metamorphosis ....

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish Blessing

I forgot that I had taken these photos of the Monarch Butterfly.
This past Summer I was lucky enough to be able to document through photographs the metamorphosis from a caterpillar to a butterfly.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were able to transform from legs to wings like these beautiful insects?


January 31st '09
The monarch caterpillar after attaching itself and preparing to begin it's metamorphosis.


February 6th '09
In it's chrysalis. These little cocoons are a work of art with their thread of spun gold, each one is perfectly formed.


March 4th '09
The chrysalis after 3 and a half weeks. The butterfly is almost ready to emerge. I took this photo at 10:00am and by 2:00pm that day the butterfly had emerged.


March 4th '09


March 4th '09
Drying it's wings in the sun.


Like the butterfly,
I have the strength and the hope to believe
In time
I will emerge from my cocoon...
Transformed.
~Kirsti A. Dyer

a moment moving too fast...

I had no idea that it has been nearly a month since I posted. Where on earth does the time go?

Winter has well and truly arrived here, it's been rather chilly and I've been feeling no motivation to venture into my cold studio to get creative. I have found myself carting bits and pieces out from my studio and sitting in front of the fire. Roll on Spring I say!

Here's a pendant and some photographs...










A stunning Winter sunrise that I snapped through my kitchen window one morning.

you speak in photographs ....

(click on all images to enlarge view)













“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”
~ Ansel Adams

chronoptic dome...

I awoke to find myself lying on a makeshift bed of leaves, choirs of melodic birdsong echoed around me. My eyelids blinked automatically and rapidly, while I tried to focus my sight and make out my surroundings. Beams of ethereal golden light filtered through the overhead leaf canopy casting dappled golden pools of light on to the ground. Also illuminated by the light and scattered amongst the carpet of leaves and fauna were patches of spongy emerald green moss that casually meandered over and around rocks and tree roots.

As I sat up, I noticed that beside me was the brightest and most vibrant toadstool that I had ever seen. It was as if a pixie had commandeered the fungi for a home and had lovingly adorned it’s exterior with bright red paint topped off with perfect white dots.



To my left I could see what looked like an entrance to a path. Curious, I got to my feet and walked over to the entrance. I started to make my way down the meandering path.



Overhead the forest trees had merged together forming a wooden archway of intertwined branches. The forest floor creaked, as crispy leaves and twigs snapped from my weight bearing down on them. Through the overgrown fauna and directly in front of me stood a wooden gate displaying a sign that read… ‘WELCOME’...



I unlatched the gate and pushed it over the thick layer of leaves that had gathered around its wooden palings. The meandering track continued to guide me through the forest until eventually the path widened out and I found myself looking at what appeared to be a large clearing.



A row of tall, neatly aligned and spaced trees surrounded the edge of the clearing, creating a perfect tree-lined circle. As I drew closer to the clearing I discovered an ornate scrollwork iron gate that was nestled amongst the tree line. The gate was ajar and appeared to be an entry to the circular clearing. I remembered the ‘WELCOME’ sign back on the first wooden gate and decided to pass through the gate and into the clearing.



Upon entering I could see that the inner section of the circle was a mound of green grass. I made my way across the lush ankle deep grass to the centre of the circle. The willowy perimeter of surrounding trees swayed in a rhythmic motion, their leaves rustling gently in the warm air breeze. Looking up I could see vivid blue sky with puffs of fluffy sun-lined clouds, sweet notes of birdsong filtered through the air. The beauty permeated my senses surrounding me with its surreal and magnified imagery.
This place was magical.



At the centre of the grassy knoll stood a stone altar type structure, its cool stone surfaces were deeply etched with an array of ancient symbols and numerals.



Fascinated by the ornate designs, I leaned on the top of the altar, to get a closer look. A rumbling began to emanate from the stone plates and in a slow but fluid motion, the stones began to part gradually opening to reveal a cavity that had been hidden beneath the stones.
Inside the opening the sun reflected off a shining copper ring, it appeared to be attached to some kind of device. Carefully I lifted the contraption out from the stone niche and placed it on top of the stone altar. A thick film of dust encrusted the object, upon wiping it away it revealed a riveted steel box reinforced with copper corners.



A build up of rust stains was evident in some areas of the steel plates. A brass arm with a gear on the tip protruded from the top of the contraption. Hanging from a chain was some sort of time device that swung freely from the brass arm.



