Easter Trading Hours

Bilby Print by Renee Treml

(m) art at artisan in the Fortitude Valley will be closed from Good Friday 22nd of April and will reopen on the Wednesday the 27th of April.

(m)art design store at South Bank will be closed over this period as well except for Easter Sunday which will be open 11am to 4pm and will reopen on Wednesday the 27th of April.

The artisan office will be closed from 22nd of April and will reopen on the 3rd of May.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!



Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011 & Emma Davies Homage Opening Night Pics!

Photos from our last exhibition openings - Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011 and Emma Davies Homage.

 

Interview with Amy Cochrane

artisan interviews talented young jeweller Amy Cochrane, whose nature inspired creations can be found in Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011.

Amy Cochrane, Gum tree bud earrings 2010, cast sterling silver. Photo: Sam Lintern.

Tell us about your background – how did you come to be a creative practitioner?
I always enjoyed art classes at school however there was always a lot of painting involved and have never particularly liked working with that medium. Once I branched into sculpture in my later years at school I was much more enthusiastic and eager to explore.

After leaving school I completed a Bachelor of Fine Art at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. As students we were encouraged to network, attend and partake in exhibitions. I chose to take the advice on board and as a result my practise has slowly evolved.

Amy Cochrane, Bone dry series 2010, sterling silver, scrap tin, bone and stainless steel. Photo: S. Jones

Where do you find your inspiration?
My artistic practice is prompted by the disregarded objects I find within my surroundings. The process of gleaning is central to my work, it is the starting point from which I explore and deconstruct found objects and the landscape in which they were discovered.

What other creative people do you admire?
My practise is currently directed towards the making of jewellery I am inspired by artists who’s practice has had a similar focus such as the late German artist Hermann Junger, and Australian contemporary jewellers Marian Hosking and Roseanne Bartley.

Amy Cochrane, Six axes 2010, sterling silver and carved timber. Photo: Sam Lintern.

What’s next for your practice?
I am currently engaged in postgraduate study, completing a Master of Teaching at Griffith University, as a result my practice has been put on hold. However I intend to continue to exhibit and to begin making new work very soon.

I couldn’t live without…?
I could not live without my family and friends who constantly provide me with support.

Amy Cochrane, Wattle seedpod pendants 2011, cast bronze, heat coloured. Photo: S. Jones.

Favourite café/restaurant?
I would prefer to sit down to a home cooked meal prepared by my Grandmother any day. She never ceases to amaze me with new delectable delights.

Favourite weekend pastime?
I thoroughly enjoy rummaging through goods at a flea market or car boot sale.

Amy Cochrane, Wattle seedpod series 2009, cast sterling silver and stainless steel. Photo: Z. Wolfe.

Fundamentals of Building a Sustainable Arts Practice Workshops

Back by popular demand, Jo Wooler’s Fundamentals of building a sustainable arts practice series has a dynamic program for 2011, with vital information from her 2010 series and new insightful ideas and methods of how to create a sustainable arts practice.
Join Jo for her inspiring and informative workshops and develop your arts practice in leaps and bounds!

 

WHERE: Redcliffe City Art Gallery function room

Workshop 1 – ‘the critical beginning’ – 

Friday 15th April 10am-12pm OR Saturday 16th April 10am-12pm

Workshop 2 – ‘business essentials’ – 

Friday 27th May 10am-12pm OR Saturday 28th May 10am-12pm

Workshop 3 – ‘website vs blog’ – 

Friday 15th July 10am-12pm OR Saturday 16th July 10am-12pm

Workshop 4 – ‘e-marketing’ – 

Friday 2nd September 10am-12pm OR Saturday 3rd September 10am-12pm

Workshop 5 – ’social media’- 

Friday 21st October 10am-12pm OR Saturday 22nd October 10am-12pm

Workshop 6  – ‘establishing professional relationships’ – 

Friday 18th November 10am-12pm OR Saturday 19th November 10am-12pm

Each session is $20 or $10 for Artists Afloat Inc members (pay on the day)

Jo recommends that you confirm your attendance prior to the Workshop to avoid disappointment.

