Slabbs
Above: 'Slabb: White' detail.
Introduction
Using a freehand extruding, squeezing process, the silicone in the Slabbs series is first built up into a loose mass using in part its own weight as the silicone oozes forth and settles on a flat surfaces.
A second stage then squeezes the mass into a further condensed form with a greater surface area of contact and compression. Utilising custom built shuttering or 'formers' the energy of the springs is offset and contained on several sides. Because of the denser quantity, these works can take around 6-8 weeks to fully cure.
Slabb: Grey
Conservation grade silicone (cured unattached) low iron toughened glass, cast stone and hardwood bases, May 2022
15 x 5 x 13cm (slabb)
27 x 35 x 32cm (overall)
A dark grey matt silicone used to form a smaller squatter mass.
Here, a single piece of glass is supported vertically by two display bases. The silicone Slabb sits just a little back from the face of the glass.
**Selected for The Royal West of England Academy 169th Annual Open (runs 8 Oct 22 - 8 Jan 23) ** where it was:
** Awarded the Pangolin Digital Ltd Sculpture Prize.**
The prize was for a digital 3D laser scan that allows for the work's future reproduction in a variety of materials including bronze, from 1:1 scale to any size higher.
Slabb: Blue
Conservation grade silicone, cured unattached, Jan 2022
13 x 7 x 21cm (Slabb)
The first slabb created to develop on from a studio test piece back in 2020. A glossy muted blue.
All pieces in the series are cured unaffixed to the surfaces they are formed on allowing for work to be presented in different orientations and juxtaposed with various display materials such as glass, stone and varnished and painted wood.
Slabb: White
Conservation grade silicone (cured unattached) low iron toughened glass, painted maplewood, 2022/23
26 x 29 x 29cm overall
Following on, a firm matt white silicone resembling ceramic porcelain... or whipped cream.
To display this work, a base with slots for pieces of glass to slide into, allowing for a changing juxtaposition of elements of the work and an interplay with the perceived process past and physical present.
The wood base given a yellow coating as an option in 2023, to broaden visual associations.
** Selected for the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition Nov 2023 **