A couple of gauges that were connected to pipes and wires and what looked like a rusted calendar with worn numbers and gears all sat on top of the steel plates. In the centre was an ornate convex dome with a mesh screen that covered a raised central section of the dome. I blew away the dust that had formed over the mesh. The dust billowed up into the air forming a dense cloud, I watched as it slowly dispersed. Looking down I could see that the dust had been covering a window of some sort that was housed in a riveted copper ring.
A nameplate that was directly above the glass window read;
‘Chronoptic Dome’.



I peered into the glass window squinting my eyes to try to focus, but the inner confines of the device were too dark to make anything out. Intrigued by my discovery, I ran my fingers over the riveted surface of the contraption, my fingers came to rest on a rusted switch. I flicked it, changing the position of it. Nothing. I flicked the switch back and forth repeatedly. The contraption began to emit a low hum followed by metallic clanking. I was a little taken aback, I know that I had switched the device on but I wasn’t expecting it to work.

A rhythmic hum began to build, reverberating through the riveted steel plates. Absolutely captivated I spun the gear on the bottom of the device. The number dial rotated and eventually stopped on a numerical sequence. A stream of vibrant multi-coloured light radiated out through the glass window. Amongst the kaleidoscope of colours, I could now make out a spiral symbol in the centre of the window, it began to move in a circular motion.
Totally mesmerized by the spiral and with the intense colours dancing, swirling rhythmically around me I felt like I was weightless and found myself feeling a gentle pulling sensation drawing me closer to the vortex…..



A familiar yet annoying tone echoed around me.

beep…beep…beep…beep…beep…

Automatically I reached out my arm; hit a button and the beeping ceased. Wearily my eyelids opened and I found myself in my bedroom. My mind immediately recounted the vivid memories of my journey playing them back like a movie. Everything felt so real, so vivid, so magical. I wanted to laze in bed and recall my amazing dream but knew that it was time that I should be getting up. Reluctantly, I pushed back the bed covers, yawning and stretching out my limbs as far as they could go. My hand reached up under my pillow, it contacted with something hard bringing my stretch to an abrupt halt. My hand shot back out from under my pillow. I sat up, hastily swinging my legs over the side of the bed. Cautiously, I lifted up my pillow. There sat a neatly wrapped package, bound with string.



I picked it up. A tag dangled from the package, it read;

to remember your journey by…

I untied the string and lifted back the layer of wrapping, revealing what looked to be a series of photographs. As I flipped through the photographs I realized that they were a selection of moments in time from the journey that I had taken in what I thought was my slumber. Tucked behind the last photograph was a note that read;

Thank you for choosing to transport through the Chronoptic Dome Vortex. We trust that your time travel experience was an enjoyable and memorable one.
May all of your journeys be all that you dream of and more.

------------------------------
(click on all images to enlarge view)






'chronoptic dome'
mixed media/recycled art assemblage
350mm H x 250mm W x 120mm D

no words, just images ....

everyday in a new way ....

One of my favourite things to do is to wander about my home, camera in hand, taking photos of the mundane things that surround me. I like to challenge myself to see them in a different light, almost as if I have just discovered the object for the first time and am curious as to what it is. I try to photograph the items in a way that makes them appear less mundane and more interesting.

The following photos are all common everyday objects that are inside my home.











One should photograph objects, not only for what they are, but for what else they are.
~ Minor White

MZ30 - Laser Pistol Disruptor...

The Miniature Laser Pistol Disruptor is a hand-held directed energy raygun that fires a continuous beam of subatomic particles. The MZ30 LPD is able to store a substantial amount of energy in the form of electrically charged thermion. The raygun has eight laser selection settings including several different power level modes. A unique feature of the MZ30 LPD is it's ability to be set to 'twin fire mode'. In this mode the raygun can fire using it's precision laser beam and at the same time fire a beam of subatomic thermion. In this 'twin fire' mode the pistol's firing range increases allowing the operator to be at a safer distance from the target, which gives you a head start if the need arises where you may need to run.

The weapon fits comfortably in the palm of the smaller handed individuals amongst us and because of this, is favoured for use by those of the feminine persuasion. It is often carried in the purses of ladies or worn under one's attire in a garter holster. Gentlemen who arm themselves with the MZ30 LPD often have an advantage over their adversary, as due to it's miniature proportions the pistol can easily be hidden on one's person.

