barry Smith © Detail of Goanna Team's work

Barry Smith © Infinite black hole - detail Goanna Team's work

Barry Smith © Women out Front - Diamond python - view 1

Barry Smith © WoF - Diamond Python - view 2 (someone stepped on the tail)

The circular work that represents the birth place of Bunya Dreaming has an Andy Goldsworthy influence - the work was about 1.5m in diameter. The work was created by a team of 4 women - a lot of thought and detail in the worked. It had an engaging energy about it. It was created around a hole dug into the earth (about 250mm wide and 400mm deep). The soil is black so the hole had a real infinity look about it. The grass and soil were replaced at the end of the day. Great use of Bunya nuts and husks.

The Diamond Carpet Python is about 6m long - beautiful sinuous lines and made a great use of the discarded Bunya cone segments and sand found on site. The artists, Women out Front group (3 artists plus children and others who wanted to contribute) even found some discarded feathers to indicate that the python had just finished a meal.

And of course life goes on 'on the block'. Fiona and I were out this morning tackling the abundant weeds.

Barry Smith © Fiona's harvest

Barry Smith © Heathy and hot little numbers?

Fiona was restoring order to the veggie garden and came up with the above harvest of onions, rhubarb and bell peppers. Iphone photos.

Soft light and unfinished pieces

2012-02-10T17:48:00.004+10:00

We are home after a great sojourn in NYC and Vermont US. I awoke this morning at 5am to soft light in the valley below - quiet and calm; and then nature found its voice - the cacaphony of Kookaburra family chorus, the soft lowing of cattle and a mosaic of other bird calls. Can there be such a thing as quiet noise?

Barry Smith © Soft morning light - 'our valley' (10/2/12)

Today has been spent catching up with people and our lives. Tomorrow the postponed Bunya Dreaming event is to take place - weather permitting; and art4place will coordinate and judge the ephemeral art 'competition'. So I caught up with a few folk to see that we were ready to go in the morning.

art4place is also progressing plans for a placemaking art event called Sunshine Coast Hinterland Creative Spaces to be held in Sept-Oct 2012. So planning and an application for funding has to continue to keep unfolding.

But there was time to have a coffee with Noela and Ken to share the highlights of the trip and to catch up on the art news of the town. Great to be welcomed home by the mountains and friends.

There was not time for hands on art today but I did photograph a few bowls I completed to rough stage but didn't photograph before we went away. As you can see below I took the challenge of the 8 leaf bowl up a notch and have foldformed a 12 leaf bowl. The bowl, including leaves, is about 150mm in diameter; and was made from an old copper plate.

Barry Smith © Twelve leaf bowl - in the rough

I also beat these two EPNS small bowls (about 75mm in diameter). I love the fact that you can still see the sharp edges of the brass under the silver coating and the hammer marks in the silver-plate.

Barry Smith © Small sacred bowls.

I hope over the next couple of days I will get time to complete these pieces - including giving them a polish. Whilst I was good to travel- it is great to be at home, to be calmed by the valley and have the chance to get into the studio-garage.

Last Postcard from New York

2012-02-07T12:13:00.000+10:00

Well, as they say in the classics - all good things come to an end - and so Fiona and my visit to NYC will end tomorrow. But yesterday and today were again two beautiful sunny days.

Yesterday we managed to visit the Brooklyn Museum (really an amazing eclectic social and art collection); and walked the Brooklyn Bridge. A very few of the images from both.

Barry Smith © Detail Hegart - Fallen Bierstadt

Barry Smith © Detail - Marble figure (not named)

Barry Smith © Brychtova - Spaces (formed glass - with my and other reflections

Barry Smith © Detail - Fatmi - Maximum Sensations

Barry Smith © Shadows from - Cave - Sound Suit

Barry Smith © Cables Brooklyn Bridge

Today we shared the Rubin Gallery (Tibetan art) and Habu with fellow artist and blogger Mary Jane D. Again - a few images from an amazing and informative small but quality gallery with a quality collection.

Barry Smith © Wrath Deity - protector

Barry Smith © Yellow Tara

Barry Smith © Skylight Rubin Gallery NYC

And to round things off a few altered shots.

Barry Smith © Altered marble sculpture

Barry Smith © Altered formed glass

Barry Smith © Altered Skylight Rubin Gallery

Barry Smith © Altered Cables BB

Barry Smith © Altered cables BB

And a photo of B & MJD in Habu.

Fiona Dempster © Two dodgy characters in Habu

Metting Mary Jane was once again one of those very comfortable and enjoyable experiences. After the introduction over a cup of coffee we felt that we were just catching up with an old friend. As indicated in earlier posts one of the strengths of meeting folk after following their blogs and vice versa on meeting them it is like you already know them. Thanks to MJ for taking the time to come up to NY to spend a few hours with us.

Snow and sculpture in Vermont

2012-02-06T11:04:00.000+10:00

If you follow Fiona's blog you would know that we have spent a couple of great days with Gabriella M and Brian S (fellow bloggers and artists) in Rutland Vermont. Who would have thought that on this trip to the US we would have caught up with some great fellow artists as well as seeing some great sights & sites. And of course apart from sharing much over some good red etc we experienced snow and art in Vermont.

Barry Smith © Rust bucket in Rutland

I was also reminded of SZQ when I I saw this junker in the snow outside our Rutland breakfast place (a maple sugar house). The following shots give but a small window on our B&G experience in Rutland. First some shots from Southern Vermont Art Centre.

Barry Smith © Fiona skates on thin ice.

Barry Smith © bronze female warrior

Barry Smith © Rusted sculpture

Barry Smith © Rusted rio and washer cougar

Barry Smith © Leaf in snow

Barry Smith © Leaf trapped in ice

Barry Smith © Ice and water

Snow in Rutland - create via a G&B mantra!!!!!

Barry Smith © Tree, snow and screen

Barry Smith © Kangi script?

And of course just a few alterations

Barry Smith © Ice and water - altered

Barry Smith © Kangi script? - altered

Barry Smith © Leaf in snow - altered

Barry Smith © Leaf trapped in ice - altered

Barry Smith © Rio cougar - altered

Barry Smith © Tree, snow, screen - altered

And the 'famous four'.

Fiona Dempster © Artist across the globe - Gabriella, Barry, Brian and Fiona

The journey continues of course for another couple of days. All Barry's photos taken with iPhone.

Postcard 4 NYC: the Met & Ai Wei Wei Seeds

2012-02-03T17:57:00.012+10:00

Fiona and I spent almost all Wednesday checking out 'the Met' (Metropolitan Museum of Art); and because we needed the exercise trudged down to 24th st. in Chelsea to see Ai Wei Wei's installation of 'millions' of ceramic sunflowers seeds at the Mary Boone Gallery (no entry fee!!). 'The Met" just blows you away with the absolute size and variety of art and artefacts (some acquired and some ........).

One could rave on about many things but I loved some of the aspects of the Arab exhibitions; the pointillism and impressionists; and the fact that different art eras could be represented through the eyes.

So a couple of fragments in the new galleries for the art of the Arab Lands etc. collection I enjoyed.

Barry Smith © Detail of cloth fragment

Barry Smith © Ceremonial dagger - light and form

Some fragments of the pointillism and impressionists I enjoyed.

Barry Smith © detail Monet - The Four Trees

Barry Smith © Detail - Monet - The Houses of Parliament

Barry Smith © Detail - Seurat - Gray Weather

Barry Smith © Signac - The Jetty at Cassis

Barry Smith © Signac - Lighthouse at Croix

And then some of the eyes.

Barry Smith © VG - Self Portrait

Barry Smith © Andy Warhol - Mao 1973

Barry Smith © Eyes - Close- Lucas

Barry Smith © Eyes - Kaipunesut (ca 25528 B.C.)

Barry Smith © Eyes Egyptian exhibition the Met

And of course some shots of Ai Wei Wei Seeds.

Barry Smith © Corner 'seeds' @ MBG

Barry Smith © Seed installation @ MBG

And of course a couple of altered shots.

Barry Smith © Ceremonial dagger - altered

Barry Smith © Seed installation @ MBG - altered

What a place NYC is - unbelievable that one can see and experience so much.

