... and a final piece for 2020
With all the disruptions and chaos experienced over 2020, you may have been like me, still trying to create while workshop studios were closed due to Covid.
Amongst all this 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. Sits over a metre tall and 35 cm wide.
Amongst all this 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. Sits over a metre tall and 35 cm wide.
Solar Shines at Night
Solar Palm Frond Lamp
This piece has been a labour of 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 PV pieces 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 Ive luckily I've found some more fronds and will be experimenting more soon on how to utilise their amazing shapes with solar lighting.
Wooden Plant Holders
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). Use contact form to order these for Christmas (deadline for orders will be soon)
From Nature 2018, Gasworks Art Park Port Melbourne
"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
NEW Product line now available
Made from remnant designer fabric , these plant covers are more flexible with adjustable side Velcro.
From Nature 2017, Gasworks Art Park Port Melbourne
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. #YESSSM
Beautiful Darkness, CERES Brunswick 2017
The winter solstice (21 June) marks the shortest day and longest night 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.
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.
From Nature, Gasworks Port Melbourne 2016
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 weather. Still 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 were butterflies and liv’ed but three summer days-
Three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain
I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’ed but three summer days-
Three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain
Interview with Creative Room 4 Talk
A thoroughly enjoyable interview with Zorana Vukamanovic, editor from the international arts magazine, Creativeroom4talk.
Read interview HERE
Commences on page 350
Read interview HERE
Commences on page 350
Organic Sculpture Exhibition, Gasworks Port Melbourne April 2015
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.
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.
Project Reclaim exhibited at St Kilda Gallery August 2014
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.
Secret Garden exhibited at Melbourne World Trade Centre July 2014

Very honored to be able to exhibit as part of the WTC and Mars Gallery 25 Artists @ WTC show again this year.
Some great works on show and Secret Garden gets its first public showing. Exhibition on until mid August
http://www.wtcmelbourne.com.au/artists-emerge-at-wtc/
Some great works on show and Secret Garden gets its first public showing. Exhibition on until mid August
http://www.wtcmelbourne.com.au/artists-emerge-at-wtc/
Project Reclaim opening at Upper West Side store
Project Reclaim profiled at Upper West Side Melbourne July 2014
Lights on | Lights Off is a pop up gallery showcasing Melbourne's best artists, coming to life in retail spaces at Upper West Side.
|
Secret Forest featured in Light Home Online Magazine

May Feature: Light up the past
"In one of the most unique décor pieces we’ve seen in awhile, 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
White Lace finds a new home

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.
Centrepiece auctioned to love our planet

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.
Crystal Palace on Exhibit at GAIA , St Kilda Festival Feb 2014
The Project Reclaim, called Crystal Palace, is made from antique doilies and remnant fabric, tree branches, wax and efficient 40 LED lights.
Project Reclaim on Exhibit at Fed Square- Fair Square Melb Nov 2013
Project Reclaim pieces , called Garden Party and vases, on exhibit all weekend as part of Fair Square ethical and fair trade festival. Pieces donated to raise funds at end of event.
Project Reclaim Creates Window Sculpture
Window display to celebrate Christmas, filled with remnant lace, white doves and subtle illumination.
Located at Bay St Port Melbourne from October 2013- January 2014.
Located at Bay St Port Melbourne from October 2013- January 2014.
White Lace exhibited at Toyota Community Spirit Gallery October 2013

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.
On exhibit until March 2014.
On exhibit until March 2014.
Project Reclaim featured in Recycled Interiors Sept 2013

Lovey 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/
http://recycledinteriors.org/2013/09/26/chance-win-gorgeous-upcycled-glass-vase-trimmed-vintage-lace-project-reclaim/
Natural Symmetry exhibited at Liveable and Sustainable
On exhibition 29 July - 4 August 2013 at Atrium Gallery Federation Square Melbourne