Friday, December 5, 2008

Making the cut

I haven't been spending a whole lot of time making in the studio over the last few months, but I have been working on a few things using the waterjet cutting process I used for the work in my last show. It's been an interesting experience for me, handing over a large part of my process to someone else. I'm used to being very hands on with my work, and really enjoy the making process and the problem solving and experimentation that goes with it. But i've also really enjoyed the process of working with industry- as frustrating and nerve-wracking as it has been at times, it's been a great learning curve and the process has opened up a whole new world of ideas and possibilities. 

It's been a rocky road between me and the cutters, but after a lot of trial and error I am so grateful for their perseverance and commitment to what were very small but very complicated jobs for them, and after muddling our way through a few failures and misunderstandings it's reassuring to know that they are still up for the challenge and willing to work with me on whatever takes my fancy. Bless em!! 

They have now perfected the very tricky art of cutting tiny pigeon feet from my little nana plates. There's a few legless pigeons hobbling around my studio, but mostly they're all now in good working order. All the ones above are roosting in the newly refurbished Rialto Hotel in Sydney, and the little fellas below have just been acquired by the Redland Art Gallery

And here's a close-up...a lovely bit o crazing don't you think? 

New works still in progress. Stay tuned.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Mel, first discovered your beautiful work on a visit to Craft Victoria. I am very drawn to the elements you use because l love them myself, particularly the hand written text and maps, but was wondering where else your art is available down here in Melbourne. I think you might need a stockist page on your site to show us the way. Anyhow truly beautiful art!!

Jacqueline said...

Just when I'm uming and ahing over pieces in your previous post (I do love the magpie and the pigeons too) these have blown me away. I LOVE them and it is so fantastic that you have taken the plunge with this assisted process - collaborations are very exciting I reckon. I will be emailing you! Congratulations on this work - it is great.

Her said...

I don't suppose you would be interested in selling some legless ones? I can imagine them glued to a piece of branch. My Mum has an entire wall of plates and this would fit in just perfectly. Think about it?
http://missminnie.typepad.com/minnie/2006/12/plate_wall.html

simone said...

beautiful!

reb said...

Oh wow Mel- I just adore these, they're fabulous.

HANDMADELIFE said...

Mel, just when we think we've got you pegged you go off and create something that blows our minds, those pigeon plates are a stroke of genius. well done!!! but when will we see them down here?

Anonymous said...

I have just today discovered your work (thanks to Julia@studiohomecreative). I'm from NZ and would love a piece of yours in my home. Where can I get some? I love love love the pigeons! And being a collector of vintage plates I think they're especially special! xx