Artefacts

Chorney Studios is at Younghusband, near Murray Bridge in South Australia. It is the sculpture studio of Michael and Wink Chorney, a husband and wife team. What began as a small enterprise is now crafting garden ornaments which resemble historic archaeological artefacts. Their work is sold around Australia.

Background

Michael Chorney has a background in the Australian film industry working on many films including 'Gallipoli'. After 20 years on the road he decided to venture into something different. Now he is creating theatrical sets for people's backyards.

They began by making a Mexican-inspired Jaguar god, which was sold through a local nursery. After this success they began to make more pieces, expanding their ideas. They are now designing full courtyards for clients, producing stone figures and manufacturing lightweight wall fountains that will soon be sold through chain-stores.

Michael and Wink seek inspiration in past cultures including African, Mexican or Asian. The sculptures, ornaments and other pieces are made to look like old, crumbling artefacts recently plucked from the jungle.

Pieces can be practical or decorative and include wall fountains, planters, sculptures, ornaments and artefacts for gardens. All are handcrafted and hand-painted and finished in a natural (sandstone), aged (moss-covered) or painted finish. The pieces give an ancient and aged look to any backyard. Many look thousands of years old.

Most are made from reconstituted stone, which is heavy enough to stay in place in the garden. However, some of the wall features and wall hanging fountains are available in a special lightweight material (urethane foam), one thirteenth the weight of stone. This lightweight material eliminates the problems of trying to secure or move a heavy object and will not harm anyone if it falls on them.

Cost and availability

Work from Chorney Studio is available at garden centres throughout Australia. It is planned to have a limited design range available at some chain-stores. Prices range from around $25 for a painted pot up to $1000 for the larger pieces. The kit courtyard is $12,800. Seconds are available at the studio.

Chorney Studios is mounting a display at Gardens Alive at Botanic Park, Adelaide this weekend (until 16 November).

Further information

Michael and Wink Chorney
Chorney Studios
RSD 538C
Mannum SA 5238
Phone/Fax: (08) 8569 2336
Website: http://www.chorney-studios.com.au
Email to: michael@chorney-studios.com.au

Copyright CTC Productions 2006