Andrea Vinkovic Sculpture - you just have to jiggle it!

Get yourself a coffee or a vino, 

this is a LONG one.

During my residency at CIT (Central Institute of Technology) Ceramics Dept. in Perth, I've been privy to the development of a unique sculpture by ceramic artist Andrea Vinkovic.  Andrea has been preparing a ceramic arch built from 21 'blocks' each custom made, each formed from hundreds of small wheel thrown clay vessels dropped, still soft and wet, straight off the wheel, into custom made moulds of MD.  The making of the blocks alone created exquisite little works in ivory clay. After bisquing, she sprayed the blocks in two glazes which reacted together resulting in a bubbly crater like surface in ivory, grey, oyster shades.  I want one, she knows, but I think I am dreaming. I know where there will be one auctioned soon though.  This Arch has been a mammoth task.   

Given the myriad skills that making the arch has required you won't be surprised to learn that the artist is the technician in the ceramics department at WA's Perth Central TAFE (now Central Institute of Technology).   The other techs there are equally knowledgable and supportive to students and staff, troubleshooting and nutting out any glitches that get in the way of a good idea.  

Above, the arch is being tested out - each block with its own mini framework of welded steel - designed so the blocks sit on top of each other and interlock.  

The piece is destined for the Gomboc Sculpture Park Midland, for a competition. 

I have witnessed the making and construction of this unique work, observing the easy going, smiling Andrea squeezing time into her weeks, between family life, travel, and work, quickly and casually throwing endless little soft pots, and later hours worth of welding of the metal framework for the interior space.  AV and team was a bit preoccupied, so I documented the event.  

 Bela Kotai and Charlie the brilliant technician lend their wisdom, 

understanding (and muscles)

Is it me or do the surfaces resemble homemade meringues?  

above - the interior framework

below- the packing preparation, designed to keep it all in place prior to moving to site

 Detail shots 

BELOW - the base of one of the legs of the arch

Terror, apprehension, exhilaration?  All?

Pause for prayer? The Why am I doing this moment. 

There was a crunching sound.

Before transporting the work, we had to test it to ensure the top of the arch fitted onto the columns.  That was seriously stressful.  

I say 'we' - I was the cheerleader.

Onto the forklift, carefully lifting the apex of the arch onto the pillars

 and lining it all up so the framework interlocked

 The moment of truth, you just have to jiggle it!  

 Jiggle it more!

 Yes?

 Yessssssss!! 

 Did you hear a pin drop?

 Then the forklift had to be lowered very slowly, and it doesn't DO 'down' slowly.

 She's there!  That was a good moment.

But here is the end result, last weekend at Gomboc Sculpture Park.... tadaaa, Andrea 'chillin' after a trauma free installation.  Hear that sigh!

Here is Robert modelling ... ART,

 and below, Tell me Andrea, what is next on your creative horizon?  

Mmmm I will keep you posted.  

Now head on over to the Mud Colony site to catch up on a bunch of my clay pals.  Fourteen blog links just waiting for your attention and enjoyment.