ARTIST STATEMENT
My practice is seated largely within the realm of contemporary environmental art. I aim to produce work that arouses an appreciation and reverence for the natural world and an understanding of the impact that humans have on the natural environment. I am a multi-disciplinary artist interested in painting, printmaking, contemporary fibre sculpture, community rituals/performance and cookery. My creative practice and research interests have been centred around the way that food connects us with each other and the physical environment. In 2014 I was the Director of Preserving Memories, a collaborative project focused on food and cultural memory. This project culminated in a multi-sensory exhibition that included film, sculpture and significant community engagement.
Highlight projects since then have included coordinating the Interfaith Chef Project, 2016 for Darebin Council, a sculptural installation and a ritual feeding/ performance for Scenes on the Yarra at Herring Island in 2015 and guest lectures/cookery performances in the Graduate Certificate in Art and Community Engagement at the VCA 2014-2016.
In an extension of my environmental exploration, I am currently experimenting with works on paper investigating organic materiality and the transformations that occur during the contact printing process. By combining non-toxic mordents with different heat treatments, I am able to create a range of colours that are subtle and delicate. As the pigments released from the leaves change with the climate, the seasons and the water used, this printing technique keeps me intimately in relationship with nature.
CURRICULUM VITAE
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2016 Interfaith Chef Project, Moreland Council
2014 Preserving Memories, Northcote Town Hall, Darebin Food and Wine Festival
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2013-2019 Numerous group shows with Basketmakers of Victoria
2018 Papermakers of Victoria
2017 NCAT Graduation Exhibition, NCAT
2015 Scenes on the Yarra, Salt Water, Sweet Water (Ritual Feeding performance piece and public art installation)
ARTS PRACTICE
2017-2019 Papermakers of Victoria – active member
2013 – 2019 Basketmakers of Victoria- active member
WORKSHOPS ATTENDED
2017 Introduction to papermaking, Papermakers of Victoria
2017 Platted Combungi Hat workshop
2016 Fibre and Wire Workshop with international environmental artist Bryant Holsenbeck
2016 Willow basket workshop with Tasmanian artist Jed Gillian
2015 Ribbed Basketry with international artist Mary Hettmansperger
2014 Melon Basket Workshop
2013 & 2014 Eco printing- with international artist India Flint, two master classes
1998 – Present Numerous workshops in contemporary basketry techniques across Australia including participation and presentations at national gatherings
EDUCATION
2017 NCAT Certificate IV in Visual Arts, Northern College of the Arts & Technology
2015 Masters of Community Cultural Development, Melbourne University VCA
2008 Diploma Textile Design RMIT 1 year part time (incomplete due to work relocation)
1996 Bachelor Applied Science Recreation Planning and Management
1984 Bachelor of Dance Performance, University of Adelaide (incomplete)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2014-2019 Workshop facilitation in basketry techniques, eco printing and cookery.
2016 Co-ordinator, Interfaith Chef Project Moreland Council
2016-17 Workshop Co-ordinator Basketmakers of Victoria
2018 treasurer Basketmakers of Victoria
2015-2016 Guest Lecturer, Graduate Certificate Community Engaged Art, Melbourne University VCA
2015-2017 Contemporary Fibre Basketry instructor
2013-2017 The Art of Fermentation workshops
2013-2015 Director, Preserving Memories Project
2009-2019 ESL teaching various positions/travel
2005-2009 Training and Professional Development Manager, Museums Australia
2001-2003 Cultural Services Coordinator, City of Boroondara
1998-2001 Cultural Development Officer, City of Charles Sturt
CONTACT
Anne Thoday
anne@annethoday.com