Rubble Workshop

Rubble Workshop is an Australian based modern stone-age family business formed by a family of creatives: Max, Gillian and Jerrie. Their sculptural bases are made of a lightweight aerated concrete. In appearance it is similar to a natural stone with a heavy textured, pitted finish. they are sawn, chiseled and sanded by hand and sealed to a smooth finish for protection. Starting with a block, they take away and reveal the shape. to finish, they’re given a cotton linen cord. Rubble want their pieces to feel like they might have been discovered on an archaeological dig… if you were living in a cartoon.

What is your discipline and when did you first encounter it?

Rubble, sculpts and carves from pieces of aerated concrete. Three years ago was our first encounter. The first piece Max made was a statue for his daughters. As a family we have collected little primitive statues and interesting objects on all our travels. These little shapes have always been so inspiring.

What was your journey to becoming an artist?

MAX: In my former life I worked at telling stories and creating one dimensional films in the television industry etc. During covid I wanted to do something creative that was tactile and allowed me to communicate and collaborate with my daughter interstate.

JERRIE: I’m a food and prop stylist / art director and I have been collecting props and art all my life. When we decided to collaborate on sculptures, it was a natural progression in our conversation around art, travel and objects.

Who are the key artists whose work inspires your own?

MAX: I enjoy the fluid form by sculptor Henry Moore, the individualistic viewpoint of Picasso and the floating ephemeral art of Arthur Boyd. Bernard Hesling- he was an elderly artist who lived in my neighborhood when I was young. I helped him in his studio and admired his work ethic and the pace he lived at, way of life. But I am mostly inspired by the ancient artisans who built the pyramids and carved fantastic pieces that are now in ruins.

JERRIE: I love the large scale work of American Richard Serra, and I love the work of Donald Judd. I also think we take a lot of inspiration from cartoons and illustrations. We love the Flintstones, The Jetsons, The Simpsons. Also, Movies like Indiana Jones have found their way into my creative brain!

Tell us about your studio?

MAX: One of our studios is at the beach where I have an apartment. It is a dusty shed where I can lock myself away to carve. The other studio is cleaner where I can shape and finish the pieces and relax as they evolve into their final form.

Who's on your dream dinner party guest list, and what do you serve?

MAX & JERRIE: John Lennon and Yoko, Bernard Hesling, Anthony Bourdain, Nina Simone, Ettore Sotsass, Cindy Sherman – Let’s have a pizza party – everyone can get their hands dirty and the conversation will flow.

What's a film you watched and book you've read recently that had an impact on you?

MAX: POOR THINGS by Yargos Lanthimos – was an incredible delight in production design and history! We also just rewatched Baz Lurhman’s Romeo and Juliet – what an amazing, fresh,brave film! So inspiring. We recently finished BARBARIAN DAYS, A SURFING LIFE, by William Finnegan – a life of surfing and living by the sea has helped shaped who I am and I loved reading this account of a life lived salty.

If you weren't an artist, what would you have been?

MAX: I have been a TV producer for 30 years. I perhaps would have been Flipping houses, playing golf and other leisurely activities right now instead of being in a dusty studio.

JERRIE: A professional surfer!