Rustnstuff

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Night light on our travels

I'm a bit of a fan of Pointillism; and fortunately one of the outcomes of shooting photos in low light and with telephoto with the iPhone is that you get a quasi pointillism effect - or at least that is what I tell myself.

Following are a bunch of night photos taken on our recent trip. I love the way the light is captured and some physical features almost washed out or blurred. Quite unusual light in some shots - all taken with the iPhone.

We don't always get many night shots when we travel as we tend to be indoors to get out of the dark and cold.

Friday, December 12, 2014

More Friday foibles

Fiona and I are off to an early Christmas dinner with some fellow artists; and of course it is one of those bring a handmade Christmas gift affairs - for a lucky dip gift exchange. So down into the garage-studio to whip up a couple of small assemblages - one influenced by my Light Catchers and another influenced by Steampunk.

The small light catcher influenced piece is about 8-9cm high, 8-9cm long and 5cm wide. It is made from discarded heavy brass plate (.5cm thick), weights from an old clock, brass pipe and fitting and crystal from an old scent bottle. The piece has a quiet classic balanced look about it.

The Steampunk influenced piece is made from discarded brass plate, clock and pocket watch parts, leg off a silver-plated tray and section of discarded and slightly mangled copper pipe. It has a lot of motion about it - looks like the gears are about to take off - the big gear can be rotated. This piece is about 15-18cm long, 10-12cm high and 6cm wide.

I think the Steampunk piece is more playful and will make a suitable quirky Christmas present.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Pickings from our travels

When it comes to travel souvenirs Fiona and I end up in some unusual spots and bring home odd bits.

In Paris we stumbled upon a Saturday market that had some really great stuff but too heavy to carry home - so I settled for a handheld kerosene lamp with a reflective back panel and magnifying light outlet - like a torch of days gone by - all it need is clean, polish, a wick and kerosene - we bargained a good price for this beauty. It stands about 18cm high.

In a junk shop in Prague I managed to buy some brass and ceramic light bulb holders - these will work well on Steampunk lamps; and blacksmith hand made wall fixings (and handmade 15 cm nail from Bruges)

We discovered a couple of small local hardware stores in Prague where we were able to buy interesting, portable and well priced bits for our art work including: box corners; stainless steel points; stainless steel latches; and tiny solid brass hinges (to be shared with Fiona)

Some shell cases and belt pieces from the battle fields around Ipere Belgium. These will find their way into peace focussed art works.

And a pair of blacksmith handmade arrow heads from Prague Christmas market - these will make good dry points for our printmaking.

And not one fridge magnet - have to say there are some good memories there.

Friday, December 5, 2014

The Library Grows

I have been able to complete another three metal books for my small precious library of peace. These three books range in height from 13cm down to 9 cm.

The larger one has a John Lennon quote stamped on its middle page.
Peace is something you wish for
Peace is something you make
Peace is something you are
Peace is something you do
Peace is something you give away

The middle sized book has a Jimi Hendrix quote stamped into it.
When the power of love overcomes the love of power then the world will have peace.

And the smallest book has Thich Nhat Hanh's quote.
Peace is every step.

There are now 14 books in the precious library of peace.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Of ice and art

A few photos of some sculptural works in the square outside our accommodation; and the crystals of snow and ice that greeted us on our walks.

Looks like it is going to be crisp and cold for the few days we are in Prague. And looks like the wine will be cool climate wines?

Friday, November 28, 2014

Classy Steampunk

I have called this Steampunkish pendant Time and Star Travel because I was using watch parts and to me the jewels in the fob-watch (garnets) looked like red stars. I then continued the star theme with the solid sterling silver star rivet at the centre and the brass rivets around the edge; and all on a blue sky background.

I like how ideas take shape on the anvil.

And then progress to fruition. The pendant needs a good clean and shine but it is close to completion. The pendant is about 50mm in diameter - it will be a strong classy statement piece.