I made this small 12x12x3cm sculpture called No Loose Screws 1 in 2017 at my home studio. This was before I became an artist-in-residence at River Studios in West Melbourne. It is made from a cement tile, a metal plate and screws that I found on the streets of Melbourne during my daily walks. It comes with a stand for display.
Although I created some representational works that year, the majority were more abstract or geometrical. They often juxtaposed different types of found objects, such as nuts and bobby pins, or cream chargers and hair clips.
My palette during this time was essentially silver-coloured, rust-coloured, wood grain and black, so I was fascinated with the subtle range of variations in scratches, patina and sheen of the objects I found. Many of the metal pieces had turned a fine shade of rust from months or years on the street before I ‘rescued’ them. Some of the screws in this work fall into that category.
My art is inspired by a strong interest in sustainability through repurposing and upcycling. My hope is that this artwork makes you smile and, at the same time, reminds you of the 5Rs to help our planet: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.
