Favourites from 2015

JANUARY – Oh Lorikeet 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

FEBRUARY – Nomenclature 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

MARCH – Plexa Projection (William Jolly Bridge) 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

APRIL – Beach haze days 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

MAY – Dream Lichen Tree 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

JUNE – Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo Descending 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

JULY – Flourish Parts Await Finishing 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

AUGUST – Glass Light Shadow 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

SEPTEMBER – Brisbane Silhouette 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

OCTOBER – Palm Memory of Growth 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

NOVEMBER – Delicate Yet Everlasting 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

DECEMBER – Striated Pardalote 2015. Photography Christina Waterson.

See these and all photos from 2015 at my instagram.

 

 

 

Studio Sojourn in the Hills

View from the Studio in the hills with local wonder companion Benson who visits the studio daily. Photography Christina Waterson.

 

Textures and layering of beautiful landscape all around. Photography Christina Waterson.

I’ve enjoyed a studio sojourn since moving from my beloved long term studio in Brisbane. The move and new rural surroundings (with a great community of creatives and passionate people) have guided my work to new levels while allowing me to better balance work and life. I’ve had a deeper connection to nature (wildlife; seasons and natural cycles that inform my work) and to my inner self through the time and experience.

View to great studio with focused work space fitted out with beautiful objects including Darcy Clarke’s Tuesday Collection (Construct work table and Hoopla feature pendant pictured). Photography Christina Waterson.

Many of the projects I’ve worked on throughout 2015 have been large-scale high stake projects, so having a good base has been essential to keeping it real; staying relaxed and focused; and remembering why I am an artist.

Thank you to  Darcy Clarke for sharing the most amazing studio in the hills with the sky and beautiful things all around!

 

Made Me Smile 03

Silky Oak in bloom. Photography Christina Waterson.

I have had so many beautiful things make me smile and bring me joy over the last few months. A small selection is included here. You may notice that some of the images are in a square format. That’s because they are from my instagram account that I’ve been experimenting with. Check out more images and inspiration at my instagram.

Amazing visions of beauty by Fashion Designer and creative force Gail Sorronda for her Mermaids Exist Collection. Pictured here is shimmering model Chelsea Crawford wearing the Undercurrent Neckpiece by Christina Waterson for Gail Sorronda. Hair by Redken Australia and Makeup by Mac Cosmetics. Photography Megan Cullen. Photo Courtesy of Gail Sorronda.

Studio Artefact Student’s work. I am pictured with Ross Summergreene as we critique our Studio’s work for Project 1, ARCH2200 at The University of Queensland. Photography Daniel Byung.

Watching people watching fireworks. Photography Christina Waterson.

Love for earthenware. Czech Deco circa 1920’s to 30’s by Ditmar Urbach pictured. Also sometimes known as ‘Alienware’ by US Collectors. Photography Christina Waterson.

Appreciating a unique moment after a storm. Photography Christina Waterson.

Beautiful birdie vase from Cibi with flower tail by Minka. Photography Christina Waterson.

The strange little things I collect like these Japanese Sugar Sticks. Photography Christina Waterson.

Launching the Stellar Collection with the amazing TAIT. More on that to come! Pictured is one of the sculptural screens in the Stellar Collection. I love those shadows.  Photography Christina Waterson.

 

 

Soft Cell Re-imagined in 2014

Night Time Street View of Soft Cell (Domestic Bliss Exotic Dream) 2014.

During April and May 2014 I was privileged to display Soft Cell (Domestic Bliss Exotic Dream) 2014 Edition within artisan’s Ivory Street Window, Fortitude Valley. A small preliminary study of Soft Cell was first exhibited in 2012 as part of my solo exhibition Trace at Pinup Project Space, Melbourne. This study was made in cork rubber. By this time other studies and tests of Soft Cell at a small-scale had also been made in leather, felt and fabric.

Trace exhibition studies at Pinup Project Space in 2012. Study of Soft Cell 2012 top-far left. Photography Tobias Titz.

