Works in metal and on paper
by Catherine Hewitt and Regine Schwarzer
Accentuating the overlooked- an individual and combined delving into particular rockformation; a focus on internal structures, complexity and interconnection.
Such are rocks – ‘the unassuming material base of life’ - made of minerals, natural, non-living materials, elements combined with heat and pressure. Loose sediment may become rock through the process of lithification: either accumulated grains compact under pressure or recrystallise. Every mineral possesses a combination of chemical composition and crystal structure that makes it unique.
Not only do we share an attraction to the natural base elements but having studied together and seen each other’s work in progress we have come to know and appreciate the similarities in our design aesthetics. As well as developing our own specific interests for this exhibition, we explored the possibilities offered from the exchange of materials.
Rhopos is an interrelated body of work that reflects our individual and combined delving into particular rock formations. Accentuating the overlooked, we enhance and emphasise the complexity and interconnection of the ‘material base’ through shape reduction and simplicity. The works - in metal and on paper- are a combination of both the seen and the sensed; an approach involving art and science and the exchange of two different sets of experience, knowledge and methodology.
The differences in our choice of working materials enhance the individual and combined interpretive focus on internal structures that evidence and echo both macrocosm and microcosm.
October 2011
Visual uniqueness gives value to the common materials often overlooked or disregarded and it is this which has long fascinated me. The minerals on which I base the design and construction of my work are sourced from the Australian outback and from collectors’ exhibitions: the raw materials are a rich inspiration.
Evolving from my absorption with visual uniqueness began an investigation of the crystalline formations of the minerals. Experimenting in metal re-presenting the geometry of the structures I thereby make visible its fractal qualities.Patination, etching and enamelling techniques evoke memories of colour and surface.
Translating and magnifying such treasure is a revelation and source of inspiration.
Coralaceus series,2011
Littoral series, 2011
gilding metal etched and patinated
Jetsam series, 2011
Earrings sterling silver etched, gilding metal etched, patinated, enamelled
Largest 54x20x5mm
Beachcombing has given me many treasures, gatherings of possibilities; collections into
which I delve. Photography allows me to highlight the hidden qualities and structures;
digital montage, the assembly of parts to construct the whole. Science provides the grist for
my mill - facts that trigger my imagination.
Amongst such treasures I have a handful of small discs known as foraminifera. They are a single-celled organism composed of calcium carbonate. When broken down these forams combine with other marine particles to form island sands and limestone, the base structure of coral reefs.
Contemplation of single units, the forams, in the form of printed photographs provides the opportunity to encompass and appreciate the microcosm. The re-presentation and interpretation of the forams as rock via etching and embossing processes highlights the macrocosm; the etching press, the embosser, echoes the compacting pressure that forms sedimentary rock and translates the photographic input into texture.
Lithos II
Photopolymer embossing
Fabriano 280gsm
warzer
by Catherine Hewitt and Regine Schwarzer
Accentuating the overlooked- an individual and combined delving into particular rockformation; a focus on internal structures, complexity and interconnection.
Rhopos
”….the depiction of those things which lack importance, the unassuming material base of life that ‘importance’ constantly overlooks.”[1]
Not only do we share an attraction to the natural base elements but having studied together and seen each other’s work in progress we have come to know and appreciate the similarities in our design aesthetics. As well as developing our own specific interests for this exhibition, we explored the possibilities offered from the exchange of materials.
Rhopos is an interrelated body of work that reflects our individual and combined delving into particular rock formations. Accentuating the overlooked, we enhance and emphasise the complexity and interconnection of the ‘material base’ through shape reduction and simplicity. The works - in metal and on paper- are a combination of both the seen and the sensed; an approach involving art and science and the exchange of two different sets of experience, knowledge and methodology.
The differences in our choice of working materials enhance the individual and combined interpretive focus on internal structures that evidence and echo both macrocosm and microcosm.
October 2011
[1] Bryson, N., 1990, Looking at the Overlooked: Four Essays on Still Life painting, Reaktion Books Ltd., London
Visual uniqueness gives value to the common materials often overlooked or disregarded and it is this which has long fascinated me. The minerals on which I base the design and construction of my work are sourced from the Australian outback and from collectors’ exhibitions: the raw materials are a rich inspiration.
Evolving from my absorption with visual uniqueness began an investigation of the crystalline formations of the minerals. Experimenting in metal re-presenting the geometry of the structures I thereby make visible its fractal qualities.Patination, etching and enamelling techniques evoke memories of colour and surface.
Translating and magnifying such treasure is a revelation and source of inspiration.
Regine Schwarzer 201
Coralaceus series,2011
Brooches
gilding metal etched patinated, sterling silver etched, fossilized coral
largest 62x54x10mm
largest 62x54x10mm
gilding metal etched and patinated
wrist piece 73x57x27 mm
brooches largest 56x28x10mm
brooches largest 56x28x10mm
Jetsam series, 2011
Earrings sterling silver etched, gilding metal etched, patinated, enamelled
Largest 54x20x5mm
Beachcombing has given me many treasures, gatherings of possibilities; collections into
which I delve. Photography allows me to highlight the hidden qualities and structures;
digital montage, the assembly of parts to construct the whole. Science provides the grist for
my mill - facts that trigger my imagination.
Amongst such treasures I have a handful of small discs known as foraminifera. They are a single-celled organism composed of calcium carbonate. When broken down these forams combine with other marine particles to form island sands and limestone, the base structure of coral reefs.
Contemplation of single units, the forams, in the form of printed photographs provides the opportunity to encompass and appreciate the microcosm. The re-presentation and interpretation of the forams as rock via etching and embossing processes highlights the macrocosm; the etching press, the embosser, echoes the compacting pressure that forms sedimentary rock and translates the photographic input into texture.
Catherine Hewitt 2011
Lithos II
Fabriano 280gsm
| 440 x 565mm |
warzer
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