Although small and discreet, the MZ30 LPD is capable of causing a considerable amount of harm and disruptions to ones biorhythms, therefore the following disclaimer must be adhered to and understood.

CAUTION:
Type-2 Laser Rayguns must be used with the utmost level of intelligence, as misuse of any kind may lead to severe injury, laser burns or deadly harm. The creators of the MZ30 LPD do not in any way endorse the use of weapons to cause harm or injury and are not responsible for any injuries caused by correct or incorrect use. The MZ30 LPD is for entertainment purposes only and is not suitable for children or immature adults.

PLEASE NOTE:
The MZ30 has undergone extensive testing and has performed to the highest possible standards. In the unlikely event of the weapon failing, we recommend that the weapon be returned to us for repair or replacement. If however you experience a fault at an unfavourable moment we strongly recommend that you high tail it out of there as hastily as possible.

(click on all images to enlarge view)



The gauges that I made for this are really tiny, less than 10mm. I lost count at the amount of times that I dropped the fiddly little things on the floor while I was trying to put them together.



assembled using the following elements;
toy gun, PVC tubing, copper wire, assorted brass fittings, brass pressings, miniature perfume bottle lid, screws, brass rings, epoxy stickers, dial graphics, nuts, small buttons, decorative button, wooden block, drawer handle, copper mesh, starlock washers, velvet, metal sheet, metal plate from old power meter.



Arrgh! duck!



MZ30 - Laser Pistol Disruptor
Subatomic Thermion Raygun assemblage/mod
Raygun measurements: 155mm L x 110mm H 25mm D
Raygun on stand measurements: 155mm L x 180mm H x 70mm D

sweet and sassy....

Look what arrived in my mail-box today.........

The cutest ever Sock Monkey!

Her name is Sweetpea and she is just delightful. She was sent to me by my lovely and talented friend Cusp who makes these cute little sock monkey critters.
Cusp tells me that Sweetpea Sock Monkey is only young but is quite mature for her age, a very good listener, good counsellor and a source of comfort in good and bad times. Her name, Sweetpea describes aspects of her nature and although sweet she is also spirited and a bit sassy, hence her sparkly, black punky stripes.


She's already made herself at home.


Enjoying the afternoon sun.

I think that Sweetpea is all kinds of awesome! Thank you so much Cusp, you truly made my day with your gift and your lovely card.

timeslip traveller ....

Atticus Osric Esq. - inventor of the ‘Timeslip Traveller’….

An extremely rare and much desired device, the hand-held ‘Timeslip Traveller’ allows you to travel between past and future passages of time. It’s invention occurred during the mid eighteenth century by a somewhat eccentric gentleman known as Atticus Osric Esquire.

Born in 1819 on the 8th day of April, Atticus Osric Esq. spent most of his life in Gloucestershire, England in the small town of Chipping Campden. Although a man of great wealth, Osric chose to live a life of humble means, preferring to use his monetary wealth to research all that he could about the theory and possible phenomena of time travel.

Osric was intrigued by dimensions of time and would often be seen about town wearing his trademark cog monocle. The citizens of Chipping Campden would see him operating many weird and wonderful scientific contraptions, taking all kinds of measurements and scientific readings from what seemed to be nothing more than mid air. The townsfolk thought that Osric was an eccentric but very likeable chap who would always greet you with a tip of his hat and a warm smile.

Coupled with his vast knowledge of quantum-mechanical phenomena, Osric was convinced that he would indeed be able to invent a device that would enable not only objects but also living forms to be transported to another realm.

Osric became somewhat of a recluse, shutting himself away in his laboratory for hours upon hours often going for days without sleep. He would spend his days continually sketching elaborate plans for mechanical and rudimentary time machines. The sketches eventually turned into actual working contraptions, each model becoming more elaborate in design and advanced than the previous.

During the month of February 1857 and after years of toiling and experimentation, Atticus Osric Esquire’s dream came to fruition. His invention was the hand-held time travel device, the ‘Timeslip Traveller’.

The invention of Osric’s strange hand-held time travel machine brought about a great amount of commotion, with many folk arguably believing that Osric had created a potentially harmful device. Osric stood firmly by his invention and even offered to demonstrate its effectiveness in the Town Square. The citizens of Chipping Campden declined his offer and sadly not even Osric’s likeable nature was enough to stop him from being ousted from the township. It was obvious that his invention was just too much for the citizens of Chipping Campden to comprehend. Instead of being revered, Osric’s time travelling device instilled a sense of fear into the minds of those who misunderstood the device and Osric’s intentions.

