Phillip Bairstow

Phillip’s process commonly begins by noticing a stone whilst walking in towns or the countryside of Western Australia. The stone may have a shape, texture, pattern or colour that sets it apart from its surroundings. It is singular and particular. A bond with the piece is established through carrying and handling.

Phillip explains that found objects have special appeal, that there’s pleasure in the serendipity of acquiring a singular item from often unremarkable surroundings.

“I spend time handling and closely observing the rough stone. I visualise an embedded form that would emerge following the least removal of surface material. The process of releasing the form and then smoothing and polishing the surfaces with lapping machinery is noisy and muddy but mindful and meditative.”

 

Images courtesy of Phillip Bairstow.