This freestanding miniature cityscape (4x7x4cm) is called Silver City in Miniature 10. It sold at The Reimaginarium in Geelong, after it was exhibited in ‘A New Belonging’ during the Sustainable Living Festival and Geelong Design Week 2022.
I created this small work on a block of faux black wood that I picked up near a house renovation in Canberra. I used an oddly shaped piece of long metal with a semi-circular rise as the base. Seven pieces of rectangular metal became ‘buildings’ and a mid-sized slug, either a ‘sun’ or ‘full moon’. All of these bits and bobs I gathered from the streets of Melbourne during my daily walks.
I am a found object assemblage artist and jewellery designer. Normally I create larger wall sculptures or 3D sculptures from the metal, wood, tiles and plastic that I pick up off the streets. However, I also love making these miniatures, and I am sad that my supply of faux black wood is almost depleted.
Many of my works are inspired by the Melbourne skyline, especially at sunrise and sunset. Often I try to incorporate ‘natural features’. For example, a bent piece of metal can suggest a meandering river. I may use rusted sheet metal as a cloud, or a broken tile as 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.
My art is inspired by a strong interest in sustainability through repurposing and upcycling. My hope is that my works make you smile, and at the same time, remind you of the 5Rs to help our planet: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.
