Materials: Elm, copper, teal and black resin
Dimensions: 21.5cm x 17cm
I spent some time contemplating the theme of this exhibition, “Reaction,” and how it aligns profoundly with my artistic process. The materials I work with, wood and resin, are by nature very reactive, and working with each, both separate and apart involves a constant effort to control and manage their inherent reactions to environmental factors such as cold, heat, and moisture.
Wood, with its natural grain and texture, is highly responsive to environmental changes. It swells and warps when exposed to moisture, becomes brittle in the cold, and expands with heat. These reactions are both a challenge and a source of inspiration in my work. The unpredictability of wood requires a deep understanding and careful anticipation of its behaviour under different conditions.
Resin, on the other hand, offers a contrasting stability and resilience when cured, hardening to create a smooth, glossy finish. However, uncured resin is highly reactive, influenced by temperature and humidity, with cold temperatures slowing it down and heat speeding it up.
The process of turning the combined materials on a lathe brings their reactive properties once again to the forefront. The tool friction generates heat, the ambient air cools. The hard resin chatters during the cut, the wood soft and yielding. This intricate dance between materials and their reactions is an integral part of the making, and managing these reactions is crucial to achieving the desired outcome.
“Reaction” invites viewers to appreciate the complex interplay between materials and their environment. Each vessel embodies the delicate balance between control and spontaneity and contain within it the essence of reaction. A harmonious union between organic and synthetic materials, the reactionary elements harnessed and through their interaction, something new is created. A testament to the materials journey that explores the broader implications of how materials and individuals alike can react, adapt, and transform.
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