Surface Tension is a series of works created by Edward Woodley for the Nine Lives gallery, Brisbane. Drawing inspiration from the disregarded visual communication within signs, typography and lettering that has resonated with the artist, the importance of texture and medium form the basis of this work. In conjunction with a large-scale, site specific mural, Woodley continues to explore the familiar premise of the sculptural, box-like canvas. Using salvaged materials and semi-deteriorated signage, Woodley forms a multi-layered base - in which he paints fractured, bold letters directly over the top of. While information and direction are constantly being communicated through signage and semiotics, this body of work acts as a release of that information. But, rather than applying a conventional order, Woodley has rotated and perplexed each layer; to depart from the initial function of the visual implement and show the immediacy and importance of the commonplace.