For more information email Jo – email@artistsinitiative.com.au or phone 0407 807 786

Interview with Sophie Bottomley

artisan interviews Sophie Bottomley, whose architectural sculptures are on display in Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011 until Saturday 14 May.


Sophie Bottomley's works in Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011. Photo: A. Higgins

 Tell us about your background – how did you come to be a creative practitioner?
From early on I have always loved to make things, however I never thought I would be able to make a career out of it. When I finished high school I decided to study architecture which I fell in love with and slowly found my own way of working which has come to be the most valuable experience of my creative practice to date. However, architecture in university and in practice differ greatly and the types of conceptual projects we were able to develop at uni were not the kinds of projects you are able to do in practice, unless of course you are Frank Gehry or someone of his league. After 4 years I stopped studying and took a year off, where flicking through the pages of Pol Oxygen Magazine I encountered some practitioners that seemed to get away with conceptual ideas of space in the name of art. At this point I decided I had to stop fighting it and see if I could make this art thing work. I have just completed a Bachelor of Fine Art majoring in Sculpture at QCA and am just in the beginning of my Honours year.


Sophie Bottomley, Feeling outside the box one's in (detail) 2010, pine on pine stand. Photo: A. Higgins.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Inspiration generally strikes when you least expect it but currently I find books on philosophy, qualities of architecture, and how the body perceives space to be some of the most inspiring. A discovery can strike from anything that’s why it’s important to always immerse yourself in as much as you can. I am always looking at design and art magazines and blogs, as well as going out and seeing art. Sometimes just being outside of your everyday environment can provide many unexpected encounters.


What other creative people do you admire?
I think anyone who is making a life for themselves following a creative pursuit is someone to admire. But more specifically I love the work of Mikala Dwyer, Roni Horn, Tara Donovan, Ann Hamilton, Matthew Barney, Hany Armanious and Robin Rhodes.

Sophie Bottomley, To escape from silence (detail) 2010, paper on pine stand.

What’s next for your practice?
I am currently studying Honours at QCA where I aim to push my ideas of space even further in the sculptural field. It has long been my goal to merge my love of architecture and sculpture in the creation of large scale spaces that evoke an emotional or sensory reaction in the occupant. Perhaps I’ll even try to change the face of public art and the ‘plop art’ phenomenon that so often occurs.

I couldn’t live without…?
The people I surround myself with daily and my dog - definitely the artist's best friend being a constant companion in the studio.

Favourite café/restaurant?
Currently Flute at Coorparoo.

Favourite weekend pastime?
Trips to the beach, Bangalow or Maleny.


Sophie Bottomley, Within two limits (detail) 2010, air-dry modeling clay on pine stand.

Sophie Bottomley, Feeling outside the box one's in 2010, pine on pine stand. Photo: A. Higgins.



I heART Japan Online Charity Art Auction

 

In the days following the devastating 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Brisbane-based Japanese ceramic artist Kenji Uranishi and his wife Sonia felt overwhelmed with sadness and a sense of helplessness being so far away and unable to help.

Turning their grief into positive action, a call went out to their network of artist friends and colleagues for help and was answered by more than 20 talented artists from around the country.

What resulted was i heART japan, a beautiful collection of work by a talented group of artists including ceramicists, painters, photographers and designers to be auctioned on eBay over a 2.5 day period starting Friday 8 April (3pm EST) and ending Sunday 10 April (8pm EST).
Net proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Red Cross Japan and Pacific Appeal 2011.
Some of wonderful work that you can bid on include these by Pru Morrison, Matt Dwyer and Mel Robson.

        

Check out the other fabulous pieces here.



WASH Group Exhibition at Woolloongabba Art Gallery

Featuring the work of the lovely Caitlin Sheedy who works at artisan's (m)art design store! Exhibition on display from 15th April - 28th May. Artist talks followed by closing drinks: Saturday 28 May 4:00pm - 8:00pm. 

