ART lovers are in for a treat with the opening of an exhibition in the Gloucester Gallery, displaying a combination of photographic art and metalwork sculptures.
The photo works are by Rachel Saunders and the metalwork is the creation of Michael Kolbe.
The exhibition is titled Simple Imaginings and all members of the public are invited to the formal opening on Saturday 8 November at 1pm.
Rachel first met Michael when she was Gallery Director and invited him to be involved in a group exhibition she was planning to curate.
Michael creates striking metal sculptures from scrap, old tools, and square rods, showcasing his evolving creativity since 1995.
“My journey started in 1995 following a trip to Zimbabwe where I purchased a small metal bird made from scrap which stirred my creativity, and phase one began with simple but appealing sculptures which were saleable and well received,” said Michael.
“Phase two some years later was instigated by posts by Harriet Mead, an exceptional English sculptor and my work took a turn, creating sculptures from old tools which were extremely popular.
“Phase three began in March this year after spotting a sculpture made from square metal rod and I took to the idea with a vengeance, and some of the results surprised even me.
“Forging and shaping the metal is challenging and so rewarding.”
Rachel will exhibit her latest photo prints that she says reflect her love of traditional woodblock prints.
While each piece has photographic origins, they are simply imagined unique pieces.
Rachel explains that she is a printmaker with a difference and that she is excited to share her works in this exhibition.
“I feel my prints work well with Michael’s sculpted forms and in particular complement our shared love of birds and nature,” said Rachel.
“My prints are my own photos transposed and transformed into unique pieces, the composites evoking a new sense of place with the potential of becoming illustrations to, as yet, untold stories.
“I graduated from the Sydney College of Fine Arts and found work in a photographic studio as an assistant which led to my becoming a professional photographer working in some of the major advertising studios in Sydney.
“My move to Gloucester in 2012 reignited a passion for capturing the beautiful landscape and its both wild and domesticated inhabitants with a greater connection to the ever-changing weather patterns, cloud formations and the differing lightfall of the seasons.
“I like to combine images to create new scenes with a visual intricacy that tells new stories.”
The exhibition will run from 6 to 30 November.
By John WATTS
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