Many times I have shown Winners and other entrants of past Festivals, but this time I would like to share an absolutely brilliant and amazing sculpture by a local, via a friend of one of my staff, who has so generously given me permission to show images of "THE SEAMSTRESS" which was a private commission and not an entry in the Festival. I was gobsmacked and asked permission to share.
His words:
"THE SEAMSTRESS" and another large artwork were commissioned by a private collector in Sydney. They are installed in a secret garden in an industrial estate in inner Sydney. "The Seamstress" is a depiction of the buyer's mother and his 2 1/2 year old sister circa 1950. Times were hard and the child had only empty cotton reels to play with.
The tabletop is a slate slab which was once the entry step to Great Grandmother's rural homestead "Butherwah" circa 1880, the underside worn into a scalloped curve from 80 odd years of foot traffic entering and leaving the house.
The drawers of the table are cut down bronze post office mail box doors. The only original sewing machine parts are the handwheel, the treadle and name plate, which I reversed so it would face forward so people could see the word 'Singer' as they looked at the front of the sculpture. I hand-made a needle and used copper wire as thread.
The sewing machine was made using a variety of mechanical and hydraulic car jacks and odds and ends for the smaller controls. When the treadle is operated, the lady's hip, knee, ankle and foot move in the normal fashion as I made each joint articulated on that leg. (Children love making her work by moving the treadle up and down.)
Her skirt was made from a reproduction medieval chain maille long shirt by individually separating hundreds of steel rings and re-joining them to accommodate the lady's figure. This sculpture is private and is not able to be viewed by the public.
It took about 6 months to complete.
The images of her shoes were inspired by Dorothy in Wizard of OZ........her face was before the hair was added and her hands before being connected to her body.
The fabric being sewn is lead sheet off a roof and if you look closely, the buyer asked me to include a subtle butterfly which I pin pricked with a needle into the lead sheet. (You will see the butterfly in the hands image)"
Amazing beyond belief, don't you think? Keep in mind, everything made from "stuff" laying around anyone's farm virtually. Due credit to the sculptor and I sincerely thank him for allowing me to share. I hope he receives accolations from around the world - contact ANDREW WHITEHEAD SCULPTURE via his Facebook page. I have been asked not to include personal names.
A must view though is the video on his Facebook page. Several other magnificent sculptures are shown as well.
AGAIN, A HUGE THANK YOU TO THOSE CONCERNED FOR PERMITTING ME TO SHARE THESE IMAGES AND STORY BEHIND THE SCENES WITH YOU. I look forward to your comments.
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As children, my (tailoress) Nanna strung empty wooden cotton reels on string that we wore as necklaces or mayoral chains ... "I'm the Mayor of Cornishtown".
ReplyDeleteHow quaint. Those wooden reels are very sought after these days.
Deleteps. I'm absolutely astounded at the detail and workmanship in this sculpture. Quite beautiful. Congratulations to the artist and to the patron with the vision to commission this amazing piece.
ReplyDeleteBeing a private commission, we are thankful that we are able to see, but yes, your comment is noted re the thought of the one who commissioned.
DeleteIt is amazing,such talent and so life like.How wonderful to be able to create this work of art.
ReplyDeleteTHe artist is truly gifted,so glad I was able to see the sculpture.