Finding the edge

Woodshed

Bernie Cook Timber

Preston, 2020

Created in the midst of a world-wide pandemic this site responsive work explored the last remaining moments of a soon to be demolished timber yard. The timber yard was originally part of a large expansive early 1900’s timber mill that occupied much of the land adjacent to the railway track in Preston, Victoria. With the upgrade of the railway crossings this site was slated for demolition early 2021. Through a chance conversation with the timber yard operators, Bernie Cook Timber, Rowlands pitched the idea of a sculptural intervention with the site as a final gesture.

Working within the uncertainty of Covid restrictions, 90x45 grew quickly as a concept. 90x45 structural pine, hand selected prior to the close of the site became the base material for the sculptural works, and an array of retired saw blades became instrumental forms for a sonic exploration.

On the edge of restriction changes, in early November 2020, the show was opened to the public for 4 days. For many, this was the first physical experience of art for over 6months. The exhibition was multilayered with elegant sculptural forms foregrounding Rowlands familiar precision cuts, set within a sonic field of fundamental notes and overtones. History here, became malleable and wondrous. Time, even with its restrictions, had a greater freedom in this brief moment. 

Bernie Cook Timber have now moved to a new site in Reservoir. Two of the sculptures featured in the show are now on permanent display at the new site.