Free Time

This installation is the exploration of the many meanings that this phrase could have. The viewer is taken into a room where the smell and texture of sand engulfs you; wander through the narrow paths to view the central sculpture from all angles. Inside the room a pocket watch, emptied of the time mechanism, dominates the space. Inside, instead of cogs, is a tropical scene with white sands and a hammock lazily hanging between two palm trees. Only the soft sound of the visitor’s feet on sand can be heard.

The scene is of a hammock on a beach of white sand and turquoise waters; a book and drink lay as if just left. Where is the subject? Are they coming back? Or is it meant to be a space for the viewer? Is this literally their choice for free time? Is the removal of the clock parts actually freeing time? Will the viewer move on in a rush or tarry, wondering what has led to this moment, wondering where the next one will lead? Can humans look upon a scene and not make up a story to fit?

Artist bio

“When I see anything in miniature it makes my heart sing.”

This collection of work brings together my love for old objects with the romance of tiny lives. I have achieved my objective if your voice goes up in pitch when you spot a feature in my work.

I trained as a jeweller and silversmith but have always collected craft skills, like a magpie collects shiny objects. From knitting to stump work embroidery, metal engraving to wood carving. I like to use traditional craft skills to create my work. I utilise as many traditional materials like wood veneer and brass, and repurpose as many second-hand materials as I can, to breathe a new life into old and obsolete objects.

I intentionally run my business with as low impact on the planet as possible; with minimal use of plastics, new materials and fossil fuels. From the work itself to my banking, from power to packaging—I am trying to create “miniature art with a tiny footprint”.