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440 Million years back in time

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440 Million years back in time

#1

440 Million years back in time

I have just returned from a couple of weeks in Alice Springs and Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayer's Rock). This is at the very heart of Australia, both geographically and spiritually.



This is Uluru ...







There does not appear to be much around ...













But it is filled with gorges ("gaps") and canyons and mountains, which one only recognises when you visit ...









I would not say that it is teeming with wildlife, as this only comes out at night. There are waterholes ...







.. and incredible beauty in the desert ..










We climbed many trails. The surrounds and Uluru are steep and rocky ...









For many millions of years, the many Aboriginal groups have learned to live off the land, recognising the medicines in bushes, food under the grass, and hunting Kangaroos, Wallabies and Emu.



Simple but startlingly beautiful wild flowers ...







The desert oak, most common tree ...







Uluru had a magic, at times hypnotic ...










For the first time I began to understand Aboriginal art, its symbols and stories. Much of this is about maps ... landscapes. The circles are usually about women. There are streams and mythical creatures, such as a snake. There are flowers and trees. All symbolized ...



















The symbols adorne more ...










What I would like to do is incorporate the essence of Aboriginal symbols in wood (not in colours, however), in boxes for example. In other words, using texturing in the wood to illustrate the symbols.



Your thoughts on techniques?



Regards from Perth



Derek


Re: 440 Million years back in time

#4

Re: 440 Million years back in time

Extraordinary, I love the art, too!


Re: 440 Million years back in time

#5

Re: 440 Million years back in time

No woodcentral hat seen anywhere?


Re: 440 Million years back in time

#6

Re: 440 Million years back in time

Derek,


Terrific photo essay!  Thank you!


Check here:


https://www.kristinamadsen.com/


Re: 440 Million years back in time

#7

Re: Very good!

Given the times we live in, using cultural symbols without fully understanding their meaning might be frowned upon.


However, the colors are breathtaking. 


I would definitely try to incorporate the color palette.


Beautiful photos.


Re: 440 Million years back in time

#8

Re: Very good!

Hi Mark. I have no desire to create pseudo aboriginal art look-a-likes. I would like to select some of the symbols as patterning, perhaps create some messages this way. I have never done texturing of wood, and look at this as a way to start.



Regards from Perth


Derek


Re: 440 Million years back in time

#9

Re: 440 Million years back in time

Hi Derek - 



I'd vote for a box lid with or similar done with dowels from a few different woods to do something like a stylised lizard.... (correct aspect ratio for a useful box).


The Aboriginal "Dot Art" style..... (pre-pointillism?)....



Cheers, 



Rob




Re: 440 Million years back in time

#10

A start.

Hi Derek - 



I'd vote for a box lid with or similar done with dowels from a few different woods to do something like a stylised lizard.... (correct aspect ratio for a useful box).


The Aboriginal "Dot Art" style..... (pre-pointillism?)....



Cheers, 



Rob





I have thought of that - but wish you hadn't :) as it is actual inlay, and this is an area where I have done only a little. Still, it is a great idea, and I will attempt it, after a few boxes to get my eye in.


My aim is to build 2 or 3 boxes before mid-September, which is not far away. More realistically, just two. The reason is that son Jamie is getting married then, and there will be some visitors from overseas and interstate. I would like to make a gift of a box to a couple coming along from afar, such as Jamie's godfather and godmother.



I am quite far with the first box. It is to be a mini-chest ... single drawer chest. Small - the one below is 190 x 175 x 70mm. (7 1/2" x 7" x 2 3/4". Case sides are roughly 1/2")This may be used for what-ever, but could go on an entrance hall table to keep keys inside. Just an idea.


I scrounged about the workshop for small sections of timber. This one is USA Black Walnut. Work done this weekend, and the drawer to complete ...



Mitre through dovetailed case, with 12mm sides ...



The case is glued and planed, but unfinished ...




After the drawer is made, the plan is to texture the sides and rear panels in a way that will compliment the figure on the top and drawer front (which appears too nice to hide - I shall put some finish on this first to decide).



Regards from Perth


Derek



 


Re: 440 Million years back in time

#11

Re: A start.

Hi Derek - 


When I got married - Dad made us a ring box for the service - and it has now been used by more than a dozen family members for their weddings. The "pillow" inside is made from Lucie's dress material (she made her dress). Now a family heirloom, really. It does have a bit of inlay - a purpleheart diagonal stripe across one corner - and homage o the Bridesmaids dress color. It was also made from black walnut. Be glad to send you some photo's and dimensions if you like....


Cheers - 



Rob




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