Along with needlework and other ‘drawing room’ occupations, watercolour painting was once considered elemental to the education of upper class colonial women. The women artists and their efforts were considered trivial in comparison to the scientific and documentary purposes to which men employed watercolour, as explorers, botanical illustrators, mapmakers and so on. In the early 1900’s Una and Violet Teague, travelled to
Hermannsburg in order to teach useful crafts such as watercolour, pokerwork and embroidery to Indigenous women and children at the outback mission so that they might raise funds. Rex Batterbee later instructed Western Arrernte man Albert Namatjira in watercolour painting at Hermannsburg. Although once delegated to the realm of ‘kitsch’, Namatjira is now accredited as a founder of the contemporary indigenous art movement.
This exhibition traces the legacy of otherness and the imprint of early watercolourists through to artworks by contemporary women artists, including the potters at Hermannsburg. The artworks acknowledge the unique qualities, significance and influence of watercolour.


Artists: Bianca Beetson, Megan Cope, Haley Coultard, Irene Mbitjana Entata, Clara Ngala Inkamala, Svenja Kratz, Sonja Peters, Dawn Ngala Wheeler, Zoe Porter, Penca Rafiqi, Lindy Panangka Rontji, Luisa Rossitto, Rona Panagka Rontji, Caitlin Sheedy, Rahel Kngwarria Ungwanaka and Carolyn V Watson.

Interview with Chris Mills-Kelly

Chris Mills-Kelly, Walk a mile in my shoes (detail) 2009,

camphor laurel wood and mixed media. Photo: A. Higgins.

Artisan interviews Chris Mills-Kelly, whose intricate wood carvings feature in Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011.

Tell us about your background- how did you come to be a creative practitioner?

I have always loved arts and craft, from an early age I would draw, paint or make things from plasticine, clay, wood or anything really. My passion for creating continued and eventually after leaving school early, working, then raising 3 children, I decided, with the encouragement and support of my family to do a certificate 3 in Visual Arts at TAFE Toowoomba, then went on to start my diploma, transferring in 2nd year to USQ to do my Bachelor of Visual Arts, due to personal and family issues this was put on hold after 18months and taken back up in 2009 as a Bachelor of Creative Arts which is what I am currently finishing my 3rd year in. So I guess it has always been there and been something I have wanted to do, it just took me a little longer to get where I am today.

   

Chris Mills-Kelly, Neither seen nor heard (detail) 2010-11,
camphor laurel wood and mixed media. Photo: A. Higgins.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from many sources, at the present time much of it comes from my Aboriginal background; the past history, inequality and cultural breakdowns and children; the lost innocence, neglect, abuse, and so on. My own past experiences, and those of my family have also played a large role in my art, and will continue to do so in different ways.



Chris Mills-Kelly, Walk a mile in my shoes (detail) 2009,
camphor laurel wood and mixed media. Photo: A. Higgins.

What creative people do you admire?

I admire many creative people some are unknown to many like my mother and brother who both draw and paint, and my young nephew who loves to create 3D sculptures. Other artists I admire are Indigenous artists, like Vernon Ah kee, Fiona Foley, Judy Watson, Tracey Moffatt, and the late Lin Onus. I also admire Ricky Swallow, Christian Boltanski and so many more that I could continue to list for pages.

What is next for your practice?

I intend to complete my studies while also arranging and sourcing new avenues for exhibiting my work and continuing to create new works. I am also co-ordinating the Oakey NAIDOC week Art Exhibition in July this year and hope to improve and expand this event.

Chris Mills-Kelly, Are we equal yet? (detail) 2010, camphor laurel wood and mixed media. Photo: A. Higgins

I couldn’t live without.......?

My family, they are very important to every aspect of my life, and my art it is my means of expression, my relaxation, and my enjoyment.

Favourite cafe or restaurant?

The Coffee Club

Favourite weekend past time?

Spending time with family and friends.

Chris Mills-Kelly, Are we equal yet? (detail) 2010, camphor laurel wood and mixed media. Photo: A. Higgins.

