Nancy D Lane

Detained

Wall sculpture created from parts of locks, keys, barbed wire, grid, washers and wood, all found on the streets of Melbourne
14 x 37 cm

In his Think Resilience course, Richard Heinberg states: “Capital inevitably tends to reproduce itself and become more consolidated and centralized over time…. Over all, resources and wealth tend to flow from poor nations to rich nations.”

Currently there are increasing numbers of desperate people from poor nations seeking to better their lives and the lives of their families by following the money—seeking to enter developed countries through whatever means possible. They are taking extreme risks to cross into southern Europe and Australia on overcrowded boats, or into the US on foot over the Mexican border.

Sadly, some perish in the attempt, and even more are detained once they reach the ‘promised’ land. Social justice requires expanding the commons so that resources of a country are accessible to all its members, and people no longer have to endanger their lives or their freedom to improve their standard of living.
©
2023
  • Nancy D Lane

Globalized Overreach

found object assemblage sculpture created from pieces of metal mounted on rubber and linoleum, all found on the streets of Melbourne.

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My conceptualization of globalization, based on the Think Resilience online course from Post Carbon Institute, shows the pursuit of efficiency (machinery cogs and wheels), workers treated as machinery components (the three ‘heads’), and reliance on international transport (swirling lines on the lino).

How best to suggest that over-globalization is detrimental to society and the Earth? I’ve tried four versions: a half frame pointing upwards and leftwards to a void; a rocket-shaped frame hurtling towards emptiness left and right; a green screen, implying the limits to Earth’s resources; and the blue, oddly shaped framing suggesting the ‘stumbling blocks’ of globalization. Which makes the point best for you?
©
2023
  • Nancy D Lane

We Are All Connected to the Earth

Found object assemblage sculpture created in 24 hours

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Building resilience in the face of climate crisis depends on community. By using natural and manufactured objects gathered from streets and beaches, I have tried to express our relationships to the earth and to each other. The basalt suggests the earth and its systems; the nuts and bolts, people comprising community. The twisted wire symbolizes the interconnectedness required to collectively build a better future.
©
2022
  • Nancy D Lane

Lest Water Cease to Flow

67x90cm found object assemblage wall sculpture created from water-stained, rusted and corroded materials found on the streets of Melbourne.

This work suggests the desertion and collapse of a once mighty city, due to human overuse and misuse of water resources that can no longer support the population.
©
2021
  • Nancy D Lane

Untitled

Assemblage, digital photograph

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This work addresses the dominant belief system in today’s society that humanity will prosper only through continuous economic growth. We need a change in mindset — a circuit breaker. The many different nuts and washers affixed to the circuit board suggest that each of us, in our own way, can interrupt this non-stop cycle of production and consumption. We are capable of developing ways of living that are more thoughtful and creative, and less resource-intensive, to avoid climate catastrophe.
©
2021
  • Nancy D Lane

City on Two Pallets

Created from wood, metal, tile, and plastic found on the streets and in builders skips in Melbourne.
94x206x16cm

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In response to our exploitative, fossil-fueled infrastructure, our society has evolved a social structure dominated by urbanization. As a by-product, we have created an economy dependent on incessant growth in manufacturing and consumerism.

This work decries such growth as necessary to urban development and redevelopment. It envisions a city where renewal does not require demolition, landfill and use of new materials, but rather, restoration of existing buildings and reclaiming and repurposing of used construction materials. Although it would take effort and political will, our cities could be reimagined sustainably.
©
2021
  • Nancy D Lane

Loop-the-loop

Nine views of a brooch made from a hunk of cement and bent wire found on the streets of Melbourne.

Our planet is on an energy roller coaster, looping the loop at breakneck speed, to what end? Energy is what living things need to survive, but we need it in forms that do not devastate our planet. I have just started the free Think Resilience course from The Post Carbon Institute. Recommended!
©
2021
  • Nancy D Lane

Reach for the Moon

Found objects assemblage
48x38x6cm

The lower section of this work depicts the pollution of the Earth’s atmosphere based on climate inaction – dependence on fossil fuels, an increase in carbon dioxide, further global warming. In this scenario, we will eventually reach our planetary limit, a calamitous tipping point.

In contrast, the upper section imagines mountains, a cityscape, and, importantly, an individual reaching skyward. We cannot wait passively; climate action must start with each of us. We must ‘reach for the moon’ by living sustainably ourselves, inspiring others to join us, and encouraging the government to act in the interests of the future.

I am committed to sustainability in my art practice. I created this work from boards, orange tiles, rusted sheet metal, and miscellaneous pieces of rusted metal, including rods, bolts, spark plugs, and springs, all found on the streets of Melbourne.

Created at RiverStudios, which is managed by @creativespaces for the @cityofmelbourne. My found object wall sculptures and brooches are available from @incube8r Gallery, now online.
©
2020
  • Nancy D Lane

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