Rustnstuff

Sunday, April 16, 2017

School of Funky Fish off to Goondiwindi

Once again I'm entering a 3D piece of work in the Open Section of the Aspects Art Show (2017) in Goondiwindi.

I got the work finished on Wednesday and then realised that I really should post it on Thursday if it was to arrive in Goondiwindi on time given that the Easter break was going to eat into transport time.

The photos below show the work - 7 different sized fish forms made from recycled fragments of various silver-plated trays and a couple of large brass jardinieres. The fish forms are attached to brass tubing rods and set into a section of salvaged native River Oak timber.

The sculpture represents fresh water fish in the rivers and creeks of western Queensland - hence the River Oak timber. The whole piece (timber and 7 fish forms) was wrapped in copious amounts of bubble wrap and brown paper. A nice sturdy parcel (about 1m long and 5.5 kg) sent through Australia Post.

Doing the packing and sending was on my work list for next week - so I guess I'm ahead there.

Friday, April 14, 2017

In readiness for 601 mvr open studio

Today has been a whirlwind of: sorting; tidying; setting up; and pricing - all in preparation for the 601 mar studio-gallery open days on Easter Saturday and Sunday (10am-4pm each day).

At the end of the day we tired; but ready to welcome folk in the morning. There is a good range of work that indicates, in part, what we are on about art wise; and a good lot of bargains. And some folk might also like to take the opportunity to stamp some metal or print some cards on the letterpress.

Metal and hammers are ready on the workbench outside the studio-gallery.

A few random mages of the set up in the studio-gallery.

Now it it is time to get dinner together; relax with a glass of wine; and have an early night.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Mainly the moon

As the title of the blog says this is mainly about the full moon that signals easter; but there are also fragments of the sunrise, birds, blossoms and the valley.

But first the moon - photographed in the early morning this morning - heading towards the horizon through the trees.

The sun was rising and the moon was setting as you can see from the panorama photo.

By the time I reached Treehaven Way the sun was blazing through the lower branches of the pine trees.

Some startling colour and forms in the blossoms.

And the Magpies who want to keep one company; but also scurry off when you focus on them.

A gorgeous morning. Moon photos were taken with the Canon Powershot; other photos with the trusty iPhone.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Off to market

Over the weekend I had to get the the Tea Caddy Leafspoons and the Coffee Measuring spoons completed so they could be sent to Myrtleford Victoria and be there before Easter.

Well after a big effort, and help from Fiona in the riveting process, I managed to get 12 Tea Caddy Leafspoons and 10 Coffee Measuring Spoons completed (plus a couple of casualties that can't go to market).

Fiona also assisted in choosing the 6 Tea Caddy Spoons and 6 Coffee Measuring Spoons below that will be express posted to Myrtleford tomorrow. The coffee measuring spoons deliver about 7gms of ground coffee as a rounded heaped spoon.

Riveting the small twisted brass handles to the small bowls of the Coffee Measuring Spoons was a real challenge. Metal on metal on metal resulted in the bits slipping at different stages of the drilling and riveting process. I could not have done it without Fiona's extra set of hands; and even then it was a challenge. There are some commissions one is happy to have completed.

Friday, April 7, 2017

Sculpture in the landscape and glass shadows

For most of the week Fiona and I were in Canberra for work, art and catch-ups. A couple of the things we got to do between appointments was to visit the arboretum and the glass factory.

I just loved the huge rusted metal sculptures scattered on the hills of the arboretum including this breathtaking piece of calligraphy on one of the summits.

And Nest III on another hill.

And of course the beauty of the setting with its extraordinary

There was a glass exhibition by Rowney at the glass factory - beautiful traditional blown glass with exquisite markings. I prefer moulded and ground glass; I loved the shadows and refections from the light through the glass.

We got home to the mountain this afternoon - I like the trips away; & love the return to the mountain.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

The love of rust and other matters

One is never too far from the beauty of rust and greying wood on our block. The stashes, piles and small collections or installation all readily offer eye-candy.

Sometimes the rust colour can even be found in insect form. This Dragon-fly got accidently caught inside and died - sad - but such beauty in its colours and the membranes of the wings.