Rustnstuff: 10/19

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Treehaven Way - tremendous

The walk along Treehaven Way this morning was almost overwhelming - so much beauty it was almost hard to know where to look. And the blossom on the mock orange (below) was so strong at dawn that I thought I could not only smell it from meters away I could actually taste it as I walked by.

I share a few of the sights on offer.

The photo below was dawn light across the valley - about 5am - I can't remember the last time I have seen such colour.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

New/old press; and fragments from Japanese-Australian printmakers exhibition

Over the weekend Fiona and I managed to pick up the old large proofing press in the photo above. It weighs about 95kg and has the potential to print posters on a full sheet off quality paper (500mmX700mm). We think this is going to work well with the larger wood type. A couple of refinements of the press are that it has a clipping mechanism for holing the paper; and the pressure of the rollers can be set to cope with the height of the type. Looking forward to testing it in the coming months.

We went to the Caloundra Gallery to see the prints in the Japanese-Australian printmakers exhibition. We thought we might miss seeing this great exhibition as it was on whilst we were overseas. Fortunately it finishes on 10 November so we go to enjoy it. Quite a few fragments of some of the prints follow.

Congratulations need to go to the Caloundra Gallery and Print Council of Australia for all the effort it has taken to bring this high quality international exhibition to fruition.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Friday right?

Fiona and I try to set aside Friday as a day in the studio. Obviously we grab other times as we can during the week; but creating on Friday has been a goal for many years now. Today started out that way; but soon became quite peoplely so the time available was limited.

I did manage to get an order packed and posted; and started on a commission of a larger meditation oriented bowl with custom words as seen in the first photo.

The process of making vessels and leaves, as some folk know, tends to start with cutting up salvaged silver-plated trays or place mats. For this commission I'm using good quality round Strachan placemats.

The centre of the bowl is stamped with Tree of Life symbols.

The leaf forms were stamped with the words and at the end of the day I had reached the stage of opening leaves.

Not a lot more will be done over the weekend as Fiona and I have a few engagements. Anyway I think what I achieved warrants homemade pizza and wine!!!!

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Welcomed home by blossoms on the block

We are home on the mountain. I went for a morning walk whilst Fiona went off to her exercise group. I was amazed at the richness of the blossoms on the rose bushes, the orchids and other plants. So I thought I'd share a few of those delights.

And instead of standing at the headland at the cove in Scotland I was now standing on the back deck looking across the valley to the mountains - gorgeous soft light. It will take us a bit of time to get used to the early sunrise.