Keywords: australia, crochet, metals, new south wales, nina sisko-risi, warilla, wire

Electric Dream Birds

Nina Sisko-Risi

Dimensions

500 x 700 x 900 mm (largest)

Materials

Birds (3): electric guitar strings and crocheted copper wire

Artist statement

‘Electric Dream Birds is a playful take on my Finnish childhood memories of a teenage cousin drawing incredible imaginary birds.

This work developed from an idea I had a few years ago to make a lyre bird using recycled copper wire and guitar strings; materials that have a personal connection to my family. Copper reminds me of years lived in Port Kembla, near a now-closed copper smelter. Copper is also a reminder of my parents’ sculptures, as they mainly used bronze to produce monumental sculptures around Finland. The copper wire for Electric Dream Birds comes from my sons’ old crystal toy radio. The guitar strings were easy to come by as both our oldest sons play in a band, so I always have some strings around. One of my sons said that one of the materials used is his sweat because of the energetic type of music his band plays.’

Behind the scenes

Interview with Durbach Block