2016
From Hard to Soft

25 - 26 Nov 2016
Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland

"It was a complete malleability that I had to deal with."

The realm of softness and the realm of stuffed forms offer a distinct departure from the rigidity often associated with structured shapes. Instead, they dangle, flop, and accumulate in gentle surrender, yielding to the slightest touch and gracefully yielding to gravity's pull.

My artistic practice places a significant emphasis on textiles and the meticulous craft of sewing. On the surface, this may appear to firmly position my body of work within the narrative of gendered, often considered 'feminine,' craftsmanship. It involves the repetitive, almost meditative tasks of sewing, stitching, and stuffing that extend over countless hours.

Yet, beyond the surface lies a deeper exploration. The creative process delves into the intricate relationship between drawing and sculpture, as I meticulously translate hand-drawn biomorphic forms into tangible patterns. This transition from line and form to tangible materials like fabrics, pompoms, and fuzzy wires sparks curiosity.

Within the exhibition space, these soft works are thoughtfully arranged, sometimes suspended, draped, or grounded, inviting viewers to engage in a sensory journey as they navigate the environment. It's a transformative point where sculpture transcends into installation, and installation melds into architecture, challenging established hierarchies between art and craft and infusing a sense of playful critique.

2020 Bone Like This

2018 The Claw

2022 Wishing You Well

2022 Underbelly