Ian Michelson and Natalee Pearson have created an exhibition set to open doors. 57659
By Casey Neill
A MONBULK couple has found the keys to success with their new exhibition.
Natalee Pearson, 24, and Ian Michelson, 22, have their wax and copper keys on display at Belgrave store Limerence until Christmas Eve.
Ms Pearson moved to Australia from America five months ago and this is the pair’s first collaboration.
“It started from Nat’s graduation exhibition in America. I was over there for that, it was mainly based around wax sculptures,” Mr Michelson said.
She then made a mould from a key Mr Michelson sent her and created 300 wax replicas.
Ms Pearson showed her work to Limerence owner Brent Dakis when she moved to the hills and he offered her an exhibition.
An electrician, Mr Michelson got creative with scrap copper wire to produce more keys.
“So I joined in and it went from there,” he said.
They stumbled upon the third element in their display when they over-poured a mould for a wax key.
“It turned out like a key-card,” Mr Michelson said.
He displayed art during his time as a Yarra Valley Grammar student.
“But it was mostly woodwork and drawing, never a sculpture-based display,” he said.
“And it’s pretty exciting to have it outside of school, having it not been a requirement.”
Ms Pearson has previously created two collections for her university degree in the United States.
This is her first work on show in Australia.
“The Dandenongs are a little reminiscent of home because I’m from the west coast, so it’s more trees and mountains and stuff,” she said. The pair have both inherited artistic flair from their creative mothers, and plan to create more art together. Mr Michelson wants to further try his hand at jewellery making.
Their artwork is for sale. Copper keys are one-off, but wax keys can be made to order.
Limerence is located at 2/1642 Burwood Highway, Belgrave, and can be contacted on 8288 1263. The store will host a different exhibition each month.
