Chris Mullins: cmullins@csu.edu.au

The work presented in this exhibition continues my investigation of the vessel ­ the vessel, bowl, as tableware with, at this stage, no specific function.

Aluminium, a material not traditionally associated with tableware has been used for its durability and its ability to be highly coloured. The pieces have predominantly been laser cut for speed of production and accuracy of format.

Each vessel is made from a single sheet of metal cut, bent, folded and manipulated to achieve the desired form.

Mechanical devices, either integral to the piece itself or introduced as another (often contrasting) element are employed to firmly establish the final shape.

The aesthetic of these pieces are overtly informed by material, process and technique. Nothing is hidden. Each vessel is geometric in form and is composed of a series of symmetrical repetitive elements. This is a long standing characteristic of my work ­ a
signature, maybe? The designs are fine tuned by the juxtapositioning of various elements ­ a polished edge or fixing device is contrasted with matt finished and/or coloured larger surfaces.