Postcard 3 NYC: Lights, fragments and icons

2012-02-02T09:57:00.003+10:00

The days and dates are beginning to blur. Each day Fiona and I plan to do a moderate amount but seem to fit in quite a bit of touristic, experientiantilistic and artistic activity.

As you can see from the photos below we did a two and a hour half island cruise to give us an overview of the city. It gave us the chance to look across at the icons and bridges from a distance.

Barry Smith © Detail Manhattan Bridge

Barry Smith © SL in winter sun

Barry Smith © Cables of Brooklyn Bridge

And then to look down on the lights of the city from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building (ESB).

Barry Smith © Lights of Times Square from 102 ESB

Barry Smith © City LIghts from 102 ESB 1 (stitched)

Barry Smith © City LIghts from 102 ESB 2 (stitched)

So we are getting to see NYC from many angles. And because I'm taking all my photos with the iPhone I get to play with a few of my shots.

Barry Smith © SL -winter sun - altered

Barry Smith © Lights TS from 102 ESB - altered

Barry Smith © Cables of BB - altered

Barry Smith © Detail MB - altered

Hope you enjoyed NYCPC3 because we did.

Treasures in NYC

2012-01-30T10:55:00.000+10:00

I think Fiona's and my fitness has gone up a touch in NY. We find ourselves using the Subway and just walking heaps - all day in fact. The aim of the day was to go to a couple of flea markets (Hell's Kitchen on 39th and Garage Antiques Market on 25th); and end the day at MoMA. We surfaced at 42nd street and one of first images we saw was this placemaking art piece that marked the fashion area.

Barry Smith © Needle and button in the fashion area NYC

Then to the markets.

Barry Smith © The Garage Markets on 25th st NYC

Where I managed to pick up treasures including the following; and Fiona acquired some that suited her art taste.

Barry Smith © Rusted and mini brass pulley wheels

Barry Smith © Close up of mini pulley wheels

Barry Smith © Pressure gauges

Barry Smith © Silver plated salt shakers

Barry Smith © Parker pen and decorative silver bit

Barry Smith © Larger crystals on wollen hat

Barry Smith © Crystal detail

Then off to MoMA where we saw much but I share but a few images.

Barry Smith © MoMA -stairway to the arts

Barry Smith © Detail of Andy Warhol's Gold Marilyn Monroe

Barry Smith © Detail of Girl with a Mandolin - Pablo Picasso

Barry Smith © Shadows of the art - Bicycle Wheel - Marcel Duchamp

Barry Smith © Detail Water Lilies - Claude Monet

After a market and art drenched day we have returned 'home' to have 'deli dinner' and a wine or two. All in all another great day in NY. All photos via the iPhone.

Postcards from NY?

2012-01-28T09:05:00.001+10:00

Well you will see from the following photos that Fiona and I have escaped the hot weather and rain of Maleny to holiday and celebrate my birthday in New York. We have had a couple excellent blue sky days, then a cloudy-drizzly day and today a bit rainy. So we have walked and done as much outside stuff as we can just in case the rain and/or snow hits and we can then head indoors to the galleries.

So just a few images (postcards) from NY....... all taken on iPhone.

Barry Smith© Fiona gazes out over mid and north NY from 'the Rock' (stitched)

Barry Smith © Detail of arch at the Cloisters NY

Barry Smith© Hot dogs in Central Park NY

Barry Smith © Chrysler Building in the drizzling rain

Barry Smith © Chrysler Building in the sun

Barry Smith © Top of Empire State building in cloud

Barry Smith © Statue of Liberty in morning fog

And of course some of these photos were chosen because they offered better opportunities for alteration as can be seen below.

Barry Smith © A soft altered look at the Chrysler Building 1

Barry Smith © A different look at the Chrysler Building 2

Barry Smith © Altered detail of Cloisters arch

Barry Smith © Empire State - altered

Barry Smith © Statue of Liberty in fog - altered

So as we are away from home my art on Friday, and other days, will be play with my iPhone and iPhonegraphic alterations.

Magical Mountains

2012-01-25T17:58:00.004+10:00

I never cease to be uplifted by the view of the mountains in the valley below our block - "our valley" as we call it - just borrowed of course. Some time it is crystal clear; other times it is white with cloud. My favourite view is when cloud is lifting in the soft early morning light - like a light curtain lifting to reveal the valley floor and mountains. Brushing up against the mountains as a gentle breeze blows them as they lift with the early morning sunrise.

Barry Smith © Mountains @ 6am

Barry Smith © Cloud shrouds the mountain

Barry Smith © Mountains @ 6.30am

Barry Smith © Cloud flows over the mountain

Such breathtaking majesty. The photos were taken with the iPhone so I could mess with a couple of the shots - two versions of the earlier grainy close-up and two of the later photo. Maybe it it is my way of drawing attention to the magic nature offers.

Barry Smith © Mountain study 1

Barry Smith © Mountain study 2

Barry Smith © Mountain study 3

Barry Smith © Mountain study 4

That view makes me feel at peace - hope that peacefulness is shared.

Leaf Letter Openers

2012-01-22T18:00:00.013+10:00

As makers of stuff our work is often influenced by our surroundings. Fortunately Fiona and I live in a beautiful part of Australia - just outside of Maleny in the ranges inland from the Sunshine Coast. Our walks in our neighbourhood take us through treelined streets - the green after rain almost burns your eyeballs there is so much green growth at the moment. But I diverge - I was going to say that after rain there is often lots of leaf litter on the road. In Treehaven Way there is a lot of leaf litter from Eucalyptus trees. As you can see these are long flat leaves - beautiful slender shapes.

Barry Smith © Eucalyptus leaf on the road after rain

These are the inspiration for my 'Leaf Letter Openers'. Last Friday (13 Jan) I cut and annealed metal for a series of these letter openers. As you can see from the photos below I managed to get six done over the last little while. Long flat gum leaf blades with small curled leaf handles.

Barry Smith © Leaf Letter Openers

Barry Smith © Leaf Letter Openers - detail - blades

Barry Smith © Leaf Letter Opener detail - handle

Barry Smith © Leaf Letter Opener - detail - handle

Barry Smith © Leaf Letter Opener - detail- handle

I am pretty happy with the form of these Leaf Letter Openers now. And as with the 8 Leaf Bowl I like how the brass wire brush has transferred brass to the copper. As usual all are made from recycled metal - you can see some old fold marks on a couple of the brass letter openers.

'Found earrings'

2012-01-20T17:43:00.004+10:00

When I am cutting up old EPNS trays and bowls etc to reclaim the metal for leaves and bowls now and then I see pieces that suggest the pendant part of an earring. I tend to put these aside in a bowl or bottle and when I have s bit of a stash I do trimming, drilling, maybe some stamping and of course polishing.

In October last year I posted on some of what I call 'found earrings' made from such bits; and then after a giveaway they of went to good homes.

As you can see from the photos below I have had another of my play days; and have generated some more pairs of of 'found earrings'. The bell shaped bits were formerly legs of a tray; the long thin ones stated out as the rim of a bowl; and the V and ribbon shapes were handles of a sugar bowls; and the rest from small cake-biscuit trays.

Barry Smith © Bits for 'found earrings'

Barry Smith © Bits for 'found earrings' - formerly cake tray handle

Barry Smith © Bits for 'found earrings' formerly sugar bowl handle

Barry Smith © Bits for 'found earrings' - formerly cake tray handle

Because these bits are found, gifts from recycling, they do tend to find their way to other homes as gifts. Of course they still need jump rings and ear hoops etc.

Secret lives of spiders

2012-01-18T17:45:00.003+10:00

One of the unexpected outcomes of our recent rain has been that many spiders' webs have become obvious. Without the raindrops clinging to the webs they just blend with the background. The following early morning photos just show a few of the very very many small webs that infest the bushes and plants on the block.

Barry Smith © Webs after rain 1

Barry Smith © Webs after rain 2

Barry Smith © Webs after rain 3

Barry Smith © Webs after rain 4

Barry Smith © Webs after rain 5

And given that I had taken the photos with the iPhone I couldn't resist altering a couple of photos.

