MINATURE PORTRAITS
This current work is a continuation of my attraction with people, their personal histories and viewpoints.
Miniature object have always fascinated me with their refined delicate features and economy of scale. For example the Japanese Netsuke or objects in a dolls house, cameo portraits and paintings.
At this stage in my life their physical scale suits my skills and lifestyle.
Photography by David McAurthur and Oliver Gross
Ollie, Lienors Talia Dung, Kurt, Steff, Mayumi and Neil, 2018 – 19
10 x 6 x 4 cm, kiln formed black lead crystal glass
Tess and Sofia, 2018 – 19
10 x 6 x 4 cm, kiln formed black lead crystal glass.
Mentors: Talia, Lienors, Steff, Minh, 2018 – 19
10 x 6 x 4 cm, kiln formed black lead crystal glass.
Four Friends, 2018 – 19
10 x 6 x 4 cm, kiln formed black lead crystal glass.
Will 2, 2018 – 19
10 x 6 x 4 cm, kiln formed black lead crystal glass.
Matt, 2018 – 19
10 x 6 x 4 cm, kiln formed black lead crystal glass. .
Neil, 2018 – 19
10 x 6 x 4 cm, kiln formed black lead crystal glass. .
Untitled 2018 – 19
10 x 6 x 4 cm, kiln formed black lead crystal glass. .
BETWEEN US
These portraits speak about ordinary people who do extraordinary work within our community and who make up the fabric of our community.
As recent refugee Ramazan Ali Najafi said, ‘It was my dream one day to come to Australia. The dream is gone, now it is real. Now I ask what I can do for Australia.’
Though the people behind these portraits come from diverse backgrounds with different histories and life experiences they are the glue that holds my community together. They inform my understanding and appreciation of difference and indeed inspired me to create this work entitled ‘Between Us’. These portraits tell a story of our place.
Initially sculptured in clay, each portrait weighed about 12 kg but when transformed into glass, it weighs less than 3kg, measures 22 cm in diameter and is translucent.
The artistic work created is but a reflection and interpretation by me, an outsider’s view. These people have been so kind and generous with their time and our conversations have been enriching and entertaining.
Photography by Grant Hancock, David McArthur and Oliver Gross
Rita, 2016
48 x 18 x 20 cm, mould blown glass, steel
Craig, Exhibition View
fourtyfive downstairs gallery
Exhibition View
fourtyfive downstairs gallery
Frankie, 2016
50 x 17 x 17 cm, mould blown glass, steel
Max & Steve, 2016
18 x 75 x 18 cm, mould blown glass, stainless steel
Mustafa, 2016
28 x 20 x 27 cm, mould blown glass, steel
Craig (detail), 2016
23 x 16 x 17 cm, mould blown glass, steel
Emil, 2016
50 x 50 x 18 cm, mould blown glass, steel
PORTRAITS
The innate desire to portray the complexities of the human condition is the driver that motivates me to strive for a portrait that reflects each individual’s character. Within the fragile medium of glass, this essence evolves by a paring down of the form; each layer revealing its purest structure and detail, to expose the person within.
One to one sittings allow a gradual communication that yields a different dynamic to that of the snapshot exposure of a chance encounter – for example, a person on the street or in the Blue Woman, I have focused on a portrait of a person in a moment of contemplation; capturing that most elusive and mysterious moment that passes beyond our experience of time.
Each day over a period of six months I have created a wax mask. Letting the unconscious making dictate the form. I’ve always been fascinated by the way different cultures express their identity, rituals and hold onto memories through this practise.
An obituary in the local paper highlighted the life of Rita Levi Montalcini who died at the age of 103.
I was captivated by her dignity, intelligence and longevity and could think of no better way to explore the ageing process than through the life of this remarkable woman, 1909 – 2012.
As an artist, the different levels of interaction are both exciting and enticing.
Photography by David McAurthur and Oliver Gross
The innate desire to portray the complexities of the human condition is the driver that motivates me to strive for a portrait that reflects each individual’s character. Within the fragile medium of glass, this essence evolves by a paring down of the form; each layer revealing its purest structure and detail, to expose the person within.
One to one sittings allow a gradual communication that yields a different dynamic to that of the snapshot exposure of a chance encounter – for example, a person on the street or in the Blue Woman, I have focused on a portrait of a person in a moment of contemplation; capturing that most elusive and mysterious moment that passes beyond our experience of time.
Each day over a period of six months I have created a wax mask. Letting the unconscious making dictate the form. I’ve always been fascinated by the way different cultures express their identity, rituals and hold onto memories through this practise.
An obituary in the local paper highlighted the life of Rita Levi Montalcini who died at the age of 103. I was captivated by her dignity, intelligence and longevity and could think of no better way to explore the ageing process than through the life of this remarkable woman, 1909 – 2012.
As an artist, the different levels of interaction are both exciting and enticing.
Photography by David McAurthur, Oliver Gross and Ede Horton
Steve, 2013
12 x 8 x 8 cm, kiln cast glass and metal
Aaron Freeman, 2013
12 x 8 x 8 cm, kiln cast glass and metal
untitled, 2013
12 x 8 x 8 cm, kiln cast glass
Christina, 2013
12 x 8 x 8 cm, kiln cast glass and metal
Blue Woman, 2014
6 x 28 x 17 cm, kiln cast glass and metal
Arte, 2013
12 x 8 x 8 cm, kiln cast glass and metal
Rita Levi Montalcini, 2013
12 x 8 x 8 cm, kiln cast glass and metal
Talia, 2014
36 x 28 x 17 cm, kiln cast glass and metal
Window Gazing, 2014
24 x 15 x 15 cm, kiln cast glass and metal
