Down by the Ol’ Copper Kettle
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Premium Limited Edition
‘Down by the Ol’ Copper Kettle’ by Emma Coombes at the Elm & the Raven A copper kettle draped in native banksia.
A wombat watches, while a barred bandicoot and spotted quoll exist at the edges, revealed only through the markings of their coats.
Still life with a Tasmanian twist.
DOWN BY THE OL' COPPER KETTLE
TASMANIAN STILL LIFE SERIES
“Down by the Ol' Copper Kettle” by Emma Coombes is a Tasmanian still life that rewards observation. At the centre, an antique copper kettle gleams, draped in the foliage of native banksia. Its golden flower is captured in delicate, intricate detail, standing out against the sandstone backdrop.
Around this central anchor, the landscape within the frame unfolds. A wombat watches with intention, while a barred bandicoot and spotted quoll linger at the edges, their presence identified only through the unique markings of their coats. Each element—flora and fur, metal and stone, interact with the light to create a rich texture and stillness that is uniquely Tasmanian.
Composed and lit to echo the theatrical depth of seventeenth century Dutch painting, it reimagines the genre through a Tasmanian lens.
The body of work began as an idea to incorporate taxidermied native wildlife in a traditional still life setting. When access to authentic specimens proved impossible, I sourced their plush counterparts. Their playful presence transforming what might have been a dark vanitas inspired still life into something unexpectedly playful and poignant, blending theatre with the commonplace. Despite the jest, a more serious message emerges, will our wildlife be reduced to caricature if we continue to invade their habitats.
Photographed in an historic Tasmanian location whose stone walls and natural window light offered a ready made baroque backdrop, the image is digitally crafted much like a painting. Light and shadow sculpted, colour graded and textured layered and pigments applied to bring the wild things to life in crafting a painterly premise.
Printed as an archival print on cotton rag, 'Down by the Ol' Copper Kettle invites you to linger over its richness and reflect on our revolving relationship with art, culture and the environment.
Printed on archival-quality paper and available in a 2 sizes
DOWN BY THE OL' COPPER KETTTLE | AVAILABLE IN 2 SIZES
- Print paper size - 594mm x 420mm (A2) EDITION of 8 (+2AP)
- Print paper size – 483mm x 329mm (A3+) EDITION of 12
Note: This image may be available in mini print and card stock. Other sizes may be available. Please enquire with the artist directly. EXTRA INFORMATION
- Signed and numbered by the artist with Certificate of Authenticity
- Images come with a white border for signing, issue number and framing purposes. Designed to maintain the aspect ratio of the image on the paper size stated.
MUSEUM QUALITY
- Archival Lucia Pigment ink
- Museum quality Ilford Cotton rag 310gsm