Barry Smith © Web of jewels

Barry Smith © Web silhouette

The spider, a Funnel Web Spider, photographed below was a little less welcome. After one wet night it had wandered into the tiled area downstairs.

Barry Smith © Funnel Web Spider

It is venomous so was not welcome in the house.

Light catchers go to Brighton

2012-01-15T18:06:00.001+10:00

Over the last few weeks I have read in the blog posts of fellow bloggers about how their works have been accepted or rejected for this or that exhibition or award event. This occurred at the time that the deadline for getting notification for an exhibition I applied to enter came and went. I thought - well you've got to give it a go and if it doesn't come off it is just not my time.

It made me think - why do we do this? Why do we accept invitations to enter; or apply to enter? And where and what do we enter in? For me, in the first instance, it is about sharing what I am doing; and attempting to lift the profile of my art. Whilst it would be good to win an award or be purchased - the main thing is just letting people know who I am and what I do.

After my initial thoughts that my application to be in the Adelaide Airport Brighton Jetty Classic Sculptures Exhibition had not been accepted I got a belated notice that my three small light catchers below had been accepted.

Barry Smith © Light catcher series

These are not new works but before this they had only been shown in Fiona and my small personal exhibition in Handheld Gallery in Melbourne. I have entered the three pieces into the Exhibitions small indoor sculpture section as a cluster; and also in the environment exhibition given they are all made from assembled reclaimed-recycled objects and materials.

Barry Smith © Star Light - star gate

Barry Smith © Moon Light - moon gate

Barry Smith © Light Shuttle

I entered these three pieces as I felt there is a theme of timber, brass, lens and navigation by the stars-moon running through them that could connect with the clipper ships that served Adelaide in the past and sailed in the waters off Brighton. The pieces have been packed and posted to Adelaide and will be delivered to the exhibition on the 23 January.

An outrageous bowl for Friday

2012-01-13T18:01:00.003+10:00

Though it has been a hectic day with varied stuff I did keep to my aspiration of getting into the studio for a little creativity on Friday. In the main I was cutting and annealing metal for a series of 'leaf letter openers' etc. But I also wanted to test if I could make a bowl with eight leaf forms incorporated into it. As you can see from the photo below I was able to do it.

Barry Smith © Eight leaf foldformed bowl

The foldforming of the 'leaves' required 4 separate annealings. And the rough and burnt bowl has its beauty. It almost looks like a big single dead leaf curling at the edges.

Barry Smith © Eight leaf bowl in the rough - in the fire pit

However, I did polished the rough edges off; and then polished the whole bowl with a brass wire wheel. The brass wheel deposited brass on the copper as it polished so the bowl has hints of copper and brass.

Barry Smith © Eight leaf foldformed bowl - side on

Barry Smith © Eight leaf foldformed bowl - top view

Barry Smith © Eight leaf foldformed bowl -nestled in the rusted bower

I was not able to beat the bowl to the level of beaten finish I wanted as I don't have a long necked stake that can go up inside a bowl that curves inwards. The bowl was made from a recycled copper plate that was given to me. The finished bowl is about 125mm in diameter and about 50mm high.

Helping nature do it's thing on the block

2012-01-11T17:24:00.002+10:00

We are in the middle of summer and over the last couple of weeks the sky has been blue and the sun intense. Whilst the heat can make us humans wilt many of the veggies love it - as long as they get a bit of water from time to time.

A couple of months ago we had transplanted some pumpkin seedlings from our and Fiona's folks gardens where they had grown out of the compost. They just sat there and didn't do much - grew slowly. Over the last few weeks they have gone ballistic; and are producing much leaf and some of the biggest (175-200mm diameter) brightest flowers I have seen - such as those below.

Barry Smith © Female pumpkin flower

Barry Smith © Male pumpkin flower

The pumpkin plants are over at 'the shed' and not surrounded by too many other flowers so not a lot of bees visiting. Fiona has been playing matchmaker by pollinating the female flowers with the male flower pollen.

Barry Smith © Pollination by Fiona

Barry Smith © Remnant of male flower becomes beetle fodder

And she seems to be achieving some good results given the fact that we are now starting to get a crop of pumpkins growing.

Barry Smith © Female flower a day after pollination

Barry Smith © Three days after pollination

We don't think we will achieve the numbers we did last year - but who knows as the vines begin to take over the art work including Fiona's calligraphic posts; and are already heading down amongst the coffee bushes.

Barry Smith © Vines rambling through Fiona's Sentinel Posts

I know some people are 'really riveted' by this pumpkin news - so I will give a periodic update.

Tiny challenge - leaf pendant earrings

2012-01-08T18:06:00.002+10:00

On Friday I posted on some tiny leaves (25-30mm long) I formed to use in making earrings. Other fellow metal working artists including Stregata and Mairedodd , who are talented makers of art jewellery, make foldformed leaves as components for their pieces. Mairedodd indicated that she has formed leaves as small as about 15-18mm (3/4 inch). I thought I had to give that a go - so this afternoon I took myself back down to the 'garage-studio' to cut, beat and polish some micro leaves. As you can see from the photo below when compared to Smarties (M&Ms) they are quite tiny and yet have maintained the leaf form.

Fiona Dempster © Tiny leaves and Smarties

You can see from the photo of my thumb nail and a leaf in the process of being beaten my fingers were slightly at risk.

Barry Smith © Tiny leaf being formed

Barry Smith © A litter of tiny formed leaves

But about eleven tiny ones emerged; and were unfolded ready for polishing.

Barry Smith © Leaves opened ready for polishing

And a tiny shiny stash of leaves appeared after polishing.

Barry Smith © Stash of micro leaves

I thought it would be good to see how they worked as earring pieces. Using some chain recycled from older earrings of Fiona's I made a set of pendant earrings. They looked good on the blue glass; but look even better on Fiona who was forced to model them after a hard afternoon of creativity in the shed studio. Fiona said it was like wearing her own personal wind chimes as the leaves are so light they tinkle together.

Barry Smith © Micro leaf earrings for Fiona

Barry Smith © Micro leaf earrings modeled by Fiona

I think I could be over the actual obsession with creating micro leaves for a little while - but will return to them when I have a little more time as they have heaps of potential.

Handful of tiny leaves

2012-01-06T18:59:00.000+10:00

OK! So I get a little obsessed at times. Recently I have set myself the challenge of forming tiny leaves that could become earrings. Over the last few months I have been progressively reducing the size - seeing if I could keep the shape and detail without ending up with beaten fingers etc.

I made my smallest pair when demonstrating leaf making with Jeff. Today (being Friday and all) I used time this afternoon to cut, beat, drill and polish another 5 pairs of tiny leaves. In the photo below you can see the 12 leaves fit very easily in the palm of my hand. All the leaves are 25-30mm in length.

Barry Smith © A handfull of tiny metal leaf forms

Fiona took photos of the six pairs of leaves whilst I got the risotto going in the rice cooker - she caught the afternoon setting sun so the photos have a lovely warm aged look about them.

Barry Smith © Tiny curled copper leaves

Barry Smith © Tiny extra curled copper leaves

Barry Smith © Tiny simple brass leaves

Barry Smith © Tiny brass ans zinc leaves

Barry Smith © Extra thin brass leaves - fractured and torn

Barry Smith © Demo for Jeff leaves - brass - drilled and polished

I did not have the time to add jump rings and wires to the leaves - maybe I will post later on how they look as finished earrings.

A creative start to 2012

2012-01-04T18:34:00.000+10:00

Fiona and I have had our friend Jeff and his wife Evi visiting with us for the last five days. Lots of catching up was done, good food eaten and good wine and single malt consumed - so a good time was had by all.

I had promised Jeff that I would guide him through the process of creating a pair of leaf earrings for Evi. So yesterday after we had got some sorting and packing tasks out of the way we headed down to the garage studio. You can see from the photo below Jeff's final product was great.

Barry Smith © Hands of the creator- jeff's leaf earrings

In the following series of photos you can see the folded and cut annealed recycled brass; the leaf forms on the anvil (two sets - small ones are mine); the leaf forms being beaten; leaves unfolded and being polished; and the finished earrings being modelled by Evi.

