Don't you just love it when you walk into a local gallery and find yourself going 'Oooo' and 'Ahhh' over a variety of craft works that display both the skill and imagination of their makers. Well if you haven't experienced that lately head for this exhibition, and practice your vowel sounds on the way. Here you'll find weird and wonderful, traditional and trendy sculptures, wall hangings and water features made of metal, clay or glass, that will enliven any environment, inside or out.
There's no fault to be found in any one of the 68+ exhibits but you're sure to have some favourites. Like the life size copper sculptures Imperial Guard and Sentry by Steve Grundy. These well made hybrids are all ribs, tail and claws but guaranteed to delight. I can just imagine walking past a sensor light in a garden and have it light up one of these sci-fi creatures! Oliver Sage also creates large sculptural forms that reference the figure. His patinated copper works Art 2 and Dee 2 stand with pride and will enhance any environment. So too will Dave Taylor's large, black iron Spider Orchid with it's delicate, sensuous petals.
If you prefer less conspicuous works amid you greenery then look for Chris Tingey's ceramic Totem I & II. These stacks or carved rounds are intriguing as well as inviting. Also inviting are Karen Cameron's terra cotta ladies with black birds. Her series Crow Woman presents bald, big bellied women with pendulous breasts lounging about with large crows. They are delightful. So too are Jane O'Halloran's series of porcelain Coral Woman. Although formed alike, each of these torsos is unique, from the size of their hips to their 'coral' pattern. Very fine work indeed.
Glass art is growing strong and well in WA. Mark Hewson offers Leaf I & II. These two large, simple yet impressive glass forms will tempt all viewers, even those without a garden, to find an excuse to own them. On a much smaller scale but equally fine are Carrol Dunford's Flower Fusion 2 & 3. Here large yellow blooms are held up by a metal stem that emerges from a wooden base. A fine example of bringing the three materials together.