Kitty Calvert’s Imaginarium is an escape from the mundane and an invitation to reflect on the concept of waste in our world.
Kitty’s unique sculptures come from a love of vintage and desire to re-use and recycle unique pieces of discarded treasure. They evoke cherished memories of childhood and have a sense of quirkiness.
These discarded treasures may be things from our past… maybe things we let go of years ago or things that were lost or misplaced as our lives evolved and we grew.
A biscuit tin from our mother’s kitchen, a colourful funnel and ice cream scoop or a metal sieve, something that meant dessert was on its way, or that there was something delicious in the oven. Where did all those things go?
Why are they now considered rubbish to be consigned to the tip, the garage or at best the op shop? Such things of beauty, often so carefully and artfully constructed at a time when things were made to last.
Often when we discover one treasure, we have no idea how it will combine with others to create its new persona. It comes together in an almost magical process as one piece ‘speaks’ to another and another until we see the unfolding possibility of the sculpture.
Ultimately there is such joy in the process of creating each sculpture, giving the discarded and lost a new lease of life, a new personality and a brand new spirit.
Kitty Calvert sculptures are a collaboration of treasure hunt and treasure build, between Melbourne-based husband and wife Phill Calvert and Julia Brampton. Imaginarium by Kitty Calvert is on display until February 28 at The Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton.
