When I was asked if I’d like to create a piece to feature in in.cube8r gallery’s Self Care exhibition alongside some incredible Melbourne artists, I figured it was the perfect excuse to make the time to create something just for myself. It’s a rare occurrence and if I’m honest, more than a little intimidating to have no boundaries, but a wonderful opportunity nonetheless!
‘Self care’ is a meditation on what it means to perform self care. We have invited creatives young and old, experienced and emerging to discuss the ways that they use art as a form of self care. Some works are unfinished, unpolished and imperfect, some created specifically as a means of discussion.
in.cube8r gallery
Time really does fly when you’re making art.
My meditation takes a slightly different form to others’. When I’m saw piercing I can finally relax and let my mind wander. This piece in particular was a source of refuge amongst a stressful few weeks. Whenever I could find a spare minute I’d look forward to working on it and take a moment to enjoy what I was doing. Apart from the process itself I also tried to pack in as many features as possible which calm my mind and give me pleasure; playful kitties, beautiful architecture, overgrown ivy and a sense of times past. I also love hidden elements so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put a third cat behind the doors above the clock face where the cuckoo usually sits (hence the name of the piece just in case you missed that 😉 ).
‘Someone Ate the Cuckoos Clock’ consists of over 15 hours of drilling, saw piercing, assembly and riveting. Although it looks rather complicated and detailed, when you break it down into the component pieces of each layer you can see there’s mainly just a lot of cutting involved (which for me is the relaxing part). I deliberately designed the piece to only require processes and techniques which wouldn’t cause me any stress! So as you can see I was only using the most basic tools and cold forging (no soldering needed!).
Just using brass and copper also kept the material costs low so it doesn’t matter whether or not I sell the piece (they also happen to add a certain warmth which I find appropriate). Having absolutely no concern for what anyone else thinks of the piece is a wonderful feeling.
The main aim of this purely decorative non-functioning clock was that every process involved would be an enjoyable one, from the design to the construction and even it’s display. In that regard it was a complete success.
I’m currently working on some everyday pieces inspired by this exhibition piece. If you’d like to see the latest updates follow me on Instagram and if you’re in Melbourne head along to in.cube8r gallery before September 25th to see the piece in person!
