Sine Pondere et Pondere
Stockroom Kyneton, ceramic gallery
18 March / 23 April 2023
RACHELLE AUSTEN
Sine Pondere et Pondere
Austen‘s upcoming exhibition, "Sine Pondere et Pondere" translated from Latin as "Weight & Weightlessness", examines the relationships of the unity of opposites through paired solid clay sculptural forms. These forms can be positioned in various ways, changing the perception of weight and weightlessness. The body of work explores the ancient philosophical idea that the existence of something depends on the co-existence of opposite conditions that are dependent, creating a field of tension between them.
Rachelle Austen sculptor living and working in the Macedon Ranges on Dja Dja Wurrung country, making abstract introspective pieces that explore new perspectives through fragility and the beauty of imperfection.
By drawing on her background in industrial design and scientific intrigue, Rachelle's sculptures exist at the boundary of material strength, exploring extreme opposites. Imbued in each sculpture is simplicity combined with an element of fragility. Tension is applied to each solid form to produce naturally occurring fissures during the vitrification process, where she intends to convey a sense of calm reflection, awakening the subconscious.