'Pleated wall sculpture #58' — Kelly Larkin

Artist Statement

My work is an exploration of form, shape and shadow. Each sculpture evolves organically through the use of handmade recycled paper and plaster. These delicate materials allow each piece to take on its own form during the application and drying process, creating playful wall sculptures that capture shape and shadow from varying angles. The organic shapes are reminiscent of the ever changing natural environment; the changing shapes in leaves as they dry out, the way rock formations develop over time in the weather and the interesting natural elements of shells and stones.

Theme: SCAPE

My practice has a big focus on using natural and recycled materials so as to lessen the impact on the environment around me. By recycling old notebooks, shopping lists, egg cartons and paper bags into the paper I use, each sculpture has a little bit of my daily life on the Peninsula in them. My home studio looks out at my lovely garden which is a constant source of inspiration. I watch the way the light bounces around the garden and into my home during the day, influencing the way in which the pleated shapes go together and how they appear when light streams across them, casting different shapes and shadows. The plaster application is raw and tactile and reminiscent of rock that has eroded over time from the salty sea air. The way the light hits the cliff faces along our coastline at different times of the day creating lightness and darkness inspires my work along with the mix of soft curves and sharp angular pleats.

— Kelly Larkin, Mount Eliza