This artwork was one of the first in a series of sixteen Nylex related artworks I created, commenced 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 Plastic 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.
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, which is why there are many inconsistent sized artworks. 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. Others, like this study 'Sunrise at the silos' were painted on stretched canvases.
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.
All part of an enjoyable process!
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 smaller artworkalso makes the perfect pair sitting along side 'The silos sleep' (see on my current lisitings). The perfect little piece of 'iconic' Melbourne for your own home, or buy as a gift for someone whose heart belongs to Melbourne!
This artwork os professionally framed and ready to hang, or alternatively can freestand on a shelf.