Barry Smith © Metal - folded and cut

Barry Smith © Brass on the anvil

Barry Smith © Jeff forming the leaf

Barry Smith © Jeff polishing the leaf

Barry Smith © Evi models an earring

I demonstrated each step of the process by creating a small pair of leaves. As you can see from the photo below these leaves are about 30mm long and are quite delicate.

Barry Smith © Small formed leaves

It gave me a buzz to take my friend through this creative process; to see his pride in the completed product; and to see Evi's joy in receiving his gift. Good way to start the creativity of 2012.

2012 - a new year of possibilities

2012-01-01T16:00:00.001+10:00

Today is the the first day of 2012 - may 2012 be a year filled with creativity, peace, joy, opportunities connections and art sales for all our fellow bloggers and artists.

Fiona and I are not good at sending out Christmas cards - so we have accommodated this by developing a household tradition - sending out new year cards with a focus on wishes and hopes for the year ahead. I decided that my new year card for 2012 would reflect my leaf and iPhoneography - two themes I will continue to develop over the next 12 months.

I did six app variations of an iPhone photo of beaten recycled anodised aluminium leaves and pods on a white cardboard background. The original leaf installation on cardboard was about 200mm high X500mm long. I put the photos to the vote - Fiona, myself and Fiona's folks; and interestingly enough two options got two votes each. So I have gone with both.

As you can see one photo has a a stronger three dimensional element; and the other a peace rainbow overlay. Now 'all I have to do' is write on the cards and get them in the mail.

Go well in 2012.

Fourteen iPhoneography Favourites on Friday

2011-12-30T17:40:00.000+10:00

Since April of 2011 I embarked on a journey to take photos with my iPhone; and alter some of those shots that appealed with iPhone apps. There are a number of the photos scattered through my blog but I thought I might celebrate the journey so far by sharing a few of my favourites.

Originally there were to be ten photos but, as Fiona says, in the spirit of indecisiveness I have settled on fourteen - after all there is a phonetic likeness with iPhoneography and Friday.

Barry Smith © Gum leaf after rain- Pirlangimpi

Barry Smith © Hawk against storm clouds - Pirlangimp1

Barry Smith © Grass seeds - Umbakumba

Barry Smith © "Ghost dozer" - Umbakumba

Barry Smith © Monoliths at dawn - 601MVR

Barry Smith © Ken's paper stack

Barry Smith © Sand wash - Rainbow Beach

Barry Smith © Mattress springs and dog print - Rainbow Beach

Barry Smith © Moth on the door - 601 MVR

Barry Smith © Collected feather - 601 MVR

Barry Smith © Metal feather - 601 MVR

Barry Smith © Storm clouds on the Glasshouse Mountains

Barry Smith © Spider's web at dawn - Treehaven Way

Barry Smith © Poppy reflected in the kitchen window @ 601 MVR

I think the photos, in the main, demonstrate that I like contrasts - guess we will see where 2012 takes me on this journey.

Wishing all the best in 2012 - joy, peace, fulfilment, creativity and daring.

Blissful coffee and other stuff on the block

2011-12-28T17:44:00.000+10:00

Back in September I posted on our coffee harvest for this year (about 3kgs). Given we have a bit more time on our hands now our work-work project is finished for now, we are now doing the husking, sorting, roasting, grinding, brewing and drinking of the coffee that has travelled 50m across the block - zero food miles!!!

Barry Smith © Coffee blossom

I thought I'd share a few photos of the process and end result. First the beans dried and ready for husking.

Barry Smith © Dried coffee beans with husks on

Husking using a small hand operated machine.

Barry Smith © Husking

Barry Smith © Hand operated husker

The green de-husked and roasted beans.

Barry Smith © Green coffee beans

Barry Smith © Roasted coffee beans

The beans above were roasted for 15 minutes at 245F. The cup of coffee made from these beans tasted smooth but a little light - needs more edge - will do 17 minutes next time.

Barry Smith © Green bananas off the block

Barry Smith © Ripening bananas

We have also been busy with our bananas - harvested a couple of bunches - and of course with the warm weather they have all ripened over the last week. So we have been: eating them - frequently; giving them away by the dozen; baking with them - banana bread and muffins (Fiona); drying them (Barry); and making banana jam (Fiona).

Barry Smith © Fiona's excellent banana jam

Fiona has asked me to refrain from using the 'b' word in the house for a little while.

Christmas wishes and winners

2011-12-25T17:36:00.028+10:00

Wishing all peace and joy today; and for all at all times.

Barry Smith © Leaves of peace for Christmas

Just over a week ago I posted on my 400th blog post and offered a giveaway. The draw was to coincide with Christmas Day - and so it has. Fiona selected the three names for the three give-aways and they are:

Brian Sylvester for the strap bowl.

Barry Smith © Strap bowl

Jann Gougeon for the rusted leaf.

Barry Smith © Rusted silver leaf

And Leslie Avon Miller for the prototype pendant.

Barry Smith © Prototype pendant

Thanks heaps to all the folk who took the time to leave a comment on the original post. It means a lot to me to have the interest and support of fellow artists. And I wish there was a giveaway for all. Thanks to Fiona - great hand model!!

If the winners can send me their postal mailing address I will send those items off early in 2012.

Wishing all the very best for 2012 - may it be a year of peace and fulfilment.

Friday fragments

2011-12-23T17:35:00.014+10:00

Whilst I have had the opportunity to do some art related stuff today it has mostly been background work like: make a wooden cutting v for jewellery work; putting a new blade into the bandsaw and make sure it is working safely; cleaning the workbench again after a long time; and cutting up metal - finding 'found' earrings in the edges and handles of trays.

So on this Friday I wanted to post a few Christmassy type photos and send wishes of peace and joy across the globe; and share a few photos from my morning walk.

Some iPhone photos of a Christmas tree in City Hall Square in Brisbane - naked and altered; and my own little tree made of anodised aluminium leaves - altered.

Barry Smith © Altered detail of the Christmas tree

Barry Smith © Christmas tree in city square Brisbane

Barry Smith © Christmas tree in city square Brisbane - altered

Barry Smith © Altered leaf Christmas tree 1

Barry Smith © Altered leaf Christmas tree 2

And some photos from this morning's walk - after over night rain.

Barry Smith © Cluster of micro fungi

Barry Smith © Garden escapees on the roadside

Barry Smith © Jacaranda blossoms on the road

Barry Smith © Fungi on Pine tree

Barry Smith © Tiny tendrils on pine bark

Barry Smith © Rose on our block

Barry Smith © After the rain - droplets on petals

We have had some persistent rain showers today. Hope it fines up for the Neighbourhood Centre's Community Christmas breakfast on Sunday.

Wishing all a happy, safe, joy-filled and peace-filled Christmas.

And for those who haven't seen it there is still a little time to take part in the 400th post giveaway that will be draw on Christmas Day.

Yee-hah!! what a gift - peace

2011-12-21T17:46:00.007+10:00

The mail delivery contained a special package for me - a gift from SooZeQue - junk 'resurrectionist' extraordinaire. As you can see from the photo below the package contained two of my favourite things: rust and peace. I was veerrry excited when I opened the package.

Barry Smith Rusted on Peace by SooZeQue

When I looked at this beautiful and generous gift the thought that jumped into my mind, apart from thanks Soozeque, was that this piece could be called Rusted on Peace as in - the aspiration and actions for peace just won't go away. And thanks SZQ - this piece of art will find a home on a 'timber monolith' (my new name for my 'timber and rust posts') on our block.

And of course given the generosity of artists there was more. A pure copper peace symbol that will patina beautifully.

Some of SZQ's special historic railway nails.

And copper offcuts including this one with rainbow edges.

SZQ - thanks for the gift of peace - may it be something we all attempt to attain and share. Rust lovers and recyclers will find SZQ's blog and website an inspiration - I love the creativity of the resurrected shovels and barrows; but also just love the rusted pick-up trucks etc.

Early Christmas celebration

2011-12-18T18:06:00.012+10:00

Fiona and I have just returned from 'the city' (Brisbane) where we went to celebrate (yesterday) her mum and dad's 50th wedding anniversary; and celebrate Christmas (today) with her family since every one was in Brisbane.

