This artwork was one of the first in a Nylex series of sixteen artworks I created, that was painted on reclaimed timber. Therefore you will notice the beautiful woodgrain and also nail holes in the timber itself. I commenced this series during Melbournes lockdown period of 2021; we had moved into a new apartment in Richmond and apart from our new amazing city view, we now looked out upon the Nylex Plastics sign and silos, an iconic landmark in Melbournes urban landscape.
I quickly observed the concrete of the silos became a canvas for the different light and shadows that roll across them throughout the day from dawn until dusk. The atmospheric conditions often create many unexpected colours and variations and I’ve tried to capture these fleeting shifts and moments in my artwork. This one in the brightness of a summer afternoon
Oranges, pinks, purples, blues - the silos are imposing, still and solitary structures but, from my perspective, always subtly changing. Absorbing the bright, golden sunrise in the mornings, reflecting a purple hue from the sky, casting dark abstracted shadows under the midday sun, and absorbing darkness in silhouette against a dramatic sunset or the trails of water pouring down in our frequent rain.
Out of my window during lockdown I also noticed many discarded timber panels that were destined for the scrap bin (prior to both the builder and developer both going in to liquidation over this period). Fortunately, I was able to salvage many pieces and use them for this series of work. I enjoyed preparing the panels for painting with tools and was delighted to work with the texture and imperfections, to retain their visibility in the work - emphasising the character of the subject.
Working with bold applications of oils colour, I found I was able to portray the colours I was seeing with a visible richness, whilst still incorporating many of the finer details. I often create the composition quite quickly and then immerse myself in the details. I loved the way the timber grain is exposed through many of the pieces adding to the character of the artwork.
As an Artist, I am inspired by celebrating extraordinary things within my ordinary, everyday surroundings. Out of my window over lockdown, I observed these huge, grey concrete pillars with their stains, scars, cracks, graffiti (and a clock that doesn’t work!) in a new light, and I hope after viewing the artworks avaialble from this series, you will too!
This particular artwork incorporates both the 1960's era Nylex and Victoria Bitter neon signs of the time - now heritage listed. The Balloon is incororated not only due to Hot air balloons being a familiar sight over the Melbourne CBD, but references the fact that Cremorne (Richmond) was the site of the very first Hot Air balloon flight ever to launch in Australia in 1858
The Nylex sign on top of the silos is mentioned in Paul Kelly's famous song -' Leaps and Bounds'
This is a perfect original souvenir of industrial, 'iconic' Melbourne for your own home, or buy it as a gift for someone whose heart belongs to Melbourne!
Professionally framed and ready to hang