Rustnstuff

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Valley moods

Fiona and I are often asked if we just get to the stage that we take the view of the valley for-granted. We always answer no - for at least two reasons: the valley demands to be appreciated because it is ever changing; and because we have a morning ritual where we stop and look out over the valley and mountains to say thanks and as a way of starting the day.

The morning valley and the big sky above it has again demanded attention during this past week. For pre-sunrise and sunrise light there have been some amazing colours and reflected light off some very unusual cloud formations.

And the cloud at times just lazily drifts over the mountains.

Thick winter cloud masking the setting sun can also create its own subtle and unusual diffused light.

The light show demands attention; and we are happy to comply.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Fonts in the making

For sometime two largish circular pieces of brass, bases from very large jardinieres, have waited patiently to be turned into large shallow water holding bowls - I would call them fonts - though I know folk will call them birdbaths.

It was a bit of a challenge to hammer these two pieces into shape on the anvil and stake; but I was able to do that yesterday afternoon. They are not finished - need smoothing; and need rivets and added bits to cover holes and fix the fractured metal. I didn't want to go ahead with hammering them smooth today as it Sunday and the hammering sounds might echo in the neighbourhood.

I had cut rusted iron strips from odds and ends in my rust stash to make a couple of riveted forms to hold the bowls. I managed to do that in bits and pieces over a few days; and finished the bending and drilling today.

The rusted iron bowl holder is to be attached to a post. I had two different lengths of 15cm square blackout timber - so I guess two fonts of different heights. The timber was in pretty bad shape as you can see from the photo below.

But the timber came up well after a good sand with 40 grit sandpaper on my belt sander. I routed a meandering groove around the posts - from top to bottom; and coloured the continuous groove with black Japanese ink.

Quite an interesting contrast once I oiled the timber.

There are a few more tasks to do on these; but I hope they will be finished during the week.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Treasure transition

I have been commissioned to transform a couple family treasures; and turn them into smaller treasures that can be shared between siblings.

I was asked to take a largish chrome plated brass serving tray and a covered silver-plated rectangular food serving dish and make: a couple of small bowls; a couple of Leafspoons; three small ladles; and a cake server. Of course as part of the process I tend to toss a couple of extras in to give choice.

The pieces I was given to transform

Pieces after dismantling handles etc; and first cut to take off curved etc edges.

Marking up the metal to get maximum usage.

Pieces for forming after first cut.

And how the pieces have turned out so far after: hammering, fold forming, bending, grinding and polishing. Sorry about the reflections in the photos - taken on the garage-studio floor under florescent lights and red standby light on the garage door opener.

On Sunday I hope to make and add handles.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

First light, dew drops and fungi

My blog today is a bit of a mixed bag because it includes photos taken over the last couple of weeks including on this morning's walk. So the title is a little bit of an omnibus one.

Though the days are getting longer the early mornings are still dark - but just enough light to walk Treehaven Way.

2016 Barry Smith - Setting out - a winter tree at first light - at the top of our driveway

2016 Barry Smith - Valley view on rising

The cool nights deliver crystal clear droplets on twigs flower and branches.

2016 Barry Smith

The fungi of course delight in the rotting wood and moisture.

2016 Barry Smith

And the valley shows off both its dark light and cloud scattered horizon.

2016 Barry Smith

A chorus of magpie song to welcome me back to the block after my walk this morning

Add caption

Leaf blown into the bowl of rust and water

2016 Barry Smith - Rust, water leaf

It may be winter but beauty still abounds.

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Art is all around us

I was facilitating a couple of workshops in Melbourne last week (work-work); and I heard myself saying that how the world looks can often depend on the lens we look at it through. If your into the landscape and green that is what draws the eye. If you are into art, texture, layers etc then that draws the eye.

So it is not strange that even though the trip was hectic my eye was drawn to some of the design features in my room including a photo of a tram that had been blown up and stencilled onto the wall.

The lights in the cityscape from the comfort and warmth of my room.

And some sculptures in the surrounding walking areas.

All part of a rich art life.

Friday, July 1, 2016

A new outlet

I was contacted about a month ago by Nola Aitkens from Entangle - living art asking would I be willing to supply some of my Artisan Lamps and leaves for a new shop-gallery she and her husband Dave were opening in a small rural centre called Dayboro.

I agreed to give it a go; and agreed to deliver a stash of lamps and leaves before opening day on 1 July. I had never met Nola but she had sold some stuff through Jo St Baker's studio-gallery in Redcliffe where I also sell Artisan Lamps - so I thought why not. Well I made the pieces and made the deadline - I managed to get 11 Artisan Lamps and 18 patinated copper leaves made by the 28 June and was ready to deliver by the agreed date 29 June.

On 28 June the stash of lamps sat on my work bench ready for packing into the car.

You can see I often design the length of my longer work to fit into the back of our car when the seats are folded down.

When I arrived at the new shop-gallery at Unit 6/ 38 William Street Dayboro (part of an old butter factory) there was still a lot to do but a team of four people felt confident they could get it all ready to open on the morning of 1 July.

The lamps were unpacked, were welcomed and placed amidst all the other bits and pieces that need to be organised. There are times when you just leave it up to the universe.

Whilst I was there the owner of the building dropped into the shop and was so impressed with the lamps that he invited me to a back shed where he manufacturers bakelite light shades and other bakelite fittings using some very old but very impressive moulding and pressing equipment. He has agreed to sell me fittings at wholesale prices because I agreed to support Nola.

And of course this type of shed is just full of other cogs and other bits and pieces I can use. He has invited me back to go through the shed. He was impressed with the larger lamps and sold me a pair of lights from a vehicle of about 1945 vintage. He said he was impressed with the work I delivered and knew that I would make good use of his stuff. So good things can come out of taking a risk and supporting other folk.