Artist Concept:
In "Rising Up", I explore the transformative power of reinvention through the lens of menopause, a decade-long journey often overlooked and misunderstood. This piece reflects the bravery of the women who endure and rise, rediscovering themselves in a world that often diminishes them. The phoenix, with its radiant feathers, is a fitting metaphor for the resilience of women, symbolising the beauty that can emerge after the flames of struggle and the culmination of reproductive cycles.
Creating this artwork was as much a challenge as it was a joy. Crafting balloon feathers and glowstick details with no guidance or tutorials required persistence and experimentation—a process that mirrors the journey of self-discovery. This piece is as much about the materials as it is about the message, a celebration of finding purpose and renewal in the unexpected.
My Shiny Perspective:
What do you get when you mix balloons, glowsticks, and a stubborn obsession with making feathers out of things no one ever thought should be feathers? Rise of the Phoenix! Spoiler: There’s no YouTube tutorial for this— Maybe it’s time to make one.
This piece came to life on the wings of whimsy and a $1 Disney Princess canvas (a lucky pick-up on my way to win the Franklin Arts Festival prize). It’s layered with spray paint, acrylic, and just the right dash of nail polish to give it that shiny madness finish. Inspired by a person as lovely as the phoenix itself, this piece is my tribute to the fierce women out there braving the murky waters of peri and post-menopause—because rising from the ashes of hot flushes and midnight Googling “how to fix my life” deserves to be celebrated.
If nothing else, this phoenix is proof that a little resilience, a lot of patience, and a pile of old balloons can create something truly spectacular. Fly on, ladies. Fly on.
This piece has a acrylic front panel - I have created this framing to protect the work and to give it a different and interesting dynamic.
This piece will be available for purchase mid year at one of my exhibitions. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in this piece.
Rising Up
Junk and Disorderly Disclamer:
I am in the business of Junk, old unused items people are going to throw away. My joy as a recreator is to wave my magic shiny wand and transform them into something I am proud to send out my door. It must be said though, that there is nothing perfect in the old (sorry mum) - if you look closely, you are going to find rust, scratches or the odd ugly backside as I endeavour to do my best in a sustainable way. With upcycling, must come the understanding that these come to you flawed. Like the sediment in an old wine, or a tarnished old coin from years ago. Enjoy the old and celebrate our flaws, old or new! Thanks MSM.
Large and Heavy Wall Sculpture Important Info
Note: Please be advised that my range of upcycled wall sculptures can be quite heavy. It is essential that they are hung correctly, on a suitable weight-bearing location of your wall, specifically on the stud line. All my artworks have been previously hung in-house for over 72 hours to ensure their ability to bear weight properly. Shipping of my heavier sculptures is available upon application.