Soft Cell represented a deliberate desire to work with softer materials and forms. My Churchill Fellowship experience profoundly moved me to follow this softer approach, having predominantly worked with more linear and rectilinear geometric elements throughout my practice until that time. After my exhibition at Pinup Project Space I spent a busy year running around the countryside creative directing. There was not much time for making in the studio.

Soft Cell Ivory Street Window Installation test layouts and preparation. April 2014.

In 2013 I committed to realising Soft Cell at a larger scale in more vibrant colours and everyday materials. A successful application in 2013 to display Soft Cell (Domestic Bliss Exotic Dream) 2014 Edition in artisan’s Ivory Street Window got the ball rolling.

After spending many years starting with hard materials and hard forms I found the result more often than not was “hard”. I set to making with soft materials and soft forms with a hope to relax and make softer works. Christina Waterson 2012

Soft undulating rhythmic forms make up the Soft Cell family. Each generation of form, while unique, originate from the same simple element combined in different ways. Making Soft Cell required me to move differently; using softer and less controlled movements than those used to make The Komodo Series and Bloom Series. These softer circular movements used different muscles in my body. Within the work the compression and tension imbued in each form’s surface did require my concentration and some good timing.

A sample of the layout options considered for the Ivory Street Edition of Soft Cell. Illustrations Christina Waterson.

Soft Cell marked a shift from previous installations within the Ivory Street Window. My two previous installations within Ivory Street Window were more linear in nature. They were also made with a single material of predominantly one colour.  The Soft Cell 2014 installation could have taken an infinite number of layouts as shown above, in the preliminary sample options (L and C) for my original application. I decided on a geometric tartan layout (R).

Day time street view of Stage 02 of Soft Cell’s evolution. Photography Christina Waterson.

Soft Cell Sequence of Growth (L >R) Stage 02, Stage 03 and Stage 05. Illustrations Christina Waterson.

The installation grew over time and evolved through a sequence of patterns. In doing this my hope was to draw people closer to inspect the work’s detail and form, and maybe ponder what the forms might remind them of, or how each colour might stir different memories and associations.

Vivid recollections and studies borne from a sense of rediscovering a distinctly Australian sense of nature and place are brought to light through this new collection. While the Domestic Bliss Exotic Dream Edition of Soft Cell uses everyday materials found in our homes, up close the materials’ colour, fluidity and overlay transport us to another place and suggest different flora, fauna and landscapes. One may see a hint of parrots, waves, jellyfish or a flourish of orchids in the overlapping arabesques. It’s these tactile curves and arabesques that form the essence of things – the soft cells. Christina Waterson Artist Statement 2014

Soft Cell Hues. Photography Christina Waterson.

Soft Cell Hues. Photography Christina Waterson.

Tweaking Soft Cell on the opening night of the exhibition. Stage 05 of Soft Cell’s evolution. Photography Richard Stride for artisan.

My work continues on the Soft Cell family of surfaces and forms. STAY TUNED as this new collection truly reaches its full potential!

 

 

REPOST – TRACE The Work = Scale Screen

Scale Screen 2012 by Christina Waterson (Detail). Photography by Tobias Titz 2012.

With the Stellar Collection of sculptural screens and wall reliefs etc. soon to be launched in Spring 2014 by the fabulous Australian furniture icon TAIT, let’s have a look back at a post from March 2012 showing the development of Scale Screen 2012. Here in full follows the original post – ENJOY! You can also see the original post here!

The development of Scale Screen occurred over many years. This project was assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body (through a New Work – Established – Australia Council Grant). Scale Screen’s origins are linked to my Bloom Series Home-wares and furniture range, launched in 2009. Scale Screen’s origins are linked to my Bloom Series Home-wares and Furniture range, launched in 2009. From the outset of the development of The Bloom Series, I had always envisioned Pixel Screen (pictured below) to be realised in coated sheet metal.

Pixel Screen part of The Bloom Series 2009 by Christina Waterson. Photography by Jon Linkins 2009.