Of course too much rich food was eaten; but both events were great celebrations - a peaceful sense of gathering and sharing at both events.

As part of the Christmas get together there was a sharing of gifts. I received books and vouchers that I expressed an interest in including a voucher from Fiona for guitar lessons. To supplement Fiona's gift voucher I made the simple earrings below - I was aiming to create layers, classic lines and keep them light. Polishing the tiny plates of thin metal and hammering rivets close together was a challenge for my not so delicate fingers.

I think they have worked; they look good on Fiona; they were a surprise; she did say she liked them; and she lent them to me so I could photograph them for this post.

Barry Smith @ Earrings for Fiona - former life backpack sprayer and jardiniere

Fiona has posted on our Christmas tree; but I wanted to share a few photo of the shadow of one of the paper hearts that I have given the app treatment resulting in some Christmassy colours

Barry Smith © Shadow of a paper heart

Barry Smith © Altering Shadow of a paper heart 1.

Barry Smith © Altering Shadow of a paper heart 2.

Barry Smith © Altering Shadow of a paper heart 3.

Barry Smith © Altering Shadow of a paper heart 4.

I was interested to find that as I did progressive treatments of each emerging altered photo - it resulted in a movement of the heart from shadow to light, to dark and then back to white again. Hopefully we can aspire to white and peaceful hearts for Christmas.

And if you haven't had the opportunity to check out my 400th post giveaway there is still time.

Four hundred on Friday - Giveaway

2011-12-16T18:15:00.001+10:00

Time seems to go as fast when your having fun. Recently Fiona indicated she had reached a milestone of doing her four hundredth post. This made me look at my post record and I saw that I was also getting close. We have a bit of a practice in our household of celebrating these miles stones with a giveaway. Well - this is my 400th post - on a art Friday.

Fiona had a nice idea of celebrating her milestone and the fact that it is nearly Christmas by offering three giveaways. So to keep up with the Dempsters I have decided to giveaway three items: a bowl (150mm in diameter) made from recycled rusted metal strapping, copper wire and rivets; a rusted 'silver' leaf (130mm long) made from a chrome plated iron tray (thought it was EPNS); and a prototype of a unisex pendant (about 50x30mm) made from recycled brass and EPNS.

Barry Smith © Strap bowl

Barry Smith © Rusted silver leaf

Barry Smith © Brass and EPNS - prototype pendant

To be in the draw all you need to do is leave a comment on this post; and indicate which of the giveaways item/s you would like to come your way.

I will get Fiona to draw out names on Christmas day and notify the 'winners' in a post that day. It could be like getting an extra Christmas present for a few folk.

The threat of a storm

2011-12-14T18:01:00.000+10:00

One of the many things Fiona and I enjoy about our place and our block is the magnificent view we have across the valley to the south and the hills to the south west. Unfortunately for those who live in the valley it does tend to be a bit of a corridor for thunderstorms in the summer.

On Saturday we look to the south and there was this big cluster of threatening storm clouds.

We love watching the storms roll across the valley and so decided because it was after 6pm we would sit on the southern deck with a glass of bubbles and watch this storm brew as it moved both across the valley and towards us. We estimated we had about time for one glass of bubbles before it was pouring rain at our place. Sure enough the Glasshouse Mountains and the hills to the south west began to disappear.

The clouds, wind and rain raced closer - hurry drink those bubbles!!!

Yes it is time to go inside now. The rain and wind looked better from behind the glass.

And just for fun a couple of altered shots. All photos taken with the iPhone.

Barry Smith © Storm clouds shroud the Glasshouse Mountains - altered

Barry Smith © The threat in the valley below - altered

By the way, we had 45mm (almost 2 inches of rain in about 30-45 minutes)

Brights things for Christmas

2011-12-11T17:26:00.001+10:00

When one gets into a bit of production mode it can feel a little less rewarding as you can feel you are just turning out multiples of objects. In part that is how I have felt over the last week or so. I have been creating enough pieces so if people ring and want to buy unique handmade gifts for Christmas there are enough pieces in the display cabinet for them to choose from.

However, given the one off recycled nature of the materials I work with I can often put a unique spin on things; and still feel good about the creative process. Testing bowl making with anodised aluminium without totally ruining the colour and soft metal has given me an energising challenge.

Barry Smith © Focal word on palm meditation bowl

I have been making a few bowls for different purposes. And I have played with bowls made from the square and round.

Palm-handheld meditation bowls. Many of my palm-handheld meditation bowls have focal words stamped into the rim. Some are plain if people simply want to find the silence.

Barry Smith © Blue anodised aluminium foldformed bowl

Barry Smith © Focal word on bowl palm meditation bowl

Barry Smith © Silver anodised beaten aluminium palm bowl

"A Word-a-Day" bowls - couple are highly polished, therefore photographer is reflected in the photo. These bowls are about 75mm (3inches) across

Barry Smith © "A Word-a-Day" bowls

Barry Smith © Foldformed copper bowl on the square

Barry Smith © Back of foldformed copper bowl on the square

Barry Smith © Beaten brass bowl on the square.

Words for: the "a Word-a-Day" bowls ; and Inspiration in Your Pocket pieces.

Barry Smith © Words, beautiful inspirational words

The words always look full of energy and giving when they are heaped.

Fruits of collaboration

2011-12-09T18:57:00.001+10:00

I have been able to get into the studio this afternoon for a couple of hours. I used the time to finished five small bowls I have been working on; words on metal for my Word-a-Day bowls; and Inspirations in the Pocket pieces. But because Noela delivered a stash of completed Bazola I thought I'd share what we have achieved through our collaborative efforts.

Most of the pieces are earrings and the set below are one of my favourites out of this lot. I love the simple design and how the pitted corrosion of the metal and the form marks from a 'previous life' show on the finished product. I will show photos of other pieces and you will probably have a different opinion to me.

Barry Smith © Brass Bazola earrings - foldformed with silver wire

But I thought I'd show the three stages before Noela creates the jewellery. The first stage is harvesting recycled metal from collected EPNS, brass and copper objects such as the spirit stoves cut up below.

Barry Smith © Harvesting metal from obsolete spirit stoves

Then of course annealing a heap of cut up bits.

Barry Smith © Brass, copper and ENPNS - harvested, chopped and annealed

Creating a stash of "Bazola bits" to deliver to Noela.

Barry Smith © Bazola bits emerge from the annealed metal

And then Noela responds to the "Bazola bits", creates a design, adds elements and assembles the pieces into wearable art jewellery below.

Barry Smith © Bazola - former life - decorative EPNS serving tray

Barry Smith © Bazola - former life - spirit stove

Barry Smith © Bazola - former life silver-plated copper goblet

Barry Smith © Bazola - former life - EPNS serving tray

Barry Smith © Bazola - former life - decorative EPNS serving tray

Barry Smith © Bazola - former life - spirit stove

Barry Smith © Bazola - former life - copper tank

Barry Smith © Bazola - former life - EPNS serving tray

Barry Smith © Bazola pendant - former life - EPNS serving tray

And hopefully people will continue to be intrigued by the harvested, unique foldformed, hand-beaten and handmade nature of the pieces; and of course buy them.

Bounty on "the Block"

2011-12-07T18:01:00.003+10:00

Though we have been away from home quite a bit this year for work-work we have managed to keep a rudimentary veggie garden going. We had planted a few winter crop type veggies and recently decided to harvest them to give us a chance to tackle the weeds and to plant some summer veggies.

Below you will see small but luscious organic crops of: onions, leeks, carrots, potatoes, rhubarb and a sole asparagus.

Onions and Leeks

More Leeks and Carrots

10 Large Potatoes

Rhubarb

Lonely Asparagus

The Silver beet, rhubarb, self sown tomatoes, comfrey, second crop of onions and Bell Peppers are all still going well.

Silver beet, Rhubarb, Comfrey and Compost Bins

Tomatoes etc

And behind the tomatoes we have planted beans, snow peas, rocket and more silver beet. And now the rain has come we are hoping the summer crop rages on. Over at the shed/studio garden 3 pumpkin vines have taken off - probably takeover the coffee bushes which for some really weird reason have decided to bloom again. But we thank nature for the bounty - the stuff from the garden always tastes so good.

