Rustnstuff

Friday, February 14, 2020

Done

My time today was split between oiling timber decks and oiling timber for pendants and earrings. I was pleased I could get a few hours on Friday to finish the pendants and earrings I started last Friday. The hand sanding was done and rivets glued in place before I oiled the pieces.

I like how they have turned out - the contrast of the metal rivets and earwigs against the timber.

We will see what the rest of the weekend brings. Given the rain has stopped today it might mean yard work (mowing) and oiling more decks.

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

A soggy morning and trees down

The rain is very set in and things are beginning to get a bit soggy - deep damp.

My way through to Treehaven Way was blocked by quite a large bush-tree that had toppled. One has come down in Treehaven way about a week or so back. I think after the long dry some had just become weakened.

But there are those blossoms and fungi that are thriving in the warm damp conditions.

It was not raining as I walked so there were reflections in the puddles on the road.

And the bower bird seems to be persisting even in this soggy times

Sunday, February 9, 2020

When responsibilities get in the way

I had planned to finish my stash of wooden pendants and earrings over the weekend - but that was not how it turned out.

I thought I'd do a small maintenance job on Saturday - reinstalling skirting boards and repainting the storage area under the stairs. But one aspect of the job lead to another; so it took the weekend to complete it and put the storage area back together.

We have been having rain from about Tuesday onwards - we are a bit soggy but the freshness and growth is worth it.

Fiona took a photo of this lovely visitor during a break between showers.

I captured a few fleeting images of moon last night as it dodged in and out behind black rain clouds.

The fungi are responding delightedly - growing in and on all sorts of moist spots.

So no work in the studio; but beauty to enjoy; and a sense of achievement in getting the repairs completed.

Friday, February 7, 2020

Fragments of timber

There was only a few hours available for the garage/studio today; so I decided to make a little jewellery from fragments of timber uncovered in the clean up process.

The two timbers, Australian natives, are Conker Berry and Hairy Oak. I love the colour and denseness of the conker berry and the pattern of the hairy oak.

The cutting and drilling process are shown below.

The end result of hand sanding with fine sand paper and bringing out the colour with timber oil.

I hope to get time to get the rest of the pieces done over the weekend

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Moisture and lichen

We are in the midst of a cycle of rain - many light showers over the last couple of days. The ground and plants are totally soaking it up.

I couldn't walk because of showers and seriously wet walking path. So I just captured some of the beauty of the lichen that has returned to life in the wires on the railings; and the odd spider's web.

The photos below show how limited the view was through the misting rain

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Creation of community awards

A few times over the last couple of months in a couple of posts I have alluded to the fact that I had been commissioned to create some pieces that incorporated both recycled silver-plate and salvaged timber; and were finished with natural timber oils

Now that the pieces have been delivered to the the Sunshine Coast Council who commissioned the pieces; and the awards have been publicly presented I can now show the form of the final pieces.

But first I want to share a photo of Ten Little Pieces receiving one of the awards for their important environmental work. I think the material used in the awards and my art practice has a quite a strong link with this particular category of the awards. Check out Ten little pieces website here.

I received a great email from Alison thanking me for quality and thoughtfulness behind the design and execution of the award.; and the beautiful smell of the timber oil.

Following are a few photos of the 8 award pieces before they were delivered.

In my artist statement regarding the work I said

"The simple design of these awards brings together elements that speak of care: care for community; care for nature; and care for each other.

The leaf form alludes to vibrant and healthy personal, community and environmental growth.

The aperture is seed like in shape and references the notion that from small things big things can grow. The shape of the hole suggests holding and caring for people, community and nature.

The materials that have been used, salvaged timber and recycled silver-plated metal, support council’s commitment to the environment.

The timber, Queensland Mahogany, is a link to our place."

I worked with a friend and local wood worker Edith-Ann Murray to create these pieces.