Small work / 2018
Flightless
AvailableA hand-carved mahogany emu form, holding together the iconic Australian bird and the dark emu traced in the Milky Way.
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- Status
- Available
- Price
- $490 AUD + shipping
- Materials
- wood, metal
- Dimensions
- 54 × 38 × 16 cm
- Collections
- Landscape
About the work
Flightless holds two emu forms together: the bird moving across outback open plains and the dark shape traced in the Milky Way. The sculpture is carved from mahogany, with a textured body and a base cut from a slice of tree branch. Its vertical stance gives the bird a stillness that sits against the speed and alertness associated with the bird itself. Across many First Nations countries including the Wiradjuri of central New South Wales, the emu's shape is traced in the dark clouds of interstellar dust that block the light of the Milky Way. This work responds to the connection between the earthly, flightless bird and the presence in the sky.
Origin & Transformation
The work was inspired by the experience of being in the far western NSW outback where emus move freely across the landscape and the night sky is undiluted by city lights. The stylised emu form is hand-carved mahogany, with timber base and stainless steel armature.
Care notes
Wood (mahogany, carved and waxed): periodic re-sealing with a natural wood wax will keep the mahogany looking its best and protect the carved surface. Apply a small amount of wax with a soft cloth, work with the grain, and buff lightly. Re-seal when the surface looks dry, typically every one to two years depending on the environment.
Metal components: the stainless steel fittings are structural. Wipe with a dry cloth only.
Light and environment: avoid prolonged direct sunlight. Maintain stable humidity; mahogany is a stable timber but benefits from consistent conditions. Do not place near heaters or vents.
Handling: when moving, support the body and base simultaneously. Do not lift by the neck or protruding elements.
Documentation
Flightless (2018) is an original, unique work. No edition exists. Medium: hand-carved mahogany, stainless steel. Dimensions: 54 x 38 x 16 cm. A sculptural emu form made in response to the far western NSW outback landscape, where emus cross the flat country and the dark patches of the Milky Way trace the bird's silhouette in the sky above. Hand-carved mahogany body with textured surface, timber base, and stainless steel structural components. Available for purchase, $490 AUD.
Shipping & Collection
- Shipping Australia-wide
- $30 AUD Australia Post
Australia-wide checkout is currently available for this small work.