Inspiring Artists | Berndnaut Smilde Nimbus Collection

 

When you think of clouds, what is the first picture that comes to mind: those dark and foreboding clusters heavy with rain, eclipsing the sunlight? Or do you think of those that are pure white, like cotton wool, against a perfectly pale blue sky?

Ever since discovering artist Berndnaut Smilde, I haven't imagined them as either. Instead, I'm haunted by the ghostly, illuminated wisps of white which hover in empty chapels, warehouses and castles. His collection of photographs of man made clouds are ephemeral; both disconcerting and inviting, they present a duality between being 'ominous and divine'. (ref)

Image 1: Nimbus Cukurcuma Hamam I, 2012 Image 2: Nimbus Portland Place, 2014 Image 3: Nimbus LOT, 2013

Inspiring Artists | Monica Rohan

 

Taken by the vivid colours, patterns and realistic imitation of fabrics and textiles, the work of Monica Rohan initially struck me as whimsical. Upon further research, I discovered that Rohan's works are a 'reflection of the genre of autobiography through a mysterious form of self portraiture' (ref). Intriguingly, none of her works show the faces of the women, as the figures are often seen burying their heads in flowers, hedges or blankets. Their unusual stance and sometimes even bodily contortions hint at something more troubling: 'isolation and human frailty' (ref). 

While aesthetically pleasing to the eye, I eventually realised why I often see myself so strongly in her pieces. Sometimes we all feel like we're floating and falling through life, like we're constantly overwhelmed. As Rohan remarked on The Design Files: 'I think of the figure as being the part that allows access for the viewer to feel some kind of emotional reaction, to imagine themselves in the same kind of position, hiding in a hedge or drowning in a floordrobe or sinking into a rug.' (ref) I almost find refuge that Rohan's works are a medium through which these feelings can be articulated when words are perhaps inaccurate.

Inspiring Artists | Ruby Pilven

 

All I can think about when I see these stunning handmade porcelain ceramic pieces by Ruby Pilven is: how could you possibly be unhappy if one of her vases were a centre piece in your living room? Or if you were rocking her jewellery? Or eating dinner off her plates? It comes as no surprise, then, to read on her website that 'Ruby wants her ceramics to inject joy into everyday life….making it that little bit more fun.' Her passion for the craft and her genuine desire to positively impact the day to day life couldn't be more evident.

I have been coveting her vases for a long while now and one day, I really do hope to get my hands on one of my own. But for now, I will continue to drool over her wares and stunning studio on her instagram. Her feed really is candy for the eyes.

Inspiring Artists | Britt Dunbar

With bold colours, striking compositions and satisfying brush strokes, Britt Dunbar's life sized works have the power to enrapture. An award winning Western Australian artist, Britt paints her surrounds and brings stunning vivacity to her depictions of still life and landscapes.

When I volunteered for and saw this year's Artist Open House Fremantle, I was transfixed by Dunbar's work. I was awash with a wave of emotion, the same kind I felt when tears began to prick behind my eyes and my chest started to swell seeing Monet's works in the flesh at the Musee d'Orsay. It was a feeling of joy at pure beauty and talent; and what a privilege that such talent exists in and has emerged out of the place I call home.

Images sourced from Artist Open House website

Inspiring Artist: Eeva Margita

Are these zines not the cutest little things ever? I wanted to write a quick post today dedicated to a gorgeous local artist from my city Perth. I had the pleasure of attending a zine market last week and I was smitten by Eeva's work the moment I saw her stall. 

I mean, how could you not be? 

Find out more about Eeva on here website here