Transformations
Floral Plate, detail, Cj O’Neill, 21cm dia., waterjet cut vintage stoneware, 2008 (photo: ade hunter)
Flow Gallery’s latest exhibition looks at how artists transform old, found objects into new works (until 5 February)
Transformations is a mixed media show featuring a diverse group of makers who are all linked by an interest in re-using old objects. It’s a form of re-cycling, taking discarded, unwanted objects and giving them new meaning and value – although most of the exhibitors are inspired more by the aesthetics and narratives inherent in their original found pieces than a desire to save the planet (although this is, of course, a handy bi-product).
They all use their found objects in different ways, with some completely obliterating all evidence of the original piece – for example, you wouldn’t know that David Bielander’s lively little beetle brooch started life as a steel spoon – and others making the process of transformation much more obvious. Grant McCaig, for example, adds value to insignificant objects like old wooden rulers by giving them precious silver details. Other makers featured include ceramist Cj O’Neil, jewellers Ruth Tomlinson and Rory Hooper and furniture maker Gareth Neal.
www.flowgallery.co.uk
