Design Fringe

With all the disruptions experienced over 2020, you may like me, still be trying to create while our studios are closed due to Covid. Amongst all this chaos a few pieces managed to be made...this one in the last weeks of December.

A combination of almost symmetrically curved palm fronds on a base made from a remnant piece of Ash wood. It sits over a metre tall and 35 cm wide.

This piece has been a labourof love. I was determined to find a suitable renewable energy source to power this lamp and (through a link at CSIRO) I found Infinity PV who sell PVpieces and in this case supplied the 1 meter PV strip, LED light and small battery. This is a functional lamp with a warm LED light on a recycled elm wood base, with the main feature the superb lines of the palm frond. A one off piece ... but luckily I've found more fronds and will be experimenting soon on how to utilise their amazing shapes with solar lighting.

Plant holder made from remnant pieces of Silky Oak. Steamed and bent to shape with a template mould. The dimensions of the half moon piece are 35cm wide and 22cm high (without cord).

I almost wish we were butterflies" piece is on show at Gasworks from November 2018 until January 2019. It's had a new life and has been repurposed utilising the cocoons made previously as part of a Gasworks exhibition and combined with a series of lace lanterns. Great to see this have another life as part of the From Nature 2018 Exhibition. #fromnature18

At this time of focus on difference and inequity, " A small gesture in support of love" is my statement in support of
colour, diversity and love. #YESSameSexMarriage

The winter solstice (21 June) marks the shortest day and longestnight of the year, when the sun is at its lowest arc in the sky. With this cold long night also comes the strong symbolism with a time of spiritual reconnection and ritual.

And so was the case with CERES’ Beautiful Darkness and their magical celebratory solstice event, highlighting a time of renewal and gratitude for the coming light.

Project Reclaim embraced the darkness with an exhibition of lace lanterns lit with LEDs, solar powered LED lanterns and cocoons lit up internally with LEDs.

Amongst the outdoor bonfire, mulled wine and music, Project Reclaim chased away the darkness to enable visitors to bask in the warm glow of the fire to welcome a new beginning.

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” … so let their be light.

This year's 2016 Gasworks exhibition had a few more challenges - to create a piece that would last almost two weeks in Melbourne's Spring with its unpredictable rainy weather. Utilising branches, wood and repurposed fabric, this year's piece of cocoons and lanterns was inspired by John Keats and his letters to Fanny Brawne in 1819. These pieces will shine through dusk with the addition of solar powered LED lights.

"I almost wish we werebutterflies and liv’ed but three summer days-
Three such days with youI could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain" J Keats

These artworks predominately use the intrinsic properties of the Albert Park Lake Palms to create varied sculptural forms. ‘Fill the Void’ extenuates the inherent adaptive and flexible nature of trees, while the tipi shaped ‘Nests’ provide a safe home for discarded seedpods.

Combining rarely used materials of remnant fabric with natural fallen tree branches and empty seedpods that would otherwise be discarded, the pieces provide a more subtle environmental message about reuse and nurture.

A piece from the Hoodie series, called Slumber, on exhibit at Toyota Spirit Community Gallery, Nov 2014- March 2015.

'My Space' exhibited at D11@Docklands,group exhibition. 27 July- 17 August.
D11@Docklands is located on the east side ofthe Waterfront City Piazza, just near Harbour Town. Accessible via the 86 tram. Just get off at stop D11. We are also jut a few doors down from Renew Docklands
Community Arts.

Solo exhibition at St Kilda Town Hall Gallery on over August 2014. A chance to create a space to exhibit a mix of items with lanterns, centrepieces and sculptures.

Very honoured to be asked to exhibit as part of the WTC and Mars Gallery 25 Artists @ WTC show again this year. Many great works on show and Secret Garden gets its first public showing. Exhibition on until mid August 2014.

Piece made from antique doilies and 1970's wedding dresslace, tree branches, seed pods, brown wax, brass base, 40 LED lights AA battery operated and 2 round LED lights. Dimensions: 110cm H X 100cm W x 30cm D.

Lights on | Lights Off is a pop up gallery showcasing Melbourne's best artists, coming to life in retail spaces at Upper West Side. Project Reclaim chosen as one of the participating installations over July. Exhibition captured in this 2 min video vimeo.com/102782534

Magazine May Feature: Light up the past

"In one of the most unique décor pieces we’ve seen in a while, the
beautiful Secret Forest organic sculpture and light installation from Project Reclaim takes recycled materials to the next level. The base is made of fallen tree branches from a park close to the artist’s home. The fabric is made of a mixture of antique doilies and 1970’s wedding dress lace and the lights are battery operated so that it can be placed anywhere. This fascinating sculpture is sure to turn heads with its lovely presence wherever
it is placed". www.lighthome.com.au/green-living-blog/trash-to-treasure

The Tea Tree Forest Sculpturscape Weekend Creation

Planning Starts:

To be held in March 2014, the artists have been announced and I'm very honoured to be part of this diverse sculpture event. I'm playing with the concept of Reclaim in the Park, using the natural shape of fallen tree branches, with their sensuous curves, contrasted with the human crafted form through reworked antique and remnant crocheted pieces as part of the Sculpturescape works. I've recently experimented with replicating these pieces in Albert Park Lake and looking to extend this at the Lorne Sculpture Biennale.

White Lace recently sold and now sits proudly in the foyer of Dr Notes, Bourke St, Melbourne. Standing 160cm tall and made from antique doilies and tree branches, coated in a protective wax, she will welcome visitors from March 2014.

Garden Party, a piece made from bark and lace doilies, was donated to the Cool Australia, Love Your Planet lunch, Feb 2014. All funds going towards continuing their amazing education programs.

This Project Reclaim piece called Crystal Palace, is madefrom antique doilies and remnant fabric, tree branches, wax and efficient 40 LED lights.

GAIA Art Exhibition Bather's Pavilion in St Kilda until 6 March 2014. Inspiring concern & healing for planet earth & all life raising awareness within the wider community.

"The Secret" exhibited at World Trade Centregallery, as part of the MARS Art Rooms, 25 artists@WTC, group exhibit 5 August- 30 Sept. News piece from the opening featuring the piece: WTC Wharf

Project Reclaim pieces , called the Garden Party and variousvases, all on exhibit as part of Fair Square ethical and fair trade festival. Pieces were then donated to raise funds.

Window display to celebrate Christmas, filled with remnantlace, white doves and subtle illumination. Located at Bay St Port Melbourne from October2013- January 2014.

White Lace utilises the natural shape of a fallen tree branch contrasted with the human crafted form through reworked antique crocheted pieces. The openwork crochet technique allows what's underlying to show through in an honest transparent form. The geometric patterns and symmetry of the crochets reinforce patterns found in the natural environment. Exhibited until March 2014.

Lovely feature in Recycled Interiors… "gorgeous upcycled glass vase trimmed with vintage lace from Project Reclaim"

http://recycledinteriors.org/2013/09/26/chance-win-gorgeous-upcycled-glass-vase-trimmed-vintage-lace-project-reclaim/