'Tempio' Sculptures

The Italian art movement Arte Povera really intrigues me. Quite literally it means 'poor art' or maybe the idea of using 'poor'/'non art' media. Artists of the movement intentionally used everyday simple found objects, materials and the environment reconfiguring and manipulating these to add meaning, content and purpose.


These simple sculptures are made from cheap and discarded timber (packaging radiata pine and cypress pine off cuts). They are representations of the human body and the sense in which the physical human body houses something even more profound within its walls.


They expose the thought that even though our bodies decay and will come to an end our spirit and soul endure forever. The external facades also hide that which dwells within. The use of gold and copper in contrast to the iron ore paint also hint at the precious and the decaying.


Tempio I and II are currently on exhibition at Linden Gallery in St Kilda, Melbourne as part of the annual Linden Postcard Show Exhibition http:www.lindenarts.org/






 

Tempio I Acrylic on Timber 15 x 15(w) x 30(h)cm 2008 



Tempio IV Acrylic on Timber 15 x 15(w) x 35(h)cm 2008 



Tempio II Acrylic on Timber 15 x 18(w) x 30(h)cm 2008 

Drawings

The following group of drawings were completed in late 2008. My father is Italian and this series of drawings reinforced my link and longing for Italy and my heritage. It is also my first foray into including text into my artwork. Each drawing offers glimpses of removed gardens and courtyards. Some provide no obvious means of entry or make entry difficult. I think this alludes to my sense of separation  from where I would ideally like to be, not so much a physical environment but rather a place of relief and rest for my being. They speak also of the awkward distance that separates Australia and Europe.

Entrata Pastel on Paper 40x57cm  2008  $340.00 AUD

Up Pastel on Paper 37x57cm  2008  $340.00 AUD

Va Dentro Pastel on Paper 30x38cm  2008  $280.00 AUD

Viva Pastel on Paper 20x38cm  2008  $220.00 AUD

Via Stretto Pastel on Paper 30x38cm  2008  $280.00 AUD

2008 Toorak Village Festival of Sculpture

Monument I & II  Acrylic on Timber 2008  SOLD

Monument I & II  Acrylic on Timber 2008  SOLD

Monument II  Acrylic on Timber 2008  SOLD

Monument IV & III  Acrylic on Timber 2008  SOLD

I have been tentatively getting back into my sculpture over the last year. I actually majored in sculpture at university and am really excited about making moves back in this direction.

In 2008 I was accepted into the 2008 Toorak Village Festival of Sculpture http://www.tooraksculpture.com.au/ which was a very rewarding experience. I entered these small works in the show.

These sculptures were exploring the idea of monuments to the past. They encased or supported monuments to the last of the trees and other organic forms. I suppose an environmental concern underlies each one of them but I was also interested in them working aesthetically with a stark beauty or intrigue of their own.

Geelong Regional Artists Exhibition 2008

In 2008 I was selected for the tenth Geelong Regional Artists exhibition with five other local regional artists. The exhibition is fostered by the Gordon Foundation and run through the Gordon Gallery at The Gordon TAFE, Geelong. It is designed to encourage, assist and expose Geelong regional artists to the Geelong community.

It was a strong exhibition in a quality venue and was a great opportunity. Below are some examples of the paintings that I exhibited in the show.

Storm Cloud Acrylic on Canvas 60x82cm 2008  SOLD

Rain Acrylic on Canvas 76x92cm 2008  SOLD

Coming Down Acrylic on Canvas 92x124cm 2008  $680.00 AUD

Above Acrylic on Canvas 92x124cm 2008  $740.00 AUD

Sons of Korah - Album Art

In 2008 the painting shown below was used as a CD cover for the musical group, Sons of Korah.

This group was formed and is headed up by Matthew Jacoby. Their main musical focus is interpreting the Biblical Psalms in a contemporary manner  http://sonsofkorah.com.au/ The idea of using one of my paintings in a design format was an interesting prospect. I am really pleased with the final CD design.

Over Me Acrylic on Canvas 122x61cm 2007 SOLD

The painting below is another example of a painting from this series.

Over Barrabool Hills Acrylic on Canvas 122x61cm 2007 SOLD

More Work

Falling Down Acrylic on Canvas (61x122cm) SOLD

Dusk It Comes Acrylic & Black Japan on Canvas (61x122cm) SOLD

Still Acrylic on Canvas (76x122cm) SOLD

Welcome To My Blog!

Cold Front I Acrylic on Canvas (61 x 61 cm) SOLD

Really looking forward to keeping you up-to-date with my new works, influences, thoughts and projects. On my website you will find a condensed c.v. artist statement and other information about me.

Here is some more new work.

Cold Front II Acrylic on Canvas (61 x 61 cm) SOLD

Maelstrom I Acrylic on Canvas (51x51cm) SOLD

Maelstrom II Acrylic on Canvas (51x51cm) SOLD