Through the Australian Council Grant I rationalised the design of Pixel Screen in coated sheet metal to ensure modularity, as well as fabrication and installation ease. Importantly throughout this process I maintained the essential qualities of the original artwork. The streamlining of Pixel Screen however meant the adaption was different enough to warrant a new name. The name Scale Screen comes from the form of the elements that make up the screen. They look like reptile scales (especially Brown Snakes or Frilly Necked Lizards, and also like the opened mouth of a Frilly Necked Lizard) so the name directly reflects this quality and also references my unique country Australian childhood;

The surface, colour and depth of the Scale Screen project is informed by the skin of Taipan and King Brown snakes. In my hometown of Sharon in Queensland, the remnants of shedded snakeskin on timber joists proves a reminder of the local reptilian residents – snakes rub on the rough joists to break their skin for the process of shedding. Amongst Australia’s most aggressive and poisonous snakes, the beauty of their skin belies their potential danger. I play with the duality of the notions of protective efficiency and deadly beauty as being inherent to Australian native flora and fauna.

In the foreground: Scale Screen 2012 Photography by Tobias Titz 2012.

A distant and more acute view of Scale Screen 2012 to the right. Photography by Tobias Titz 2012.

My works are intended to be experienced in space, time and light. This is particularly clear in the development of Scale Screen 2012. The patterns within its surface are 3-dimensional; they are patterns that exist in space – new patterns are revealed and continuously evolve as you walk around the work.

I applied the knowledge I gained through the Australia Council Grant Research and Development to other subsequent commissions. Taking Flight (pictured below) uses the same fabrication techniques as Scale Screen but has dramatic differences in form and concept.

Conceptual Photography of Scale Screen’s sister work Taking Flight 2011 (Folded Aluminium wall relief commissioned by Aurecon) directly used the skills and knowledge from developing Scale Screen. Photography by Jon Linkins 2010.

Taking Flight 2011 by Christina Waterson installed in Aurecon’s Brisbane Head Office Reception. This work aimed to capture a sense of action and growth; similar to birds alighting from a forest or the flourish of blooms in spring. Photography by Jon Linkins 2011.

Scale Screen 2012 Detail by Christina Waterson within Trace at Pin-up Architecture and Design Project Space. Photography by James Braund 2012.

I would like to sincerely thank the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body for assisting the Scale Screen project.

Go to TAIT’s Website and TAIT’s Blog for all news on the launch of the Stellar Collection in Spring 2014.

Celestial Analogue (Stellar) 2013-14

Celestial Analogue (Stellar) 2013 – 14 (recycled cardboard, pigment paint). Photography Christina Waterson.

My latest work, Celestial Analogue, records the ideal geometry of an immeasurable physical experience.

While recently hosting some visiting international friends who had never experienced a clear view of the night sky I rediscovered my own deep memories of the Milky Way. My friends normally live in London where the Milky Way has not been visible since the Industrial Revolution; due to pollution and compounded by big city light spill. Growing up in rural Queensland with a glorious view of the Milky Way I had perhaps taken this familiar sight for granted.

On attempting to explain something so unimaginable, immense and elusive as the Milky Way to my friends who had never witnessed it directly, I realised that it was nigh impossible to communicate the experience. Even images fell short. A visit to a remote location was undertaken to let them experience it directly for themselves.

Detail from the right side approach. Photography Christina Waterson.

Zooming into the detail – so close yet so far away. Photography Christina Waterson.

Celestial Analogue emerged from these encounters. Though also very beautiful Celestial Analogue is an ideal representation of this immeasurable physical experience. Repetition of the reduced elements create a sense of movement across the work’s surface. With an ever shifting pattern and spatial rhythm it remains illusive when experienced from different moments and positions.

Pieces patiently masked, painted, scribed and cut. Photography Christina Waterson.

Celestial Analogue was patiently assembled from hand cut, painted and folded recycled cardboard. It meaningfully extends my previous collections of work including The Bloom Series 2009, Taking Flight 2010 and Scale Screen 2012.

Celestial Analogue (Stellar) 2013- 14 view from the left side approach. Photography Christina Waterson.

PS I must admit it was hard to photograph this work in the exhibition space. With every passing car reflected light rays created hot spots and cool spots across the work. I endeavour to return one night and re-photograph the work more evenly lit.

Early Flowering

Jacarandas in bloom at the University of Queensland, St Lucia (October 2013).