Being a man who was not easily discouraged, Osric moved to Pendlebury to begin a new life. It was here where he met Ophelia Radcliffe, the woman who would later become his wife. He continued to studiously work on his time travel contraptions inventing more magnificent time travel machines that defied all laws of physics. Osric truly was a genius. His abilities in the field of time travel were recognised as a remarkable feat and in 1876 he was honoured with a knighthood.
He then went on to fund the construction of a time travel training facility. The facility was opened in 1883 and was called 'Osric College'. It was in this establishment where he imparted his knowledge to a select few individuals on the phenomena of time travel.




The ‘Timeslip Traveller’ in modern times …

Today, elite and distinguished gentlemen who have acquired a certain level of achievement in the area of time travel carry the rare 'Timeslip Traveller’ portable devices. The timeslip device is not unique only to gentlemen, ladies who hold a high level of hierarchy in the field of time travel also are possessors of the highly sought-after contraptions.

Although the ability to timeslip between realms and dimensions of time is most commonly triggered through a supernatural phenomenon, a timeslip can occur through the correct operation of a ‘Timeslip Traveller ‘.
The elite few who have been fortunate enough to acquire one of these devices and who understand Osric’s laws of operation, have the ability to timeslip. Hearsay would have us believe that in order for the timeslip to occur, there must be several essential elements in play. It is rumoured that the moon must be in a certain phase, the date and time is fundamental, as is the set of navigational co-ordinates that must be entered correctly and in a specific order.

It is thought that very few of Atticus Osric's ‘Timeslip Travellers’ are in existence, and even fewer individuals have the knowledge to operate them, making the devices extremely rare and somewhat priceless.



assembled using the following elements;
door plate, thinline MDF, wire, metal beads, clock gears, assorted jewellery findings, screws, buttons, aluminum mesh, flat-backed glass marble, various watch pieces, compass, nuts, small lid, dial graphic, ornate doo-dads, epoxy resin sticker, and brass rings.

credit ;
vintage gentlemen image - courtesy of freeparking
(image is licensed under a creative commons attribution license)



'timeslip traveller'
mixed media/recycled art assemblage
175mm H x 50mm W x 55mm D


With a bit of a mind flip
You're there in the time slip
And nothing can ever be the same
~ The Time Warp - The Rocky Horror Picture Show

a little of what you fancy....

I've been DIY'ing this past week. I really enjoy creating things for my home, changing around my trinket and treasure displays and finding new ways to group items. The internet is a wonderful source for ideas, I have far too many home decor and DIY sites bookmarked, I'm such a sucker for eye candy. Sadly, many of the really funky items are absurdly expensive and my budget wont allow me to buy the pretty sparkly goodies :(
Still, there are always ways to zhoosh up your home.

I thought that you might like to see what I've been doing.


Our entertainment cabinet has frosted glass inserts in the doors that were a bit bland, so I added an ornate design to each of the doors. I printed out an image onto transparency film and placed it on the inside of each door, then to make the design stand out a little more I cut a square of wallpaper and placed it behind the transparency. I used a grey coloured wallpaper because I still wanted the doors to look frosted but I can change the wallpaper to a different colour if I feel like a change.


A close-up of the design. I'm really pleased with how it turned out.


For ages I have wanted a black crystal chandelier, I have no idea why, I just really like them. I have looked online at auction sites but they are so expensive and they always go well above what I would be prepared to pay.
I decided that I would have a go at making one and have been collecting black beads to use.


I know it's a little sparse on beads but I can always add more to it. I still need to get a black dangle for the central crystal, in the meantime I am using a clear one. It took me ages to wire and string all of the beads!



A display on my coffee table. The little nest and eggs were a Christmas decoration that was 50% off at the Christmas sales, the buttons are some of my vintage button collection, the tobacco tins were a gift from my friends dear Granddad who was cleaning out his garage and thought that I would like them, the candles are in squat drinking glasses, the word stones are smooth river stones that I painted words onto, and the photo blocks I made using old child's wooden blocks and my photography.


and finally, a pendant that I made.

'circle of time'
recycled assembled jewellery

created using the following elements;
manual wind watch movement, antique bronze filigree wrap, siam crystal glass beads, siam rhinestones, copper chain and jumprings.