‘Structures II’ continues to explore Bruce’s fascination with the interrelations between art, architecture and design, revealing a curiosity for where the divisions between these disciplines lie.
“I find it increasingly challenging to draw clear distinctions between what traditionally have been well defined pigeon holes of creative activity – design, art, architecture, craft – it really is in the overlaps and the intersections between these disciplines that I find the most rewarding creative territory,” says Bruce.
Each piece in ‘Structures II’ is created through a making process that encompasses rolling thick slabs of clay that are hand-cut into a series of abstract forms. Intuitively made in the moment with no drawings, maquettes or previous studies prepared to anticipate the final object, the works are made using one of four clay bodies. Each piece has been slowly air-dried, fired in a kiln, glazed and then fired again to complete the process. Larger works are made by joining the bigger slabs of clay together to create forms. Requiring a more dedicated making approach than the smaller works in Structures 2015-2016, these new forms have been made via a process of action that sees one step shape the next.
“An image in the mind of what a work will be at the outset is almost never what it will ultimately turn out to be. It is the making of the work that is important – the outcome is at once unknowable and at the same time predetermined – this direct exploration of making and material is really about maintaining an open-ness to the uncertainty and transformation inherent within the creative process” explains Bruce.
The pieces selected for ‘Structures II’ pick up on threads sewn throughout previous work via an organic making process that practically explores the question ‘what next?’ With each work unlocking possibilities for another, Bruce’s artistic endeavours this year have been dedicated to unfolding this line of ongoing visual inquiry.
Hub Furniture
24 November to 19 December, 2016
Melbourne
