Melbournese Coin Press
January 1, 2002
While the Lord of the Rings trilogy is now debuting on cinema screens, a less heralded but equally epic tale of metalsmithing reached its conclusion at the end of 2001. The Melbournese Coin Press completed the third-phase of their millennium medallions. The first washer was pressed in 1999, the plug in 2000 and the final sleeve in 2001. The results are on display in the windows of Craft Victoria until 20 January. The coins are wired to greet passers by and the metal stamps are lined up as reinforcements.
This window showing was paired by a display of the coin stamping process in light boxes managed by Citylights. Citylights is a novel operation that gathers interesting energies around the city. Their final event of the year was a drum-fest that launched the new CD by freelance drummer Victor Lancashire.
Victor can be seen on various corners in the city of Melbourne drumming out a rhythm on plastic containers and cow bells. His performance set-up orchestrates the rhythm of the city, as crowds pass by. Victor's raw beat cuts through the gloss and jingles that otherwise saturate the streets. Citylights should be congratulated for organising these native ventures and the City of Melbourne for their sponsorship. It's a spirit that reflects the soul of urban craft, thriving in the warren-like spaces throughout Melbourne's back streets and lanes.
Writer : Kevin Murray