Leaf meets blade

2011-12-04T18:10:00.001+10:00

In the lead up to Christmas Fiona and I had planned to have another Open Studio for people to visit and maybe purchase unique handmade gifts. But with the work-work and community commitments as well as reclaiming the block it is just not possible. So Fiona sent out a very brief newsletter to say that while we would not have an Open studio event we would be willing to open up if people wanted to visit; and of course people could ring or email if they were interested in purchasing pieces. If you want to receive our occasional newsletter you can sign up under Newsletter which is on the right hand side of my blog.

So we have turned our minds and hands to creating more pieces that might appeal - need to increase the work on hand. Quite sometime ago I did a prototype 'letter opener' with leaf - functional art. Whilst I did not get time to do art on Friday I did get a couple of hours on Saturday and another hour or so today. I had set myself the task of making four leaf letter openers. I achieved my goal - and my favourite of the four is below. It is a bit like two leaves morphing into each other. The 'handle leaf' has a lovely 180 degree twist to it.

Barry Smith © Leaf letter opener 1

As usual the roughs do have an appeal with their burnt and patina surfaces and ragged edges.

Barry Smith © Leaf letter openers in the rough on fire pit

Barry Smith © Leaf letter openers in the rough

But to sell they need to be finished so people won't cut themselves on the hammered edges; and though artists like the natural look many of the public go for the polished look.

Barry Smith ©Brass leaf letter openers - polished

I also have a bit of a thing about creating small leaves or seed pods - so as part of the creative weekend I made a small pair of open seed pods from EPNS - they are about 45mm long. Could make quite a nice set of earrings.

Barry Smith © Small open seed pods

I always feel refreshed when I have had the chance to heat metal and hammer away - it is very meditative in its own way.

At dawn - after the storm

2011-12-02T18:20:00.011+10:00

Yesterday afternoon we had a storm that dropped over 50mm (2inches) of rain on us in about an hour - overflowing gutters and tanks; wind and rain swirling from all directions. But this morning it was calm, clear, cloudy and cool.

As you can see from the photo below the valley was still filled with rain filled cloud - but provided a great backdrop to the beauty and freshness of the Frangipani.

Barry Smith © Frangipani and valley dawn

Because of the wind and rain there was a lot of leaf and blossom fall.

Barry Smith © Nature creates a purple zen garden

The warm weather and rain has brought the creeping weeds out in their glory.

Barry Smith © The brilliance of weeds and their seeds

Barry Smith © The brilliance of weeds 2

And of course the fungi are re-emerging.

Barry Smith © Fungi - old gives way to the new

Barry Smith © Wood, stone and fungi

But then so are the flowers on our block including the Bougainvillaea and Frangipani.

Barry Smith © Bougainvillaea after the storm

Barry Smith © Frangipani after the storm

All photos were taken with the iPhone and are untouched.

Oh!! And by the way I know there is a great giveaway on Fiona's blog - only a couple more days to go - so check it out here.

A 'Burst' of Bazola bits

2011-11-30T18:05:00.006+10:00

We had Fiona's best friend Sue visiting last weekend - it is always a good to have her visit - amongst other things she helps us to see our world in refreshed or new ways including spending more time on the southern deck watching the sun go down with a glass of white wine in the hand.

But Sue is also an admirer and buyer of Bazola jewellery. Noela had dropped off a few pieces she had 'in stock' for Sue to check out. She bought a few sets of earrings - so it made me realise I needed to make Noela another stash. So the burst of Bazola bits below was beaten and polished.

Barry Smith © Burst of Bazola bits

Just for fun and friendship I made the simple copper earrings below for Sue as she had admired the forms. They are very light - almost like stiff old crinkled copper paper.

Barry Smith © For Sue

Below are some shots of some of the Bazola burst bits up closer.

Barry Smith © Silver plated Bazola bits

Barry Smith © Copper Bazola bits

Barry Smith © Brass Bazola bits

Barry Smith © Yet more EPNS Bazola bits

Barry Smith © Burnt copper Bazola bit

Barry Smith © Copper fan Bazola bit

Barry Smith © Copper double foldformed Bazola bit

I never tire of what I can make from the scraps of recycled metal. The red colour on the silver plate was a reflection of my t-shirt - indicates the high polish on the bits. I delivered the bits to Noela on Monday when we hung the COMA exhibition in a local coffee shop. So I guess we will await some more finished Bazola creations.

Carpets of blossoms

2011-11-28T20:11:00.000+10:00

Whilst we have many flowering tress in our area two of the most stunning are the Jacaranda and the Coral. After the Friday walk after the rain Fiona and I went into town for a coffee. On the way home we were just mesmerised by the beauty of the fallen blossom on the roadside near our 'show grounds' - carpets of mauve and red. We just had to go home get the cameras and return to record some of the beauty and share the visual feast.

So here are a few images.

Barry Smith © Jacaranda blossom caught on barbed wire fence

Barry Smith© Pathway of red and mauve

Barry Smith © Fragments - red, mauve and leaf

Barry Smith © Blossoms caught in bark

Barry Smith © Blossoms piled at the base of the tree

Barry Smith © Jacaranda blossoms suspended in spider's web on the tree trunk: 1

Barry Smith © Jacaranda blossoms suspended in spider's web on the tree trunk: 2

Barry Smith © Jacaranda blossoms suspended in the tree

Nature is so generous. These photos were taken with my compact Canon IXUS - it has a rudimentary macro lens so I could take some better shots of the suspended blossoms - particularly those caught on the barbed wire and in the spider's webs. No manipulation of nature in these shots.

After rain

2011-11-27T18:28:00.002+10:00

We had about 25mm (1inch) of gentle soaking rain on Thursday - during the day and night. But we woke to cloudy gentle skies and no rain. Fiona headed off to exercise group and I headed off on a walk with my eye and iPhone.

I felt that the world would look fresh and clean with droplets of water clinging to leaves and small clear puddles. And I was not disappointed.

Looking back over the photos I can almost breath the fresh air. One has to be so thankful for that.

Fruitful Friday but in balance

2011-11-25T20:36:00.000+10:00

I don't know why I go on about the variety of things that happen on Fridays - that is what always happens - so it is not really all that new for me to say that the day has been 'chockers' with activity and variety: walk, coffee, work-work, community follow up stuff, fellow artist Jo Murray visiting the studio with friends, doing art, mowing the grass and weeds and Fiona's best friend arrived for the weekend - so we had to do drinks on the deck etc etc.

Jo's visit was good on two levels: it is good to share studio time with fellow artists and it is closer to Christmas so people might want to buy stuff. In fact several bowls, leaves and Bazola earrings went 'out the studio door'. Big thanks to Jo. To keep the balance I used some time last night and my Friday afternoon to create 3 bowls and a couple of leaves.

It always fascinates me that the annealed and beaten metal can start out so scaly and burnt.

But with a bit of buffing and polishing they can turn into things of beauty.

Couldn't resist photographing the leaves on our wood chopping block and with a bit of foliage in the background.

So 'all in all' the day was in balance - three bowls sold - three bowls made.

Inspired by nature yet again

2011-11-23T17:50:00.010+10:00

I think walking is underrated - it offers so many opportunities to slowly take in the beauty nature offers; or at least that how it is walking early in the morning on our 'mountain'. On our walk there are many trees including Acacias. One such tree produces the most amazing and bizarre seed pods as you can see from the photo below.

But I was particularly taken by the symmetry of the single spiral pod - I planned to see if I could reproduce something like it using foldforming techniques.

Over the weekend Fiona and I had a massive clean up - reclaiming of our house and studios after all the work-work travel - given other posts I have read recently this 'need to tidy' seems to be in the air at the moment. On Sunday as I was cleaning my bench of heaps of metal offcuts (some images for another post??) when I discovered a 'finger' of 1mm thick copper plate (about 100x8mm) - I got distracted of course and launched into creating my spiral inspired by the Acacia seed pod. I finished the spiral yesterday. So some images follow regarding the copper spiral's progress follow.

Finished product - edge polished and with jump ring attached. The finished piece is about 40-50mm (2inches) in diameter. Not quite like the Acacia seed pod; but I like the contrast of the patina and the brightly polished edge; and the texture of the piece - quite organic.

