This 30x35cm wall sculpture is called Doggedly 1. It comes with a stand so that you can set it on a mantelpiece, book shelf, desk or dresser.
I created it from rusted nuts and screws, twisted flattened metal, a used bottle cap and metal screen. And the plastic dog, of course – which bears a resemblance to Tin Tin’s Snowy. The backing is laminated wood, mounted on a wooden drawer part. All of these bits and bobs I found on the streets of Melbourne during my daily walks.
Working and exhibiting as a found object assemblage artist
I work as a found object assemblage artist and jewellery designer, creating wall sculptures, 3D sculptures and brooches. I limit my ‘raw materials’ to the metal, wood, tiles and plastic that I gather from streets and skips.
This work appeared in my first solo exhibition in Australia, From the Streets of Melbourne, held at the Melbourne City Library gallery in 2018. The work was also selected for Reinvent, Repurpose and Restore at the Joel Gallery, Altona, in 2019, and was later exhibited online by Painted Turtle Galleries, London.
What inspires me
Many of my works are inspired by the Melbourne skyline, especially at sunrise and sunset. Often I try to incorporate ‘natural features’. A bent nail may suggest a meandering river. Rusted sheet metal can transform into a cloud. A broken tile becomes a mountain.
My more abstract works are stimulated by the found objects themselves, which I often place in juxtaposition. At other times, I emphasise their rusted, scratched or variegated surfaces. In this particular work, I’ve echoed the natural knots in the boards with the rusted nuts and bottlecap.
Focus on sustainability
My art is inspired by a strong interest in sustainability through repurposing and upcycling. My hope is that this artwork makes you smile. At the same time, reminds you of the 5Rs to help our planet: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.