Porcelain Workshop with Julie Shepherd in Bali

(m)art design store supplier, Julie Shepherd will be conducting a Polished Porcelain Workshop in Bali - images of the style of work in the attachment below.

Julie will be sharing all her skills in how to make exquisitely fine pierced and translucent porcelain artworks. at Gaya Pottery in Ubud, Bali from 14-27 August, 2011. 

 
Create unique sculptural and functional objects in fine porcelain. Forms will be created by slip casting, hand-building or wheel throwing porcelain clay. Easy plaster mould making and paper plaster moulds will also be demonstrated. Beautiful Bali textures will be used to inspire decorating the forms with piercing, shellac resist water etching for translucency, carving and coloured clay inlay, slip trailing and using coloured porcelain.

Cost: USD $2200   plus airfare; includes internal travel, accommodation, breakfasts and lunches, materials, tuition and firing. Suitable for all skill levels. Small class of 8 only.

Further information and bookings contact Julie Shepherd ph 07 38232136 Mob 0417620229 email shepherd.julie1@gmail.com   www.julieshepherd.net

Miniatures & Multiples - Opening tonight 6pm at SGAR

Check out the work of artisan's (m)art design store designers such as Christina Waterson, Katrina Tyler and Ueno Fukutoshi in this group exhibition opening tonight at SGAR in Spring Hill. If you can't make it tonight, don't despair, the show continues until 30 April 2011. 

Kimono and Newspaper Brooch Workshop

(m)art design store supplier Kazuyo Kashiwagi will be giving a 1 1/2 hour Saturday morning workshop on how to make kimono brooch and newspaper brooch for $25 at the Botanique Bazaar at Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Mt Coot-tha on the 16th April. Looks like lots of fun! For more info and to book please email bettina.palmer235@gmail.com or call (07) 3366 1682.

Interview with Sophie Loxley

We chat with Sophie Loxley, whose works are on display in Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011.

Sophie Loxley, Restricted (detail) 2010, aluminium, satin ribbon and dressing pins. Performed 24 March 2011 by Kyle Walmsley, Angus Blackman, Jasmine Fischer and Rachel Peel. Photo: A. Higgins.

Tell us about your background – how did you come to be a creative practitioner?


Growing up I was always surrounded by a world full of creativity, be it arts and crafts full of glitter and glue, or speech and drama, a place of mime, silly voices and cartwheels. My love for art and theatre continued through high school, which then led me to the University of Southern Queensland, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts, majoring in Theatre Studies and Visual Arts. I have since moved to Brisbane where I am currently studying Honours within the Creative Industries Faculty majoring in Performance Studies at the Queensland University of Technology.


Sophie Loxley, Restricted (detail) 2010, aluminium, satin ribbon and dressing pins. Performed 24 March 2011 by Kyle Walmsley, Angus Blackman, Jasmine Fischer and Rachel Peel. Photo: A. Higgins.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Hmmm. That is a difficult question to answer. I find inspiration in lots of things; people, music, clothes, nature ,theatre, art, even Ikea.

What other creative people do you admire?

I admire many artists who are passionate, hardworking and think outside the box. At this point in time Pamela Howard and Robert Wilson are the top two.

Sophie Loxley, Restricted (detail) 2010, aluminium, satin ribbon and dressing pins. Performed 24 March 2011 by Kyle Walmsley, Angus Blackman, Jasmine Fischer and Rachel Peel. Photo: A. Higgins.

What’s next for your practice?

I hope to further develop my practice as a hybrid artist, creating work in which theatre and visual art can inform each other.

I couldn’t live without…?

My loving and supportive family and friends.

Favourite café/restaurant?

Max Brenner. I'm a chocolate junkie.

Favourite weekend pastime?

Picnics, tea parties and rainforest walks.


Sophie Loxley, Restricted (detail) 2010, aluminium, satin ribbon and dressing pins. Performed 24 March 2011 by Kyle Walmsley, Angus Blackman, Jasmine Fischer and Rachel Peel. Photo: A. Higgins.