TranscriptFran Watel:
I’m Fran Watel, an Upper Hunter artist. I work in various mediums, but for this project, I will create a collage out of pieces of tin, many sourced from Liddell Power Station. I’m familiar with Liddell, and that’s why the idea of toasters came to mind immediately—it looks like two toasters with really big chimneys.
When you start dismantling a plastic toaster, you find all these amazing components. Just great bits. Who would have thought a humble toaster could provide such interesting pieces?
I gather bits of tin, cut out the shapes I want, and weld them together with my spot welder, which I love. For detailed work, I use a plasma cutter because it gives a fine line and doesn’t burn the edges like other methods. It cuts quicker and closer to the edge, preserving the color and detail of the tin.
I enjoy the burnt, bubbly edge that you get with the oxy. This kind of edge works well for certain projects. I also like to incorporate little messages from the writing on cans. It’s amazing what they write on cans, and I can cut those out and place them where I want people to notice.
Visiting Liddell changed my views completely. I used to be against such power stations. I was even arrested and beaten up by the police for protesting. I know Liddell is not a mine, but it’s still a dirty way to produce electricity. I lived off the grid for 10 years, lighting a fire to make toast. The first thing I bought when I got here was a pop-up toaster. Everything seems to come back to toasters for me.
Talking to the people who worked there, I realized Liddell was a necessary evil for a long time. The change should have come earlier, but there was no government will to make it happen. In fact, AGL had to fight to close it down because the government wanted to keep it going. I have mixed feelings but no longer feel animosity. I admire the dedication and camaraderie of the workers.
I created a piece called “Three Phase.” The chimney is divided into three sections: the power station as it looked originally, partially demolished, and reborn as a sustainable energy hub. It’s made of old car stereos and tobacco tins, some with warnings about smoking.
I want people to look at it and recognize Liddell Power Station, but also to see new details every time they view it, like a good movie or book that offers something new with each visit. I hope this artwork will work that way for people who are interested.
