The Making of Flourish – thrive prosper bloom

An excited me next to the final full size prototype of one of the Flourishes. This was made for final sign-off of the central element details. Photograph by Poppy Veerasawmy (Creative Facade).

BACKGROUND

In early 2014 I was shortlisted, along with three other Australian Artists, to competitively bid for The Milton Artwork Public Artwork Façade opportunity. Each artist had six weeks to develop a unique artwork concept and submit a detailed expression of interest that included their artwork concept, composition, buildability and fabrication methodology.

Concept behind Flourish – Patterns of Milton’s early land use and how they mirrored some of the micro structures within native and crop species.

After visiting Milton and undertaking research into the site’s history I was intrigued by Milton’s development over time. Of particular interest were the patterns of early land use and how they mirrored the micro cellulose structures within native and crop species. I  tested my initial concepts using a series of small handmade models. Some of the models just tested the individual elements’ form, while larger studies explored the overall composition and visual permeability of the artwork. These studies then directly informed the 3D computer models and renders. Flourish’s composition frames a field’s edge where native flora have re-grown and flourished.

Different from all angles – Flourish handmade artwork of a small portion of The Milton Artwork Facade for my Concept Proposal, February 2014 (Dimensions 550 x 375mm). Photography Christina Waterson.

Concept render of view from within the spaces behind Flourish, prepared for my Milton Artwork Facade Concept Proposal, February 2014.

Initial concept render of Flourish – thrive prosper bloom, February 2014. The artwork marks the Railway Terrace entrance to Milton Train Station.

My final EOI included the Flourish artwork concept; handmade models; facade elevations and sections; interior and exterior views; assembly methodology; as well as detailed quotations from three local manufacturers.

In late 2014 to my joy I’d successfully been selected as the preferred artist for the project.

Showing colour and how the work progressed throughout the process – here is the revised concept render of Flourish presented to the BCC.

After initial briefing with the Project Stakeholders I incorporated their great feedback to add colour and further develop the composition option that incorporated a central dimensional flourish design framed by flatter border panels. At the end of 2014 my revised composition was approved by the Client and submitted to the Brisbane City Council (BCC).

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION  AND INSTALLATION

Team meetings with the client, fabricators and documenters for design development, documentation and prototyping happened in the first half of 2015.

One of many prototypes made by Auzmet for Hutchinson Builders, during Design Development and Documentation. Pictured is a half scale prototype of a central Flourish element with the border design. Photography by Christina Waterson.

This was an intensive and rewarding process in which details of the artwork and its elements were streamlined for material properties and sheet efficiency; as well as for the fabrication process. The artwork’s overall layout was further developed during this time to accommodate weight and support requirements. The design of the fretwork was developed to meet the revised free air requirements in those areas while also concealing the artworks orthogonal support frame. I worked closely with Poppy Veerasawmy (Creative Facade) throughout this process.

The final colours (based on native flower species), artwork layout and details were signed off in May 2015 with the approved design being fabricated in June and July. It was really great that the artwork was made in Brisbane by local manufacturers who specialise in metal fabrication and coating. It meant I could visit each fabricator on a regular basis, stay in touch with progress and photograph the fabrication process.

Just a few of the 200 or more Flourish parts awaiting finishing and transport to the painters. Photography by Christina Waterson.

Labelling of parts that make up the central Flourish panels prior to coating. Photography by Christina Waterson.

At the painters each element was painted prior to assembly. Photography by  Christina Waterson.

During installation of the central Flourish area. Photography by Christina Waterson.

Installation started in August and was completed in September 2015. I visited the site weekly to see how the artwork had grown. It was an affirming experience to witness it evolve to completion. The details that we’d worked through during design development/documentation contributed to the overall effect and success of the artwork.

View to Flourish – thrive prosper bloom from Railway Terrace footpath. Photography by Christina Waterson.

Different from different angles: An acute detailed view to Flourish – thrive prosper bloom north along Railway Terrace. Photography by Christina Waterson.

An acute detailed view Flourish – thrive prosper bloom south along Railway Terrace. Photography by Christina Waterson.

Flourish – thrive prosper bloom 2015 from Railway Terrace, Milton. Photography by Christina Waterson.

Long front view of Flourish from Manning Street approach. Photography by Christina Waterson.

Since Flourish’s completion I’ve received lovely feedback from visitors to Milton. People especially love the artwork elements, colour and the way the composition looks different from all angles.

PROJECT DETAILS

Client: Commissioned by Aveo Group Ltd and Hutchinson Builders

Name: Flourish – thrive prosper bloom 2015

Medium: Painted steel

Location: The Milton Residences, 55 Railway Terrace Milton, Queensland, Australia.

Artwork Area: Over 440 sqm

Built locally in Brisbane by Hutchinson Builders through Auzmet, Creative Facade, GCI Group, and Peerless Painting and Sandblasting.

