▶ EMILY MCINTOSH + MARCUS DILLON, 'VEDUTA (CITYSCAPE)'

As artists who work with glass we are very aware of how our art practices can have adverse effects on the environment. Rethinking the ways we make our work can substantially minimise its impact on the environment and is integral to our work practice. We recycle materials whenever possible and are mindful of the use of consumables and their effects on the environment. This work titled 'Veduta (cityscape)' embodies these practices and is the first installation that we have not produced any of the glass components via traditional methods ourselves; instead we are have re-claimed used clear glass jars and bottles from neighbours and friends.

Emily McIntosh + Marcus Dillon, 'Veduta (cityscape)' 2012, reclaimed and cold worked glass jars + bottles, 27 x 140 x 30cm (variable)

Glass requires high temperatures to facilitate its creation from sand and mineral elements, until it finally has the ability to be worked into its final form. It can take hundreds of years for glass to break down naturally but it can be entirely recycled using substantially less energy than is required during its original process of creation.

'Veduta (cityscape)' is a glass installation made up of around 200 re-claimed glass jars and bottles. These vessels will be cut, carved and repolished to remove the utilitarian history while still permitting us a hand in shaping each form in a way that is much kinder to the environment than producing each of from scratch. The installation once exhibited is able to be entirely recycled again.

'Veduta (cityscape)' illuminated by late afternoon sunlight

The glowing city scape of amassed glass jars is representative of any built up urban environment. City scapes are an intricate network of infrastructure, buildings, organizations and communities that reside within them. Being part of any environment requires responsible, thoughtful and careful practices to ensure environmental stability and sustainability.

-Emily McIntosh + Marcus Dillon, 2011

'Veduta (cityscape)' will be on view at the Gallery as part of Sculpture 2012 until Saturday February 11th.