An early hot Australian summer saw many flowering trees bloom early. Delicate blooms with startling colours provided a haven for birds and insects. Here are a few of my favourites that bloomed in succession – some native and others embraced just the same as part of our urban landscape and lives.

A majestic Illawarra Flame Tree on Gloucester Street, Highgate Hill, Queensland (October 2013).

I was in Melbourne when the Silky Oak’s burnt honey blooms were in flower. This one spotted near SPACE Furniture in Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria (November 2013).

Arcade of Tamarind Trees flowering along Dornoch Terrace, Highgate Hill, Queensland (December 2013).

Fragrant Fiddle Wood Trees on Dornoch Terrace, Highgate Hill, Queensland (January 2014).

Such electric colours!

All photos by Christina Waterson.

Summer 2013/14

Colourful lichen covers a fence cross beam. If you look closely you can see a spider’s legs. The spider was hiding on the underside in the cool shade and was as large as my hand. SS13/14.

Returning to the place I grew up always encourages me to look deeper and dream larger. Here are but a few of the lovely moments of nature captured over summer at my parents place beside the Burnett River, near Bundaberg.

Dusk across the western paddocks SS13/14.

First time I have seen a bee swarm. We discovered the bees in a bottle brush tree on dusk. The next day the swarm had moved on. We hope they have found a home not too far away.

Looking south-east along the Burnett River SS1314.

Lightening strike at 3:00am through fly mesh SS13/14.

Pale Headed Rosella enjoying sunflower seeds from the garden SS13/14.

A Month of Glorious Sunsets

Through the clouds. Moments at sunset on 11 November 2013…

During the time I’ve had the pleasure of living with an expansive view of the western sky, I can say that never have I witnessed such glorious sunsets as those experienced in November 2013. Every afternoon I was drawn to my balcony like a joyful child in wonder of the play of light. Each sunset was so different and within a night’s dusk period the sky was transformed into many glorious moments that unfolded and continuously evolved. Some days there were wild storms followed by electric fluorescent colours or silver linings. Other days were more modest with hazy clouds and delicate highlights.

Here I have selected my favourite sunset moments from the month – many of which occurred all in the same afternoon – the sky transforming before ones eyes in the space of minutes. The 18th of November was a particularly amazing sunset day! Please enjoy the sheer beauty and immensity of nature captured here!

…colour intensifies…

…until the sun appears like an orb zooming past on the horizon. 11 November 2013.

Electric colours! Moments at sunset on 14 November 2014…

…close up a tutti-frutti love dream…

…and a little later on 14 November 2013.

A deadline and a super cell. Moments at sunset on 15 November 2013.

Storm front threatens. Moments at sunset on 18 November 2013…

…needed rain on the horizon…

…and then a silver lining…

… 20 minutes later…WOW…

…5 minutes later…

…an explosion of colour in the clouds…

…and on the horizon…

…to eventually fade to black. 18 November 2013.

Colours have not been altered. All photography Christina Waterson.

All Things Being Equal

Sky cliff. Photography by Christina Waterson.

Here sitting on the edge of the coming Equinox my mind drifts to balancing, measurement, natural forces and equals.

From my days of studying Architecture at University amid drawing and solar diagram exercises, I recall that our Earth is not tilted toward or away from the Sun during the Equinox – making the length of the day the same at all points on the Earth’s surface.

This year the Southward Equinox is pencilled in for 20:44 on 22 September. Nice numbers don’t you agree! The specific dates when the length of day and night are truly equal does vary from place to place though. And then in some places day is always longer than night – like in places near the equator. The equinox really represents a passage of shifting; turning over; or a midway point like when a spinning coin balances on its edge momentarily.

One eye looking out. One eye looking in. Photography by Christina Waterson.

Then there is the saying “All things being equal”. How can different things be truly equal? Perhaps for a fleeting moment or from a surface glance one could make this type of assumption. But for me it’s really about balance, rather than equality, and that looking outward at the external, is only one side of the whole story. Finding the balance within oneself may in fact bring order to the order of things around.

I find balance when I am making.

So this weekend through the passage of the Equinox give a thought to finding balance and accepting each moment as equally joyful, full of knowledge and surprise.