Resilience
Butter Factory Arts Centre, Cooroy 8 Jan – 17 Feb 2016
In this exhibition the concept of growth and resilience is explored echoed through the recycled corrugated iron tree. Possessing great knowledge, the tree, a symbol of protection, strength and stability, provides a solid base upon which all relies and stands strong through all things, while the corrugated iron, your typical Australian icon, is a metaphor for the human spirit, conjuring notions of strength and unity as it weathers the test of time from nature’s extremities of drought and flood. Artistically there is the play of line and form, positive and negative space, and the textures of the steel. And then there are happier and romantic notions reminiscent of simpler times past, reflecting the comfort and security found within the home and one’s community.
In these works we see a combination of sleek stainless steel placed against rusty iron forming fragile lines, contrasted with the bold gestures of the corrugated steel and creating a balance between the spaces.
The two larger works, Resilient I and II have been previously exhibited – Resilient I in Living Change, the Flying Arts Alliance Inc touring exhibition of the 2013 Queensland Regional Art Awards, and Resilient II in Reflections, Friends Noosa Regional Gallery Taste of Art 2015 group show at Noosa Regional Gallery. The smaller new works are prototypes for my most recent commission to design and make the 2016 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards Trophy.