I make objects that are rudimentary, irregular, intricate, textured, and express material truth through a projection of sensory information. Objects juxtapose a transient organic substance, such as eggplant together with metal. Cracks and impurities are desired as they reveal evidence of the material's vitality, as well as the selected processes and conditions.
In this relationship, the metal disrupts patterns within the organic by locating a tension to interrupt and provoke the natural inclinations of the shrinking process. Strains and stresses stir the push and pull of the organic, stimulating friendly competition between materials. At some points the organic permits you to trace where it travels beneath the surface as the metal form is revealed through the skin.
This small-scale, handle-able, intimate object is a visual and tactile illustration of the events and conditions of its manifestation. Form and surface details contain information to suggest the material's transformation in its moment of making, and the ambiguity of material, process and durability prompts further consideration.
Ruby Aitchison holds a Masters Degree in Fine Art and a Bachelor Degree in Arts (Honours) from RMIT University. Her research focuses the performative role of the organic in the manifestation of object. In her practice, Ruby activates a dialogue between materials by juxtaposing a fixed component with contingency to create objects that are a tangible description of the organic material's vitality and flux.
Ruby has exhibited in Australia and internationally. She was awarded the Future Leaders Award by Craft Victoria in 2014.
eggplant, mild steel
11 x 7.5 x 7.5 cm
Finalist
Ruby Aitchison, in conversation with Professor Ian Howard, discusses her work Untitled and answers questions from the audience. Recorded on 10 October 2015 at the exhibition.
Download MP3 (6.4 MB)
Judges of the 2015 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize: Dr Michael Brand (Director of the Art Gallery of NSW), Penelope Seidler AM (Arts Patron and Director of Harry Seidler & Associates) and Barbara Flynn (International Curatorial Advisor).