Backyard orchids

2011-11-20T17:59:00.015+10:00

Fiona's dad, Graham, has got into orchids in a balanced backyard way. Whilst he has stacks of orchids and is always on the look out for another he is not fanatical about them - well not really fanatical.

A couple of his goals are: to always have a couple of orchids in bloom so that they can become living flower arrangements in the house; and to have orchids not only growing in a protected environment (shade house) but also throughout the garden. In the 18 months of living in Maleny he has achieve both these goals.

Below are a but a few orchids Graham has blooming at the moment. I photographed them inexpertly in passing with the iPhone to just share the beauty of his efforts. And I don't know their names.

And the following is a good example of the success in the great outdoors.

Graham tries to encourage Fiona and I to take up growing orchids; but after several failures where we have had to return sick plants to his orchid hospital I think he has given up and now just shares the fruits of his labour with us. On the other hand I do try to encourage Graham to start a blog on his orchids as he has much beauty to share.

We do have a few Australian native orchids scattered about our place but they thrive on tough love. The motto of our block for any plants is - "you've got to be tough to live on the block".

Another full Friday

2011-11-18T19:02:00.001+10:00

I always have good art intentions for Friday - in fact I look forward to signing off after lunch and heading for the studio/garage. It was not to be as intended. My word for the day was "abundance"; and I think that meant an abundance of different things.

I had a community meeting; we packed Fiona's 5 works for the presentation to 5 nuns and arranged to have them couriered to Melbourne; we entered a heap of work-work research data; had a catch-up afternoon tea with Fiona's folks; and then I managed to get down to the studio.

But joy oh joy - I managed to make a cuff-bracelet as I planned it (see photo below).

The inspiration came strangely enough from the fact that I was shortening a belt to fit me and ended up with a nice length of black leather - which suggested the inside of the cuff. So with the addition of a piece of blue anodised aluminium, a piece of annealed brass from a spirit stove and a few copper nails for rivets, the cuff was created.

Fiona modeled the cuff-bracelet - it is soft against the skin and because of the two metals riveted to the leather it is pliable and can adjust to the arm-wrist.

I feel good after the creative time. It is good to be home and able to get into the studio again - I have missed it - thank goodness the work-work travel is over for quite a while.

Rust and words

2011-11-16T17:56:00.003+10:00

Every now and then a theme emerges from photo taking. A couple of months ago on a bush-walk at Rainbow Beach Fiona and I encountered the following rusted words that were part of a sign about a great coastal walk.

When we were in Perth a couple of weeks ago we came upon a fairly formal bronze statue but the base was a magical combination of reconstituted stone and rusted Corten steel. Messages about the progress of WA under the esteemed leader were spelt out in cutout words. I selected a few.

All photos were taken with iPhone - I never cease to be amazed that some different colours appear without manipulation. But I do find that rust and cutouts and edges make for some good iPhonegraphy manipulation. So I couldn't resist sharing a few of the photos that have been given different treatments.

Usually I try a few approaches before I save the changes I want - the pattern and colour etc of the original dictates what works best.

Public art we saw in Perth

2011-11-13T17:42:00.001+10:00

Whilst in Perth Fiona and I continued out early morning ramblings in search of coffee, exercise and the art of the city in the soft light and peace of early morning. Though the light is not always good for clear photos.

We came across some fairly major and large pieces of work including: the large red ribbon (my title for it); a group of people; and a group of kangaroos.

But what I liked best was a group of 10 smaller bronze works tucked away between buildings. Below are some fragments of the detail of the works.

I also liked this drain cover.

We discovered a formal sculptural work that was mounted on a marble and Corten steel base - beautiful rust - but that will have to wait until later. All photos were taken with the iPhone.

"Five golden rings"

2011-11-11T18:05:00.001+10:00

Our Collaboration of Maleny Artists (COMA) Coordinator-in-Chief, Ken Munsie, has given us another art challenge: to create a piece of art on a 12x12inch canvas representing in some way some aspect of the rhyme 12 Days of Christmas.

In most of the other 11 parts of the rhyme there is just too much drawing and painting required; so I thought I might be able to present the "Five Golden Rings" by beating a piece of brass cut to fit the canvas. For this challenge I have had to use new material as I did not have recycled brass that size. I had copper but the words were not five copper rings!!! As you can see from the photo below the work is finished - apart from mounting on the canvas, signing and a little more polish.

The 'rings' were beaten from the back to create rings in relief. The front was beaten to sharpen the edges and to give a patterned texture. The work took a few annealings as the metal wanted to twist and warp as the circles intersected etc. But the annealing created some good colour - mainly on the back.

I wanted to give the piece an aged look. I wanted to use Ferric nitrate but had none; but we had some Ferric sulphate. I brushed a mixture on to the heated finished piece; and then left it out in the open while we went to Perth - the photo below shows the rather scaly and rusty-crusty result.

But it polished off well with very fine steel wool and left some lovely patina behind; and then the edges and the high points were given a polish on the buffing-polishing wheels.

So I think I'm ready ahead of time with this piece - ready to hang later this month.

Learning new skills

2011-11-09T18:26:00.006+10:00

A month or so ago attending a day of jewellery making seemed like a good idea. As it got closer and the work-work and travel started to bite Fiona and I questioned our sanity. On Sunday we attended the course (10am-3pm) and throughly enjoyed ourselves. It was like a circuit breaker. We were away from home so we could not do any work-work or work in the yard. We were participating in something where we did not have to perform or deliver. We could just immerse ourselves in learning.

The course taught by Christine O'Rielly focussed on creating jewellery from aluminium and perspex. The thing that attracted me was the opportunity to combine foldforming, the moulding of perspex and riveting.

Though I did a couple of other bits my main focus was on a prototype cuff that used recycled red anodised aluminium from a saucepan lid, black perspex and hand formed copper rivets. The finished product turned out well - rich and stark

The perspex was shaped by heating the rectangular piece in a kiln to about 180 degrees; and then rolling it onto a piece of bamboo which was the diameter I was looking for.

Fiona really got into it and created some great earrings; and bits for other creations. The colour of the photo of Fiona's bits is a bit distorted - not sure where the pieces picked up the blue reflection.

Check out Fiona's post for her view of and pics from the course.

Image catchers

2011-11-06T18:13:00.001+10:00

Whilst I enjoy capturing and altering images with my iPhone I never count myself as a photographer - yep metal worker and sculptor but not a photographer in the league of many of the people I admire in our blog community.

Fiona and I have been fortunate to buy a couple of images captured by Suzi Smith of Lone Crow Photos. I just loved Suzi's ability to capture the mystery of the flight of a crow and different moods of the moon. The photos arrived on Friday when we arrived home from Perth.

Of course in taking a couple of closeups of the photos for this post I ended up with what I think are a couple of fragments that add their own tones and mystery.

Other photographic artists I admire, to mention but a few, include:

Tammie who does such excellent panoramic and macro shots;
Gabrielle of Two Tigers Creations who capture the mood of the city and seasons;
Leovi who creates such colours and abstracts;
Elena who can make multiples and even unpeeling a garlic look magical; and
Ruma who introduces us to the magic of the Japanese landscape and kanji script.

Friday draw - giveaway

2011-11-04T21:10:00.000+10:00

Over the last couple of days Fiona and I have been over to Perth and back for work-work - got back late-ish this afternoon. And whilst we have been on the go catching up and doing shopping and family stuff I did remember that I was to draw the earring giveaway.

So all the names in the comments on the post were written on paper; cut and folded; placed in the Tibetan singing bowl; and two names were drawn out of the bowl by Fiona.

A bowl of names

And as you can see the giveaway recipients are Robyn and Anna.

The earrings below will head overseas to Robyn as her name was first out of the bowl.

And the earrings below will be sent to anna - second name drawn.

Thanks to everyone for contributing to the comments especially sharing your views on recycling and art. May we hunters and collectors grow and turn more of the discarded into renewed beauty.

I have some great public art in Perth photos to share but that will wait until tomorrow.

