Gin has a rich and layered history and this is something we have tried to evoke through our layered and immersive artworks. Gin is predominantly flavoured with Juniper and this provides the backdrop for the three artworks launched at Art in the Park, this week at Eden Park in Auckland.
Just as distillers select their botanicals for scent and flavour, we have selected our botanicals for form and colour. Peppercorns nestle up to citrus blossom and vanilla pods. Cucumber leaves roll and entangle themselves around cardamon and lemongrass. Sweet smelling lavender sways alongside sage and coriander and the flags of the bearded Iris stand tall.
All three artworks are created from our colourful, repurposed steel drums, which are a waste product from the local food industry. The blooms and foliage are laser cut and brought to life by rolling and manipulating the forms and each element is then carefully welded in place and layer upon layer is added to fill the mesh framework.
There are three personalities or colour palettes within the collection: Classic: as Mother Nature intended, Kickback: deep dive into a dusk inspired colour palette, and Adventurous; bold and brazen not adhering to any rules.
Do you have a favourite?
]]>Indoor only artworks: Pears, Cherries, Botanicals, Small Crowns, Sketch Stems & Bouquets.
Both Indoor & Outdoor: Corsages, Mini-Blooms, Bantam Blooms, Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Garlands and Rambling Gardens.
Garden Art: Full Bloom & Large Crowns.
If you artwork is to be displayed in a dry, indoor location then an occasional dust is required. (Using a yellow duster means that the yellow fluff sticks to the edges….we suggest either a feather duster or a can of compressed air, which can be obtained here.)
If you are wanting to display your artworks outdoors then we currently have a couple of options:
Given the artworks are made from metal, they will, if left in damp/wet conditions start to rust on any exposed metal. The speed and intensity of the patina depends on the location of the artworks. e.g a seaside location (water + salt) will speed up the process.
If you like the natural patina of the artworks, then do nothing and enjoy!
If you’d prefer to retain the gallery condition then you can do either of the following.
Option 1 - apply two or three layers of clear coat lacquer to back and front (we’d suggest a matte finish). Refer to the manufacturers instructions regarding drying time, application and health & safety procedures.
Option 2 - apply warmed beeswax to the artworks using a soft, clean and lint-free cloth. We suggest doing the lighter/brighter colours first, or using a seperate cloth for them. Depending on the location of the artworks this may need doing on a semi-regular basis.
Consideration of wall hung artworks outside on wall or fencing.
You may decide to hang your artworks outside. In order to prevent potential rust on your wall or fencing, we therefore strongly recommend at least a couple of coats clear lacquer on the back of the artwork. Again, refer to the manufacturers instructions for application, health & safety and drying times.
We are running some experiments in our workshop for other surface treatments as soon as we have got the results we will add them to this page. Watch this space!
]]>Are these one of a kind?
Yes! Due to the handmade nature of these artworks, no two are the same. No cookie cutters here! A Metal Metcalfe artwork is drawn, designed, selected and welded by hand. So, totally one of a kind!
Tell me more about the material - what can I expect from my colourful blooms?
We use food grade (no chemicals/petroleum) steel drums that are surplus to the producer's needs. They have had a hard-working life, travelling around the world on container ships, then within manufacturing plants being dropped or knocked by forklifts. As such they will have some scratches and/or dents and/or rust. This is part of the honesty of the material, they’re not defects. They are the visible wounds of their previous life!
The steel drums are already pre-painted, inside and out. Some will have been outside and others inside, therefore the paint colours can vary.
In addition, the heat from the cutting process can affect the colour too. Again, this is part of the honesty of the material and process.
You’ll notice the front and the back of the artwork are different - that is because the inside and outside of our drums come in two different colours. It gives us a larger palette to work with!
Why steel drums?
Well, we think they are AWESOME! They come in bright colours, usually two-tone. The outside colour is different from the interior - so you will find the back of the artwork looks completely different to the front.
We are also extending the lifespan of what is sometimes a single use steel drum - ensuring that the energy used to make the original drum is maximised (and enjoyed) for years to come.
Can my artworks be displayed inside and outside?
Yes, they can be used in either! If you display your artwork inside, then there is no maintenance required.
If displayed outside, then they will naturally start to rust and this is part of their charm. If, however, you’d prefer them not to rust, then we suggest spraying with a one off clear coat lacquer or a seasonal spray of vegetable oil.
How do I install my artwork?
Check out our post of Displaying your Artwork here. All of our wall mounted artworks come with fixings either welded or riveted to the frameworks. Note: no screws/fixtures are provided as this will vary depending on the substrate.
Making by hand - what does that mean?
It means every single artwork we make is unique….no two are the same.
We draw, cut and select each bloom or leaf and then we weld them together. As such, each piece has its own personality. They are then cleaned, signed, photographed, labelled and shipped.
Shipping
We package all artworks to ensure they are received by you in the condition they left us. Sometimes accidents do happen, or there are delays with couriers. If that is the case, please get in touch via email and we will do our very best to assist you.
Can I purchase a Gift Voucher?
We are working on this one and will bring them to you as soon as we can.
We are in the area - can we come and visit?
We love having visitors! So absolutely get in contact via email and we will see what we can get organised.
PLEASE NOTE: NONE OF OUR ARTWORKS ARE INTENDED AS TOYS.
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