The Concept behind Flourish – thrive prosper bloom 2015

Detailed view to Flourish – thrive prosper bloom 2015 from Railway Terrace, Milton. Photography by Christina Waterson.

Flourish references the site context of Milton as a rich point of intensity in the development of Brisbane – from its natural pre-settlement geography of fresh water creeks feeding the Brisbane River, providing fertile hunting and fishing grounds for Aboriginal people, to the early township farms established on the rich alluvial flats. Inspired by the micro structure of plant cellulose, Flourish expresses concepts of growth, mimicking the natural processes of cell division and reproduction while referencing native flora for its colour palette.

Imagery from my research into Milton’s history and it’s development over time. Of particular interest were the patterns of early land use and how they mirrored some of the micro structures within native and crop species.

The early settlement farms were quickly followed by industry and transport systems and today Milton continues to thrive as a key node for social and commercial exchange. Flourish thus attempts to capture and express the layers of these site relationships.

Detail of the top of the artwork screen. Photography Christina Waterson.

It’s bespoke composition frames a field’s edge where native flora have re-grown and flourished. The elements that form Flourish’s central composition are part of the family of forms used in the Stellar Collection with TAIT and artwork entitled Celestial Analogue 2014. Flourish’s elements are scaled to the city and have unique details that address the specific screening and ventilation requirements of The Milton building.

Overall view of Flourish – thrive prosper bloom 2015 from Railway Terrace, Milton. Photography by Christina Waterson.

The interlocking forms gather themselves to intensity in the centre as the work knits and folds in upon itself and into the built form, circulating light, shade, and colour in ever repeating patterns.

Flourish uses dimensional thickness to create a mesmerising surface that responds to view, light and shadow and in this way gives different experiences throughout the day and from distinct vantage points. My fascination with three-dimensional surfaces and patterning is a constant thread that runs through my practice, artworks and product collections.

Flourish – thrive prosper bloom 2015, commissioned by Aveo Group Ltd and Hutchinson Builders for The Milton Residences, is my largest public work realised to date.

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!

 

It’s been a busy 2015

Looking up at part of Flourish – thrive prosper bloom 2015 a major public artwork realised for The Milton residences, Brisbane – Australia. Photography Christina Waterson

Hello there! Yes it’s been a while since I’ve posted to Tracepattern. In 2015 I’ve been super-busy on a number of projects: especially in realising a large scale public artwork entitled Flourish – thrive prosper bloom for The Milton residences. It’s almost complete and I’m so happy to finally share the project with you. More details of what I’ve been up to and, of course, the process of realising such a large scale work.

PS. In the mean time check out all of my latest news and inspiration at my official instagram site. It’s been a big year!

 

Launching the Stellar Collection with TAIT

The launch of the Stellar Collection at TAIT’S Sydney Showroom. Photography Fiona Susanto courtesy of TAIT.

The Stellar Collection was launched in Melbourne and Sydney during October and November 2014. I so enjoyed these events with TAIT because after all our hard work we shared Stellar with such lovely people. It’s a pleasure to post a transcript of the short speech I gave on the occasion of the launch of Stellar in Sydney, on 6 November 2014.

Christina Waterson in the moment welcoming guests. Photography Fiona Susanto courtesy of TAIT.

Thank you for sharing this special evening with us as we launch the Stellar Collection.

The Stellar Collection was inspired by the night sky. As a child I was in awe of the Milky Way’s beauty and would spend many a hot summer’s night out on the water tank star watching. My brothers and I would look for satellites and shooting stars, often making our own constellations using the stars we could see, and our different interests as a reference point. This playfulness is at the heart of the Stellar Collection as it encourages people to become modern-day astronomers, making their own constellations and patterns in the form of sculptural screens, ceilings, wall reliefs and objects.

While the names and patterns for our traditional constellations are inherited from Greek mythology, almost every culture on earth envisaged patterns in the stars that captured their unique culture and nature. For Stellar’s signature patterns I re-imagined the stars in the night sky to form a set of new constellations based on the patterns and lines of Australian flora and fauna.

Avid audience listens to Gordon Tait’s MCing for the Sydney Launch of Stellar. Photography Fiona Susanto courtesy of TAIT.

Tonight we are launching three signature patterns in the Stellar Collection called Kingii, Banksia and Rosella. Kingii reflects the distinct form of the Frilled-neck lizard’s open mouth. Patterns within the Banksia’s flower spikes at different stages of growth and blooming are reflected in the Banksia pattern. And my favourite pattern in the collection, Rosella, captures the moment when a family of Rosellas (birdies) alight from feeding on grass seed and pine nuts.

My passion is to create large-scale intricate surfaces whose depth, detail, and effect on light and shadow transform and bring a finer grain to the spaces around us. Therefore it’ only natural that Stellar’s elements form sculptural screens, wall reliefs and ceilings. The elements also make both functional and sculptural objects and we have a few of our favourites on show tonight.

We are delighted to share the Stellar Collection with you and can’t wait to see the unique patterns, objects and colour combinations that you create with Stellar.

