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New Butterfly Sculptures

IMG_6232    Well, I’ve expanded The Robot Army in the past few weeks. I’ve always made insect sculptures and included insects in my jewelry too. When I was approached for the Active Surplus Art Show I decided to create a few new pieces. I wanted to give the older butterflies some new wings. I had a bunch of paper kicking around, and had been close to tossing some out. Then I decided to paint the wings… on plastic. They came out okay, but I really wanted something outstanding.

The first few experiments involved some old plastic ribbon I had – and the ideas started rolling in from there.

After several tries I now draw the wing pattern based on photos and spend time coloring each layer. Most of the wings are 2 or 3 layers of plastic, old Japanese paper (that I bought in 1992 or so), and whatever I can find. So far, I’m pretty pleased.

I’ve so far made Luna Moths, Blue Morpho, Monarch and The Ulysses Butterfly (above)

 

IMG_6234IMG_6237Monarch 1luna moth

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Sculptures

Beached – found object, rust, broken windshield glass, wood

The free standing sculptures are works in progress.  Well, so is a lot of my work – but these even more so.  Each one has taken ages to make – and each one will be quite different.  Currently, there is a series of small sculptures that were designed to be “held in two hands”. 

I love recycling – and found objects.  I never really understood the term “found objects” when I first started exploring art years ago.  I thought it would have to be found… by me… not purchased.  I am certain there is a debate about what should be/ is / could be considered a “found object”.  🙂

My own personal work does involve many object that I have found myself.  BEACHED – was once I think, a child’s toy ship – made of lovely metal.  Quite the discarded treasure.  The wood comes from the Leslie Spit in Toronto – a rough beach where all the detrius of the summer piles on the shore.  The glass comes from various windshields – found and picked off the Toronto streets.   It is quite a heavy piece because of the layers of glass.   Finally, the “shore” is rusted metal – and little bits of pocket watch pieces as well.