Tag Archives: mild steel

Australia, Heat Exchange 1

Enamel animals

Hello from Melbourne! Here is a short story while a tightly wrapped parcel travels over the oceans, of how my work for Heat Exchange evolved.

As a metalsmith, I’m currently interested in different types of steel which can be welded into structures that safely withstand the heat of the kiln, and the application of liquid enamels which allow me to paint metal surface like canvas. The solid structure of steel and the fluid patterns of liquid enamels create a challenging, fascinating combination for ongoing investigation.

My starting point was this steel model from last November, based on studying forms at airports. I wanted to see how I could use similar angular shapes in slightly larger object-based work. Initially, my plan was to continue developing pieces on the airport theme, but as I begun sketching, the idea of movement and a more playful concept about “flight” emerged. I decided to make two winged containers, “enamel animals”, balanced with weights in hidden compartments. I thought they could softly move, if touched, upon their curved bases.

Above are some initial sketches and cardboard models of different wings, and the following images show the evolution of the two objects after welding, going through a couple of different variations of wings and noses. Here you can also see some of my first enamelling samples with liquid enamels on steel and copper, created in 2010 during the life-changing workshop by Elizabeth Turrell in Perth. These early experiments still strongly inspire my use of layers, line and colour in enamelling.

The wings slot into the objects so that they could be inserted separately, without oxidising in the high temperatures of the kiln.

The main materials used for the work were mild and galvanised steel, welded and cold-joined, then enamelled with clear liquid #969 and P3 pigment for surface texturing,

And finally, the finished pieces:

“Enamel Animals, two figures having a conversation, are carefully balanced containers with secret compartments for weights (or any other small, heavy things you might need to hide). If touched, the animals will gently rock, perhaps nodding in agreement, with quiet knowing… “

Cheers and warm regards to everyone – can’t wait to see all the final works!

Inari

Inari Kiuru

featured in our first Heat Exchange exhibition in 2012.

Australia, Heat Exchange 1

A vessel, some brooches, and an artist’s bench …

1 Comment

Hello!

Inari here from Melbourne, Australia. Just a short introduction – here are some images of etching a vessel to be enamelled, and a few brooches. The main material focus of my work has been liquid enamel on steel (be it plate, safety pins or wire), inspired by Elizabeth Turrell’s workshop in Perth in April 2010, and supported by Dr Kirsten Haydon here at “home”, both legends and fellow Heat Exchangers.

The works above are all from late 2010 as I’ve had a year off making, doing written research only, but I’m currently returning to the glow of the kiln with open arms, and keen to delve into mad experiments with enamel again over the coming months.

At the end, I’ve included a little snapshot of pieces under construction on my bench at RMIT University where I’m currently undertaking Honours in Gold & Silversmithing.

Really looking forward to developing ideas and pieces for Heat Exchange, as well as interacting with everyone.

Cheers,
Inari Kiuru
ikiuru@iinet.net.au
www.inarikiuru.blogspot.com

Inari Kiuru

featured in our first Heat Exchange exhibition in 2012.