"Metal 4 Men"

2011-11-02T18:12:00.009+10:00

For almost a year Noela M and I have collaborated to create the Bazola line of jewellery. Bazola is sold through Main Street Gallery in Montville. Caroline who is the gallery manager said whilst it was good having the Bazola jewellery there she did get the occasional request for 'jewellery for men'.

So below you can see three prototypes of what I think could be 'pendants for men'.

I don't think you can really call the stuff pendants so I am tossing names around for this new line: Metal 4 Men; Bits for Blokes; Bazmetal (as in base metals) .... any thoughts?

Following are closer shots of the three pieces and their backs - I experimented with different integrated hanging-lacing attaching systems.

Barry Smith Bazmetal - prototype 2

Barry Smith Bazmetal - prototype 3

Barry Smith Bazmetal - prototype 2 - back

Barry Smith Bazmetal - prototype 1 - back

Barry Smith Bazmetal - prototype 3 - back

One of the features of the men's stuff is going to be rivets - so I had to make a couple of small rivet tools to set and dome small copper and brass nails .

Art finds a new home and other matters

2011-10-30T20:06:00.000+10:00

The last 24 hours has been a bit crazy. I went to Melbourne to take down the Handheld exhibition and bring the unsold pieces home. All went well until I got caught up in the QANTAS grounding of the entire airline fleet. I was actually on a plane about to push back for taxing and takeoff when the grounding happened. I called Fiona from the aircraft and she quickly got me onto a latish flight with another airline. So I got home very late - but hey I got home.

Today has been a day of catch up - weeding, mowing the grass etc. But we had to deliver the Rosebed auction for Japan pieces to Rosebed Gallery in Eudlo. So the pieces below - Fiona's folded heart book and my leaves - were delivered so they can be packed and sent to the successful bidders.

We were happy to drop the pieces off as it provided us with the opportunity to visit Rosebed Gallery and check out the Small Works exhibition that friends and fellow artists Kim Schoenberger and JoMurray feature in. And an added bonus was that we ran into Jo at the gallery and she gave me a stash of stuff for cutting, beating and recycling.

But there is no such thing as a 'free stash' - once the bits are sorted and cut up a leaf or bowl will make its way to Jo. Mind you I have stash envy when I checked out Stegata's flea market purchases; and her mineral exhibition purchases.

Because of the constant travelling for work-work I have not had time to beat metal etc. So I have done art vicariously - checking out and being inspired by the creativity of others such as Mariedodd's current series; Luthien's fantasy inspired creations; and Carol's foray into iPhoneography. Whilst the work of other artists is not the same as one does it is amazing just how much overlap exists between us.

Fragments of bronzes

2011-10-28T19:37:00.000+10:00

While we are away for work-work Fiona and I still try to get out and have a walk in the morning if possible. We were really lucky in Cairns this week as it had been raining before we got there; but we had beautiful days. The mornings were clear and cool with great soft light. We walked on the Esplanade where hundreds of other people were out walking and exercising.

The walks gave us the opportunity to take in some of the public art created in the parks along the Esplanade and on the sea walls.

Below are fragments of some 8 large etchings (about 400mmx800mm) by Brian Robinson of acquatic wildlife set in a concrete sea wall.

The corrosion by the salt water is adding such beautiful texture and colour.

And then there are a pair of the piece below by Ben Trupperbaumer - together they are called A Sense of Belonging. They are located outside the local art gallery with all their delicious nooks and carnies.

I just love towns that are willing to invest in modern public art for all to share. All photos were taken with the iPhone.

And by the way if you haven't had a chance to check out the earring giveaway just click here.

Giveaway - friendship and recycling

2011-10-26T18:06:00.001+10:00

We have just returned from another of our work-work trips - only two more to go. But before we went we had a lovely Sunday lunch with Fiona's cousin Jude and her family. It provided me with the opportunity to give Jude the choice of one of the three sets of earrings I made with her in mind to say "thanks" for her immediate response to my eye issue.

At first she said she didn't want the gift but changed her mind when she saw what I had brought to lunch - she chose the earrings below - and put them on immediately - and they looked right for her.

All three sets were made from remnants of carry handles off small and old EPNS serving trays (for biscuits, cakes etc) that I had cut up to make bowls, leaves, Bazola bits and inspirations for the pocket.

There are two sets of earrings left - so I (and Fiona) thought it might be a good time for a giveaway. There is no milestone reached or anything - it just seems right that the two sets of earrings below should find new homes. The earrings are simple in design and not precious in a monetary sense as they are made from recycled EPNS material that has been given a new form and life.

So what do you have to do to be in the earring giveaway? Just leave a comment on this post regarding what you like about recycling of objects or material and art.

On Friday the 4 November I will get Fiona to draw two names of those who made a recycling-art related comment out of a bowl; and the earrings will be sent to their new homes.

iPhoneography and Fantasy Feathers

2011-10-23T17:54:00.000+10:00

As well as finishing off the jewellery bits and earrings for Fiona's cousin I gave the prototypes of the 'little blue metal feathers' a light polish to take off the rough edges. As you can see from the photo below the polishing has resulted in creating some silver highlights; bringing out some of the texture; and muting the blue slightly.

In her comment on Bits in the rough Carol brought my attention to an iPhoneography opportunity. Whilst I'm not sure I will get time to make all the connections and requirements to be part of this activity it did encourage me to take the photos of a real feather and the 'little blue metal feather' with the iPhone and give a couple of the photos the treatment with the FX app.

One of the things I enjoy about the naked iPhone close-up photos is that you can often create some interesting effects by how the colours of the objects and light bounces back. This provides some interesting opportunities for modification with the apps.

I have found that not all photos lend themselves to startling modifications; but I knew that the light and texture of the naked shots would produce some interesting variations. Just love how the shadow under both the real and metal feather just glow as if lit from below when modified using the iPhone app.

For a friend; & Finishing on Friday

2011-10-21T19:47:00.001+10:00

A couple of weeks ago I had a bit of scare with one of my eyes suddenly developing a couple of cysts etc etc. Needed to see an optometrist urgently - fortunately we live in a small town and one of the optometrists happens to be a relative of Fiona's and a friend - so she rushed into town and did the diagnosis - yep cysts things but not bad. So I promised her a set of earrings for going that extra mile - have to love that people care. Today I got the time to make a few earrings bits including the pair below.

But she will be able to choose from the three pairs below - simple rods versus the more decorative?

I also got time to finish those 'bits in the rough'. I have polished them without taking all the patina and annealing colour off them.

Love this little set as you can see the lettering from the old fuel stove base they were made from.

And just in case - I made a couple of extra earring bits from silver serving trays.

All in all a productive Friday afternoon.

Bits in the rough

2011-10-19T18:05:00.005+10:00

On Sunday afternoon I managed to get a couple of hours to starts making some bits for a fellow artist; and also trying out making feathers from anodised aluminium. But I did not get time to do polishing - that will have to wait until Friday as we are on the road for work-work.

I have been given a few items of blue anodised aluminium. Whist water and fish etc come to mind I did not think I would be using it to create leaves; but maybe weed flowers??? However, Fiona asked if I would have a try at making Blue Wren feathers - so below are a couple of feathers in the rough. We will see if they look more feather like when they are polished.

I'm also in the process of making bits for jewellery. I always like how rough and un-jewllike the foldformed pieces are when they have gone through a couple annealings. But again I'm sure the magic of polishing will bring out their shiny spirit.

So I know what I will be doing on Friday afternoon next week.

Storm light

2011-10-16T18:19:00.001+10:00

Yesterday afternoon we had a most impressive band of storms that swirled around us on the mountain: storms in the valley below; and the mountains to the west.

Of course both Fiona and I were outside on the southern deck enjoying the spectacle of light, dark, rain and lightning - and capturing a bit of the show on our cameras. Check out Fiona's post for some amazing images of colour in the sky.

I am often amazed that it can be so dark in the sky and so foreboding and yet the foreground is still filled with light and green. There were many good flashes of lighting but very hard to capture - though Fiona caught a good bolt and I caught a flash on the edge of a photo.

And whilst we waited I zoomed into the grey light - and the iPhone zoom always produces the soft pixelated shots. Almost like pointillist painted artworks.

After a close and powerful flash of lightning the intrepid photographers retreated inside and watched and listened to the show from behind glass.