Rustnstuff

Friday, March 10, 2017

Assembling fish

The title is right. Today I finished the components for the 10 Funky Fish assemblages I'm making. So I started the job of riveting the components together.

Each fish is made up of 6 components - all made from recycled metal from silver-plated trays; silver-plated coasters; and brass jardinieres.

I have managed to get 3 Funky Fish finished today.

I'm hoping to get the rest completed over the weekend

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

This morning I was very conscious that the season has changed - the morning was filled with an autumn feel - the colours were strong and yet muted by their backgrounds; and the carpets of leaves and petals told their story.

The day began with a startling yet somber sunrise.

The walk across the front yard showed that the bees were still hard at work creating their stores for winter.

Fungi on wood had dried in gorgeous colour

The leaves and petals created intricate shapes, layers and carpets.

Tree haven Way revealed brilliant colours of the remaining flowers of summer contrasting against leaf litter

And a micro flower petal swings suspended by micro cobweb against a muted dark background

A canopy of pink against a grey sky

Every season a delight.

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Melbourne and metal

A few images from looking up and looking down in Melbourne; and then a little more on metal.

The Melbourne photos come from a recent work-work trip - not a lot of time for relaxing or being a tourist; but still one can enjoy some texture and colour just walking from one place to another.

Looking down - thick glass tile light wells in the footpath. The glass tiles set in these light wells must be at least 25-30mm thick. Many have been replaced over time. It could be quite magical to be under the footpath and have filtered light coming through fractured glass.

Inspiration on the wall...

Yes there is blue sky up there....

Today I have cut another 140+ silver-plated blanks for my peace leaf project. So I now have about 220+ blanks - so I can start making the 210 peace leaves for International Peace Day on 21 September.

I did also cut all the metal for the tails and fins of my funky fish project - but didn't take any photos so I will share that as the funky fish progress.

Friday, March 3, 2017

Progressing three lines of work

Because I use salvaged silver-plated EPNS and silver-plated copper trays in my work I spend quite a bit of time cutting up metal before making. And if I have a number of pieces of work planned that involve cutting metal I try to be a bit efficient by cutting metal for all the work in one session.

The three lines of work I have planned are: using a family's heirloom tray to create a larger Daily Word set for the whole family; progressing 10 Funky Fish; and starting to cut 210 pieces of metal (2cm wide and 9cm long) for small giveaway peace leaves.

From the family tray I needed to get a decorative circle of metal to hammer a bowl that will be about 16cm-18cm in diameter; and from the same tray I need 40-50 1.5cmX4cm blanks for words. That outcome was achieved with some planning and judicious cutting.

I cut 10 pieces of silver-plated metal from drink coasters for the face-heads of the fish; and another 10 pieces from a fan bowl that will become tails. I will still need to cut fins etc.

And I cut up 7 small trays to get 70 pieces of metal for the peace leaves. Only another 140 to go. I might use a few bigger trays if I start running out of the smaller biscuit-sandwich trays. Over the coming months I intend to form 210 peace leaves for distribution on 21 September - International Peace Day.

Sometimes there is not a lot to show for our effort - but it is said that quite a lot of our art is in the preparation.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Books on the Block - some images of changes over time

I started using books in some of my sculptural work in July 2010. The book stack below dates back to July 2010 - almost 7 years. It gets a bit of protection from overhanging foliage.

The book wall has been in place now since April 2013 - 4 years. It is the most exposed structure; and because we grow orchids in it and at it's base it gets a lot more water sprayed on it. Some images of some great textures and shapes.

The book seats on the terrace and in front of the organic between the mango trees were built in April 2015.

And the most recent Small Book Wall on the terrace was done in Feb 2017.

I love the way the books are ageing; and yet retaining much of their form after so many years. None of the books on the block have been treated or protected in any way.