I created this 10x11x3cm cityscape, entitled Coppertown, from an orange tile, grey broken granite, rectangular copper-coloured ‘buildings’, and a copper-coloured sun. All of these items I collected from the streets of Melbourne during my daily walks. This miniature wall sculpture comes with a metal stand.

My name is Nancy D Lane, and I am a found object assemblage artist and jewellery designer working under the name NancyDee Sculptures. I create wall sculptures, 3D sculptures and brooches from the metal, wood, tiles and plastic that I pick up off the streets. My art is inspired by a strong interest in sustainability through repurposing and upcycling.

Many of my works are inspired by the Melbourne skyline, sometimes looking south towards the CBD from North Melbourne, but also looking north towards the CBD from across the Yarra or from Footscray. Often I try to incorporate ‘natural features’ – a bent nail that suggests a meandering river, rusted sheet metal that transforms into a cloud, or a broken tile that becomes a mountain.

My more abstract works are stimulated by the found objects themselves, which I often place in juxtaposition. At other times, I emphasise their rusted, scratched or variegated surfaces.

I am committed to sustainability in my arts practice. My hope is that this wall sculpture makes you smile, and at the same time, reminds you of the 5Rs to help our planet: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.