FORCE OF NATURE
$2,400
The origin of this work sees me sitting by, or in, a stream. Watching water of many colours slide or dance ever onwards, to the air, the ground, the sea. The colour is wrought by light. The pattern it creates on the creek bed endlessly moving and to me, endlessly fascinating. White emerges in the splash and bubble of sudden movement, where a way around is found. A fluid decision made in the moment of obstacle. Up, around, under, over, beside. Back to the flow.
All these individually sculpted pieces together suggest a movement inspired by water, but also potentially, made possible by wind. A lifting, a swaying, an eventual dispersion. What do you see? What do you feel? I hope it is the gentle, powerful force of nature. Its possibility. Its relentlessness in the face of obstacle. It’s ever-onward journey.
Earthenware paper clay, glaze, acrylic paint, structural plywood
100 x 100 x 16cm
Artist Statement: Over thirty years ago, Maria arrived in the Top End for six weeks of work. All these years later she’s still here. This not uncommon story reflects the pull of this most special place. It gets into your bones and calls if you ever think of straying. Maria stayed for the opportunities to work and explore this place of bare oceans, magnificent skies, and broad, barely peopled landscapes. For a long while Maria’s childhood love of art took a back seat to making a living being outside and understanding the natural world. But now, in the art she makes, Maria wants you, a fellow observer, to feel the flow.
As a multi-media artist, Maria primarily uses clay to mirror the flow of water in springs, creeks and at the beach. Sometimes it can also be in the canopy of trees, or leaf litter on the ground, but somehow, there is always a curve; a movement or energy that never ends. Glass or timber is used as a backdrop for a multitude of individually sculpted pieces that together tell a story of landscape, place and flow. Seeing people read and respond to these stories in clay makes Maria smile and warms her heart. Working with other artists, exploring the nature and necessity of creativity, learning the endless lessons of technique and trial and error, have truly shown her the way.
Maria has exhibited locally, regionally and nationally and was a finalist in the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize at the South Australian Museum. A residency at the Territory Wildlife Park presented a range of opportunities including the creation of a permanent installation in the monsoon rainforest, participation in a promotional video for the residency program and a group exhibition the following year at the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre in Katherine. Maria has been the recipient of two Arts NT grants and with a fellow artist received funding from the Darwin City Council for a series of highly successful community arts workshops. Over 2022-23 Maria had a long-term installation at a local cafe celebrating the importance of community and the beauty of our local suburban environment.
All of this has shown Maria the deep satisfaction that art and creativity can bring to individuals and communities. It makes our beautiful, inexplicable world a much better place.
Contact Tactile Arts on 08 8981 6616 or admin@tactilearts.org.au to purchase.
