TRUE art should always come straight from the heart.
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That's been the philosophy of Castlemaine sculptors Peter and Chelly Gray since they started their metalwork art studio 20 years ago.
The couple, who operate Shades of Gray studio and gallery from their Farnsworth Street property, unveiled their 2014 collection of works on Saturday.
Each year, the Grays include a special collection of unique pieces that reflect their last 12 months.
This year, it was "chooks and ducks".
"Our works are always a representation of where we are in our lives," Mr Gray said.
"We have been building a chicken house during the last year, spending lots of time thinking about the design, signage, and trying to be creative with it.
"We then decided to focus on chickens and ducks."
Up to 3000 people were expected to pass through the yard over the coming seven days to not only see the 53 new pieces, but the hundreds of others spread throughout the yard.
Twisted wire and recycled metal combine to form tall flower arrangements and original bird cages, each created in 2014 and each available for purchase.
Other functional items include fruit bowls, candelabras and wall installations.
Mr Gray said each piece was created with maximum care.
"We work long hours to make the art what we want it to be. We live for our art," he said.
"Art isn't about churning out pieces."
Both Peter and Chelly originally learned their trade studying ceramics together at university in Bendigo.
Mr Gray said the weekend had been hectic, with at least 1500 people visiting the studio and sales strong.
"The weekend was amazing,"Mr Gray said.
"We sold about half of the chook work and a fair bit of other stuff as well.
"I'm actually in the studio tonight (Tuesday) trying to make more pieces to include in the exhibition."
Now into its 20th year, their studio and gallery continues to attract national and international attention.
The Shades of Gray annual exhibition runs until November 9, not including November 5, from 10am to 5pm. The gallery will also be open each Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.