Ardross and Canning Vale inspired by ocean creatures for Sculpture by the Sea

TWO southern suburbs artists are once again collaborating for the annual Sculpture by the Sea event.

Ardross resident Rima Zabaneh and Canning Vale resident Berenice Rarig used about 50,000 cable ties for their 3m tall sculpture last year, which was inspired by corals and sponges.

The duo have ramped up their efforts and will use more than 70,000 cable ties for 15-different sculptures for the Cottesloe event on March 1-18.

Rarig said the duo had been working on the sculptures at Artsource in Fremantle since last year’s event.

“By using the cable ties we are once again looking at the push and pull or organic and inorganic materials,” she said.

“We are also exploring what to do with plastics that are meant for one use.

“We will use between 70,000 and 100,000 and we’ve been lucky to get a sponsor Discount Cable Ties.

“The choice to use purple is because it’s rarest colour in nature so people assume it’s artificial and it again plays with the idea of organic and inorganic.”

Zabaneh said the duo worked together because they were both driven by passion and process.

“We have different strengths and we lean on each other,” she said.

“We joke that we are zipped at the hip.

“It’s a nerve-wracking experience to showcase your work but it’s a joyful experience.”

Rarig said the duo’s work was underpinned by the fact they worked for the community.

“We’ll be running workshops during the event with school children about how they can use cable ties,” she said.