HELEN SEIVER

A mine void is the area of excavation that remains after mining is complete.

It can be defined as a geological form (a hole) for mining ore.

In applying Newton’s 3rd Law, g = f/m ie: Gravity = force over mass, to an notion of mining versus nature, I am considering the Gravitas, the serious threat of Mining and the resulting effect on the nature of our planet.

In this work Newton’s Law considers the suspended void to represent GRAVITY = mass destruction of mining = MASS and economics of mining = FORCE. The design and shape of the individual components of my Void are based on schematic line drawings of mine void planning.

The sides of the void are ‘carved out’ to minimise the sides of the void collapsing; hence the ‘shelves’ seen around the sides of the void.

Nature is seen as the vegetation, trees and bushes clinging balanced precariously to the rim of the void and the ‘clouds’ as the serious threat to us all of declining rainfall and of flood. It is with the force of nature we see mass devastation with flooding, drought, fire etc.

2022/23

Welded

Helen Seiver is a regional artist having graduated in 2000 with BA vis arts (hons). She has work in many public and private collections: Holmes à Court, City of Bunbury, Shire of Mundaring, Horn Collection etc. and has received many awards. Using a variety of mediums Seiver’s processes often involve long and sometimes quite laborious and repetitive processes which allows time to reflect deeply on the concerns and concepts. Making art gives her processes to investigate, and a platform from which to talk about, the things that really matter; be they environmental, political or intensely personal issues.