Transition (sculptured gates, 1992–1993)

Powder Coated steel, H 2.6 × W 2.8 × D 0.14m

• Location: ANCA studio & gallery complex, Cnr Rosevar & Antill Street Dickson Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Collection: Australian National Capital Artists Inc, Dickson ACT, Australia

In 1992 Mary Kayser won the design competition to make and install three sets of sculptured gates for the Australian National Capital Artists Inc (ANCA) studio complex. The sculptured gates were a public art project. The gates explore the theme of ‘transition’ through function and their transition from geometric to organic forms. Inspiration for the design came from features within the architecture of the building as well as the concept of ‘transition’; a process that artists often need to consider through the creative process.

Resting Place of the Dragonfly (1989)

Painted steel, H 4.2m × W 2.5m

• Location: Nerang Pool Shore line, Parliamentary Triangle Canberra, Australia

• Acquired: 1989

• Renovated: 2011/2012 by artsACT

• Collection: Queen Beatrix sculpture collection and artsACT Public Art Collection

The inspiration for the sculpture came from the concept of the Chrysalis as a resting place, for the Floriades’ imaginary ‘Dragon fly’.

Resting Place of the Dragonfly was originally exhibited as part of the 1989 ACT Floriade Sculpture Project in Commonwealth Park. The sculpture was acquired by the Queen Beatrix Sculpture Collection that year, and in 2011/12 was refurbished and relocated within Commonwealth Park.

Chrysalis (1988)

Painted mild steel, H 2.7m

• Location: Physics-Link Building, Building 38A, Australian National University (ANU) , ACT.

• Acquired: 1988 by ANU

• Collection: Australian National University (ANU), ACT Australia

Chrysalis explores the forces of pull, push and gravity within an emerging form. It has been described as a “jointed form rearing up and twisting over itself to create an endless knot or Moebius strip, its red metallic organic form is suggestive of an exoskeleton”.

Renovated in 2004

Aeolian (1988)

Painted mild steel, H 3.2m × W 2.5m

• Location: Relocated from ACT to Bellingen region NSW

• Collection: Private

The sculpture Aeolian, was part of the first Floriade sculpture exhibition, in1988, Canberra, ACT. The work was designed as a site specific sculpture and was designed for the top of the hill above Regatta Point , Commonwealth Park, in 1988. Aeolian was inspired by the activity of wind and its ability to shape the surface of the Earth. It explores the ‘Aeolian processes of wind forces and how these intense forces can form and shape the landscape and objects in its path.

Spinnaker (1987)

Painted mild steel, H 2.5m

• Location: Lakeside end of Hopetown Circuit, Yarralumla, Canberra ACT

• Collection: Private

The sculpture Spinnaker, is the first in a series of four large outdoor sculptures exploring ‘The forces in nature’. The forces of wind and water and their effect on shaping form, inspired the creation of Spinnaker. The sculpture was created from one large metal pipe which was then cut, heated, twisted and then welded to create organic forms from metal. Spinnaker explores the forces of wind and water and evokes concepts of sailing.

Cascade (1987–1993)

Painted mild steel, H 2.5m

• Location: Relocated from Marine Parade, Sydney to Canberra

• Collection: Private

The sculpture Cascade was inspired by the flow of water over rocks and became a metaphor for the process of meditation. The work was located overlooking the sea. The sculpture invites the viewer, to reflect on the meditative peaceful effect of water and the sea. The sea is a synonym for tranquility, despite the constant movement of the water floating around the rocks. The sculpture reflects the deep blue colour of the ocean.

The sculpture was part of an exhibition by the sea by Manley Council. After the exhibition, Cascade was leased to Manley Council, New South Wales for five years.

Confrontation (1986)

Waxed steel, H 2m × W 80 × D 46cm

Private Collection

Fear (1986)

Recycled steel, H 90 × W 60 × D 60cm

Private Collection