Monday, December 10, 2012

Metal scraps turn into butterflies

Yesterday as I was stacking and sorting through some new metal scraps (thanks Steve) and to make room for the steel I decided to cut up a large sheet of thin skeletonised waterjet cut sheetmetal that was kinda in the way.  I had been studying the sheet for some days on 'what' I could potentialy do with it and I was already in mind of cutting it down, there was way to much metal (negative space) cut from the piece, not really leaving much in the way of usefulness as a whole or strength for that matter. So out came the grinder!

I was laying out the off cuts bits onto the concrete when Glen walked passed and uttered 'butterfiles'.  I had to look twice.  Of course, in my mind I was seeing abstract shapes being more symbolic in nature, of course Glen was seeing through his eyes being gardening and nature, and his love for all things 'green'. Upon another look I could see clearly - Butterflies, that they were!!

The passing comment triggered an idea for a sculpture, somewhat a little off the beaten track from what I would normally make however knowing he would really love it, I decided to 'whip' it up!  ...and what a great Christmas gift to boot!

The 'cut off' shape - clearly in a photograph look like a butterfly.

 
Bent and shaped alittle, with small Reo discards for the body.
 
 
I went looking for some extra long lengths of reo to stake into the ground and found this reo re-inforcing stuff Glen uses for work - I'm sure he won't miss it if I pinch a bit :-) 

 
After welding the bodies and the wings together I welded them randomly into place on the reo frame - in situ positioned in the garden (a sadden dry garden I might add - we are so desparately awaiting some rain for our poor de-foliated plants!!!)




 
And of course Glen was tickled pink and loves it!!
 

16 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Hi Annie, thank you and thanks for stopping by and for your comment. Cheers, Kim

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  2. Glen was right and beautiful they are.

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  3. They are gorgeous Kim... a new direction? Have a great festive season, and all the best for 2013.

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    1. Thanks Ellen, a new direction? Possibily, definitely has room for potential. And you too, best wishes for a happy Christmas and a super 2013!

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  4. You both have wonderful, creative imaginations. I love the unusual shapes of the butterflies. A delightful garden sculpture!

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    1. Thanks Robyn, Glen is very creative in his own right, we have collaborated on many occassions with our landscape business, and with his insight, we have produced great results!

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  5. K-such great example of an artistic eye; and then the skills to put it all together; and they look great in situ - no wonder Glen thought they were just right. Go well. B

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    1. Thanks B. Spontaneous collaborative creation at its best! K

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  6. Beautiful images of butterflies.
    I wish I had one for my garden:-)

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    1. Thanks Marilena, if I was closer to where you live, I would make you one for you :-)

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  7. Hello Kim,

    And that’s what’s known as working in harmony – a glorious metamorphosis of scrap and reo and two like-minded souls!! Your butterflies are beautiful. Happy Tuesday,

    Cheers, Ann, and David

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    1. Thanks Ann, and David.

      What a beautiful message to greet my Tuesday morning!!
      Happy Tuesday wishes for you and David also...

      Cheers,
      Kim

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