Materiality is key to my practice. I am currently exploring the qualities of concrete, combined with the found object. Initially I wanted to place the nails into the cement in a uniform matter, but ultimately, just placed them in randomly with various heights and spacing. The nails are already beginning to rust which is intentional – I have also added steel filings into the cement and hope that over time the whole piece will rust and turn from dull grey to a wonderful rich and random rust colour, giving the impression of clay rather than cement. I am leaving this piece outside and will continue to apply salt and vinegar to the surface to progress the rusting process. The work is entirely experimental and only time and the reaction of the piece with the elements will determine its final outcome. The granular effect on top of the block is as a result of poor mixing and perhaps the reaction of the cement with the steel filings. I was inclined to smooth it over, but have chosen to embrace the imperfection, this texture will provide more interesting results as the rust from the nails bleeds into it and dribbles down the side of the work.