Neil Cryer , Butterfly Fantasy (ART, OBJECTS 2022)

Photos:

Neil Cryer

I aimed to create a piece which would be transparent in part and incredibly light in construction from the end of a heavy 400mm diameter windfall Jacaranda log. It was important to retain the maximum size and shape of the log to represent the mass of the source material. Butterflies were chosen as they represent the ‘lightness’ of the piece. The minimum stand is to emphasise the apparent delicacy, with a slight angle backwards to add to the visual appeal. A 70mm end-slice of the log was turned to remove bark, cleaned and sanded, forming a flat outer edge of the piece. A parting tool and fine bowl gouge we’re used to form a 2.5mm tyre on the outside of the log. It was parted off and formed the outer circumference. The piece was reduced in diameter and a second 2.5mm tyre formed and parted for the inner circumference. Several small 2.5mm slices off the length of the log were butt joined to form the front and back faces. These faces were glued to the two tyres to form the wheel. The piece was then pierced using a fine piercing bit, before two coats of semi-gloss microtone were spray applied.

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