Since my exhibition at Maleny Artworks I've been flat out in the studio. On opening night I decided (and at the last minute) to enter into Ken's next, now current Exhibition "Mapping the Range" (9th Dec - 30th Dec 09) giving me only three weeks to come up with new work, seeking the next challenge...as I do!
"A Road Well Travelled"
The concept behind Mapping the Range is to purchase a grid on the map, explore this area and create works based on your research. My segment on the 'grid' is the windy road that leads down to Palmwoods from the top of Montville, with that beautiful treasure trove of rusty metal, sitting proudly atop - Hooper's Engineering!!!! What a feast! Pure serendipity really.
"Grounded"
While exploring the area notable erosion spoke to me the most, eroded soil banks and exposed tree roots, the man-made rubble in the repair of landslides, re-vegetation with trees covered with bright pink protective tree guards...
"Nurture"
Then last but not least to explore Hooper's Engineering...like leaving the best chocolate till last!!! On introducing myself, I was given a guided tour from Mr Jim Hooper himself. He shared stories of how he began, how much land he owned, what machinery does what and how old it was...over 50 years history in one shed (well several actually!). I was in total awe, in my mind, an icon in our very midst. "What can I then, do for you?"said Jim.... no guessing my answer "visual - head down boots up in skip bin!"
'Flourish' was the first to evolve, couldn't help notice years upon years of metal shavings underfoot while on my guided tour, and was picking up to put in my pocket, lol....
'Flourish' in the making
Also, I heard this area was once called Razor Back, wow, what a name! Razor's Edge instantaneously came to me, yep! that's the name of this piece...
"Razor's Edge"
Artist statement:
'Razor's Edge'
"My judgements prevent me from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances" - Wayne.W.Dyer
This piece resonates with the strength of metal - like the company for which it stands. 'Hoopers Engineering' has stood solidly atop the steep slopes of the Blackall Range for more than 50years, supplying farm machinery both locally and overseas; still strong in tough economic times.
Geometric shapes mimic the machinery for which the metal was discarded; positive and negative forces powerfully unite like the spaces in the work. The sharp angles of the mountains climb down to a spiral buoyancy of ocean, in a work that plays with the idea of the useful and the used.
A thread of hope, like the exposed tree roots of Razor's Edge, clings tenaciously to what is left behind, merging the past with the future.
Amphora and assorted 'Samian ware' bowls