Thank you and enjoy the evening.

What a wonderful evening made special by the lovely guests. Photography Fiona Susanto courtesy of TAIT.

Gordon and Susan Tait sharing a special moment with Christina Waterson. Photography Fiona Susanto courtesy of TAIT.

Stellar is a credit to all involved in the process. A massive thank you to Susan and Gordon Tait for your generosity of spirit and belief in realising the Stellar Collection. Thank you to TAIT’S fabulous team whose skill and expertise across all areas of streamlining, fabricating and sharing Stellar make it unique. To Max&You thank you for your amazing energy on all things marketing and publicity of Stellar for TAIT, and especially such enjoyable launch events. Thank you Mr Cameron Bruhn for MCing Stellar’s Melbourne Launch, and Gordon Tait for MCing the Stellar’s Sydney Launch – you both brought a personal touch through the insights you shared.

Thank you to all who attended the launch events – it was great meeting such lovely, enthusiastic and talented individuals.

Visit TAIT for more information about the Stellar Collection.

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.

 

 

My Folio UPDATE

White Infinity Headpiece 2014 for Gail Sorronda’s Mermaids Exist: As Above/So Below collection featured at 2014 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia. Photography Courtesy of Gail Sorronda.

I just updated My Folio with a few lovely projects realised in the first half of 2014. Some I’ve posted about before, while others I am yet to share with you in more detail. The projects use a variety of materials, as well as fabrication techniques in combination with hand making by yours truly. ENJOY!

PS There’s still a few top-secret projects that I have to remain hush hush on…for now!

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.

My Ivory St Installations

Fall 2002 Concept for Ivory Street Window Installation in 2005 part of Unleashed 2005, artisan. Illustration by Christina Waterson.

Over almost a decade I have enjoyed exhibiting my large-scale installations in artisan’s Ivory Street Window. The space is perfect; it’s protected while being very public; outward looking to Ivory and Brunswick Street and therefore an accessible way to present to people who wouldn’t ordinarily get to engage with my larger scale works. People can appreciate the installations there day and night as they walk, drive or bus by. The space also affords a different understanding of ones work through the light, movement, near and far approach; and the scale of the window space and street itself.

I’ve presented installations in artisan’s Ivory Street Window at key moments in my practice. Here I share with you a snap shot of the three installations undertaken in 2005, 2008 and most recently 2014.

Fall 2002 Detail of Ivory Street Installation 2005. Photography Andrea Higgins for artisan.

Fall 2002 was installed in artisan’s Ivory Street Window in 2005 as part of Unleashed exhibition.  Fall’s interlocking stainless steel elements cascade against the surface of the wall with its elements able to be reconfigured into a hanging installation (Rest 2002) and stacked horizontally (Align 2002).

Fall 2002 Detail of Ivory Street Installation 2005. Photography Christina Waterson.

Gravity transformed the perfect geometric forms into a scurry of movement and light. The stainless steel elements quivered with slight changes in air flow and their thin edges reflected the smallest presence of light. Street and traffic lights as well as headlights of passing cars were beautifully reflected in the work’s thin stainless steel edges. Fall is now an important part of my personal collection and takes pride of place in my living room.

Plexus #1 2008 installed in artisan’s Ivory Street Window in 2008. Photography by Andrea Higgins for artisan.

Plexus #1 (Cardboard Prototype Komodo Series) 2008 hand cut and woven in recycled cardboard. Presented in artisan’s Ivory Street in 2008. Photography Andrea Higgins for artisan.

In 2008 I showcased a preliminary hand cut cardboard prototype of Plexus #1 (Part of the Komodo Series launched later that year at Living Edge, Brisbane). The series includes three-dimensional arrays, weavings and sculptural objects that explore beautiful repetitive, structural forms at a variety of scales.

Plexus #1 (Cardboard Prototype Komodo Series) 2008 detail showing the space of the window and materiality of the work. Photography Andrea Higgins for artisan.

As people moved past the the window installation they would see ever shifting tessellation between the work and its shadow. Closer inspection revealed the delightful materiality and complexity of the interwoven elements. Over the month Plexus #1 was in artisan’s Ivory Street Window it evolved and grew; with new elements added weekly until it finally filled the window.

Day time street view of Sequence 01 – Soft Cell (Domestic Bliss Exotic Dream) 2014. Photography Christina Waterson.

Dusk street view of Sequence 04 – Soft Cell (Domestic Bliss Exotic Dream) 2014. Photography Courtesy of Richard Stride for artisan.

Soft Cell 2014 was installed during May 2014. The installation evolved through five distinct sequences and was a playful and colourful installation of my latest collection and softer direction.

Night time street view of the final sequence of growth – Soft Cell (Domestic Bliss Exotic Dream) 2014. Photography Christina Waterson.

More on this my latest installation – Soft Cell 2014 and the whole collection in a future post! STAY TUNED!

THANK YOU artisan; idea skill product for supporting my work through display and exhibition over the past decade.