Fifth Kingdom: 2009

November 20, 2009

Black Fungus Installation

This is a piece that I recently installed in a clients house. It is situated in the entrance of the house. This image is the start of installation.

The first pieces are up. The work is made of 0.6mm copper that is oxidised a black colour and are screwed straight into the walls.

Finished product.

November 10, 2009

Puffballs

Puffball fungi

Following are some works inspired by these fungi. The pieces are all made of sterling silver and will be shown at Zu Design during their xmas show.

Neckpiece

Rings

Earrings

October 31, 2009

Mushrooms can help save the world

Since first becoming interested in the structures, forms and colours of fungi I have done quite a bit of research on the 'Fifth Kingdom'. I am always finding out new facts, new websites to look at and new and exciting information about fungi, not to mention some fantastic images. I think the most amazing information I have come across is a talk by Paul Stamets on 6 ways mushrooms can save the world.
Paul Stamets is a Mycologist who is inspirational on the functions and uses of fungi. He has also written a book 'Mycellium Running' which I have but have not yet read. I pick it up and read bits every now and then. Some of it is quiet technical, but very informative. If you never knew much about mushrooms and fungi this talk will blow your mind about what they can do.

October 18, 2009

Experimenting

I have started working with cement as a base for fungi to grow. I want to bring in the urban aspect as the base for the fungi element which are also made of metal. urban on urban. lets see how it works. here i have just made blocks of cement with a rough feature. Tried to drill holes in the concrete. did work but you cant get a masonary drill bit less that 3mm and i want it to be 1mm or less. so i did go through quite a few drill bits.

Managed to drill some holes in this one. Different cement. This is a more sand mix.

This piece i made more free form and made the cracks happen. Wasnt sure if it would still hold together but it does after it dries. Fasinating stuff. This is thin too so not as heavy as the other pieces.

A new pile of cement. These bags are quite heavy too. They were given to me as a birthday present by my good friend Deb Jones. I think she may have her eye on them too so i better get making some stuff...

October 7, 2009

My studio

Cookeina brooches

Brooches made from cast pieces of bark in silver with 18ct gold bonded onto silver fungi.

Whyalla Art Prize

Finalist in the Whyalla Art Prize with these pieces. Titled 'Bracket Fungi' made from nickle silver, oxidised copper and brass. www.countryarts.org.au

September 14, 2009

Leaf Pendant

Finished piece. Silver is oxidised black. Edges around fungi elements brought back to silver. Grey silk thread attatched.

Sticking elements to the piece with blue tac. I love blue tac. wouldnt know what to do without it.

I soldered a leaf shape in 1mm silver to the back where the sprues were.

The sprues on the back from the casting

I had an actual leaf cast in silver.

Backyard Fungi

August 12, 2009

SALA

Neckpiece and Earrings exhibited at Zu Design (Adelaide Arcade) during SALA (South Australian Living Artists)

July 10, 2009

Mushroom

A happy mushroom growing in the middle of nowhere in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

Morphology of Fungi

Opening night at the Wheatsheaf Hotel. Thanks to the Wheaty for having this event and thanks to everyone who came for their support.

June 19, 2009

Morphology of Fungi

morphology of fungi

michelle kelly
10 July - 7 August 09
Opening: 7pm Thurs 9 July

Wheatsheaf Hotel
39 George St, Thebarton SA 5031
Ph: 8443 4546
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri. 11 am - Midnight
Sat 12pm - Midnight, Sun 12pm - 9pm