In 2000 I've had three
main projects:
"Wedlock"
The
first was a kinetic wall-mounted piece for a local exhibition in July.
The show focused on the traditions and ceremony of marriage, and 10
or so artists were invited to exhibit. My input was a viewer activated
scroll in three segments, printed with anagrams of "CONGRATULATIONS"
as displayed in greeting cards. It's not so much a response to the
act of giving a card, but the gloss of the words some anonymous copywriter
vomits forth. I intend for even the most inarticulate soul to sub
edit/author a wedding wish.
"Involvo/Evolvo"
The
next project is slightly more ambitious one, a collaborative exhibition
with textiles artist Sarah Rayner. So far we have one confirmed
venue, the Toowoomba Regional Gallery in June 2001, and maybe the
Craft Qld Gallery in Brisbane later next year.
The exhibition, tentatively titled "Involvo", will be an exploration
of insect, worm and seed pod forms. These are inspired by the local
environment, particularly remnant rainforest.
The pieces will be crafted from local timbers(as well as exotic pest
trees), metals and silk. The case moth in particular has inspired
much work. Although sizes of the pieces vary greatly the whole exhibition
will be set up like a museum dispay, with collection boxes, vials
and metal stands. It will include source material as well. At the
moment sample pieces are being constructed, and funding for a decent
catalogue is being pursued.
"Tool Exibition
" (yet to be titled)
read the proposal
This
is a challenge to myself, and maybe a challenge to others to work
out "why bother?".
I aim to create a working set of tools, (some of which I have made
before, but many I haven't) and with them craft a small set of furniture,
and finally, exhibit both bodies of work together. It will be a scrutiny
of the process of making something, including a large portion of problem
solving.
Of course there are proviso's, like the tools
being made with the normal shop tools and equipment, like forge
and anvil, welder and grinder. I haven't the time or skills to start
from scratch making a hammer then an anvil etc. The furniture will
be made using only the hand-made tools however, and I will limit myself
to recycled metal and timber. It will be an urban foraging exercise,
of "making do".
An RADF concept development grant has been approved
to get the ball rolling. Toowoomba Regional Gallery have once again
expressed interest, and there is a chance the exhibition could tour.
I think it will go over well in regional centres.
©
Andrew MacDonald. 2000
(No part of this material can be copied or used without written approval.)
Produced with the Assitance
of Arts Queensland's
Regional Arts Development
Fund and
the Toowoomba City Council.
