Plastic exploration - an artist residency

 Well it's finally started. Delayed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic but finally, I'm installed in the Mungga artist studio 1  at the Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub. Mungga means 'to make' in the Woiwurrung language, so nice to be part of the whole exciting hub.

The idea is to continue weaving with plastic, creating new works, but in particular, 3D works. I'm going to collect materials from the local Ivanhoe shopping precinct. I'll be there for the whole of July and propose to work Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with the alternating Saturdays and Sundays. There are workshops planned. In addition, as a bonus, my big work 'Water' is to be part of the exhibition 'Change' which is in the Loft exhibition space. It should be an exciting install.

Day 1 was really about shifting in and trying to make the space look interesting. I did some repair work on 'Water' and just found my way around. It feels nice to have a space to myself where there are big tables to work on and space for the looms and materials.

Day 2 I spent adding more 2m woven plastic lengths to the already 8m of 'Water'. Big takeaway of the day was how slow I'm working! Did get faster though, so it's probably just early days, but I do want to achieve something this week.

I love the people that have dropped in already, it's lovely seeing how people perceive your work. Also interesting what you learn from them. My never-ending nylon thread was probably used for the hems in garments....why didn't I think of that!

Home is where the heart is!

The City of Banyule has just opened its first dedicated gallery: Hatch Contemporary Arts Space....Hooray! What was the Banyule Arts Space (no it really wasn't a gallery), has been renovated inside and beautifully done, and looks like a proper gallery, though they're apparently still working on the lighting. It's also been given a facelift on the outside.

It's now very bright. If you want to visit it's at 14 Ivanhoe Parade, Ivanhoe and is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. The exhibition runs from the 4th April till the 11th May, 2013.

The very first exhibition in this new space is Home: Reframing Craft and Domesticity, curated by Claire Watson. The exhibition is divided into 'rooms' where the works, both from the Banyule Art Collection and  from a variety of artists have been selected. It includes work  from woodworkers, ceramicists, embroiderers, jewellers and all sorts of contemporary art relating to the theme of Craft and Domesticity.

There is a program surrounding the exhibition with workshops, talks, to try and involve the whole community in the opening of the new space. For more information you can visit www.banyule.vic.gov.au/arts

I have been lucky enough to have some of my work selected for the exhibition, three of my little empty nests sit in the 'lounge room'.

It's a jam packed exhibition and well worth visiting. Hope to see you there!