Wood, Embossed Tin, Steel and Acrylic - Shou Sugi Ban 880H x 240D x 180D

This work belongs to the series “Idols of Fire”, comprising of six works exhibited in 2021 Melbourne Design Week, in a show entitled “After Nero”.

Gaia, is an interpretation of the portrait of Gaea ,the goddess of Earth in Greek mythology, (Terra in Roman history) depicted on a clay urn as wearing a crown of flowers.

In this work, I created a crown of Eucalyptus leaves, referencing the Australian nature. The overall shape of the head, together with the emboss silver tin metal, reference the Lockheed chair by Marc Newson, Australian designer. Timber parts that are burned, also tie in with Australian ethos.

Overall, the work is a synthesis of Australia culture, nature, history.

Valentin Tinc - born in Transylvania. My interest lies at the boundary of art and design. I am drawn toward 3D and object making. I create a point of difference with the furniture and objects I design, hence the ‘Anima’ range, asymmetric outdoor furniture close to sculpture. I have a strong background in industrial ceramics. I really enjoyed all the processes from prototyping to casting and glazing and now, I have a collection of ceramic projects. This series of works ‘Domestic Bliss’ is an opportunity for me to dive into traditional techniques of carving and sculpting as a vehicle to explore the human condition, to reflect on ephemeral existence and to express my ideas of beauty. My sculptures are an invitation to the viewer to join me in a journey beyond seen material into the realm of uncanny possibility. I draw my inspiration from African Art, Maya and Inca stone carvings, modern 20th century sculptors and most of all primitive artefacts and timber structures from Maramures, my homeland. Fire as an artistic tool. Fire has brought civilization to the shape we know it today. I cannot think of another natural element, that when harnessed, can change our life more than fire. Burned wood has a silkiness and a texture impossible to reach otherwise, using fire brings back childhood memories and places my artistic intervention into a cultural perspective. Engaging fire as a shaping tool brings back the artistic action to the primitive, magical time of meaningful connection between mankind and the universe

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