Rustnstuff

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Highland fragments

Fiona and I are currently in the highlands - we've been here for a couple of days and already it weaves its magic - colour, unpredictable weather and different light. Given it is hard to adjust to the laptop to do a blog this first will just be a few images from the last couple of days walks.

The morning started bright and cloudy but then the blue broke through - the afternoon is now grey and quiet.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Fearless girl and other fragments from Melbourne

This small statue, 1.2m high) exudes such serene strength - standing up to the taunts and challenges faced by women.

The original was commissioned by State Street Global who are now challenging everyone who has commissioned the artist, Kristen Visbal, to make copies (see article in AFR 7 August).

You would have thought State Street Global would have jumped at the chance to embrace the movement and claim the kudos for commissioning the original and supporting women world wide by allowing copies to be made.

A few fragments from our busy work trip.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Of edges and light

The moon on Tuesday morning , very early, was stunning such clarity - the edge where it drifted into darkness was so well defined.

I loved how the early morning light pushed from the east and seemed to driving the darkness westwards.

Talking about edges - this small rainbow cut across the ruffle on one of F's tops - meandering its way over the ruffles and edges.

And this little visitor was ruffling its features to pick up the warmth of the sun.

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Buildings, brass and bones

Fiona and I were away in Melbourne for a few days of work - facilitating conferences. One conference was on the 17th floor of a city building - I just loved being able to look out at the cranes dancing in the landscape and sky - cities never seem to be finished.

And looking down on the bare trees 17 stories below.

On our way home on Saturday we dropped in to the recycling fair at our local show-grounds to buy a stash of silver-plate. Got there just before the stall holders packed up.

Today there were many tasks to be done on the block; but I managed to cut and clean bone for earrings.

Friday, August 9, 2019

Sculpture and the environment

I completed the installation of a five post sculpture in a private yard a couple of years ago. The etched aluminium plates were attached to the hardwood posts with galvanised plated screws.

I had arranged with the client to install a nameplates for the piece she had requested.

But I was really disappointed to learn from the owner that most of the screws had rusted. Either poor quality galvanising or a reaction between the zinc coating and the aluminium. So I committed to replacing all the screws with stainless steel screws. Five hours of work and the job was done. Good outcome - we will see how these fare.

We seem to do things in quite big numbers. We have been planting miniature agapanthus plants on all the banks adjacent to the new sculpture terraces. I calculate we have planted about 350-400 at this stage.

The agapanthus plants will be gorgeous when established and in bloom - the terraces will be a bit of landscape art really.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Signs of spring

It has been unusually dry over the last few weeks - only a little dew overnight to give the plants some moisture.

However the plants seem to be quite resilient - producing the odd flower and forming buds; and the birds are getting more active.

Nature knows that spring is not so far away.

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Versatility of bone and horn

I made the above small installation-micro sculpture for a good friend of ours in recognition of her many skills, strength and talent. The piece is about strong women - three to be precise - standing strong individually and with each other.

I made the following pendant for a friend who is struggling.