Mosman Art Walk - Floating Between the Rockpools

Thrilled to be selected for the 2024 Mosman Art Walk! Thursday 22 February to Monday 11 March

Download the walk route map here

It's the fourth year of our popular local fundraiser for Mosman High School's art program, with more than 40 professional artists exhibited in shops and businesses around the Mosman shopping village.

Anyone can do the walk for free, anytime, to enjoy the diverse artworks, from paintings and ceramics to sculptures and prints.

If you happen to like what you see, you can buy it on the spot via QR code, with 30% donated to support Mosman High's talented art students, 70% going direct to the artist.

Floating between the Rockpools is in the window of one of my favorite retailers - Cultiver.
woven sculpture H 96 x W 60 x D 8 cm

About the artwork - This sculpture represents the many joyful hours, snorkeling and floating between the rock pools at Balmoral. Using foraged vines, recycled metal wire and charcoal, it references the ancient basketry technique of looping, which creates patterns and a harmonious rhythm as in nature.

 


‘Luminosity of Spirit’ solo exhibition

Luminosity of Spirit’ exhibition at Creative Space, Curl Curl

Contemporary fibre artist, Catriona Pollard’s ninth solo exhibition ‘Luminosity of Spirit’ explores our spiritual connection to nature using woven sculpture to access the visceral and organic landscapes of spirit within nature.

The sculptures of foraged vines and recycled metal wire references the ancient basketry technique of looping that has been used across human cultures for tens of thousands of years. The looping creates patterns and a harmonious rhythm that the artist witnesses in nature.

The exhibition explores how the invisible, non-material realm can uncover the psyche of our place in the landscape, with the objective of reaching beyond the human narrative of the landscape.

By sharing dialogue with the materials and allowing them to inform the narrative of the artwork, it means that stories are formed and shared from the landscape in transformational ways – in a language that provides new meanings and relationships with spirit, nature, humans, and the landscape – and the interconnectedness of all.

Exhibition details:

Date: 7 – 17 March 2024

Times: Thursday – Sunday 10am-4pm

Where: Creative Space, 105 Abbott Rd Curl Curl

See the catalogue by clicking here. All sculptures are for sale. 

 

 

 

 

About Catriona Pollard

Catriona Pollard has an established reputation as a distinctive contemporary artist who uses traditional basketry techniques to transform foraged plant fibres and recycled metals into poetic sculptural works. By transforming organic and recycled material into sculptures, she is investigating the battle humans have between controlling nature and seeing ourselves in harmony with it.

Catriona has had nine solo exhibitions and exhibited extensively in selected and group exhibitions. She was awarded the 2021 Northern Beaches Artist in Residence, and has been shortlisted as finalist in many art prizes including International Art Textile Biennale, Environmental Art & Design Award, National Capital Art Prize, Australian Fibre Arts Award, Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize, North Sydney Art Prize, Mosman Art Gallery 2088.

Through her sculptures, she uses nature as a way to connect with people that goes beyond physical beauty, but touches them in a personal and profound way. Ultimately aiming to reignite people’s relationship with nature for the wellbeing of both the human and more than human worlds.

Her work is profiled across major art and design media and is featured nationally in galleries, high end design spaces and private collections. She teaches a range of basketry workshops in Australia and internationally.

theartofweaving.com.au Instagram: CatrionaPollard

 

 

 

 


Art In Nature workshop - Police Point Artist in Residence

I'm thrilled to be awarded the Police Point Artist in Residency through Mornington Peninsula Shire Arts & Culture.

As part of the Residency I will be holding a community experience of exploring art through nature.

Exploring ephemeral art techniques you will connect with nature and your creativity. This art technique involves creating temporary art works using found objects from nature such as leaves and sticks and placing them into patterns and shapes.

These works are simply left in the place you create them, allowing you to develop a deeper understand of the natural world around you and concepts of transitory and connection.

It is a fun, inspirational experience that excites your imagination, perception and creativity – and makes you see the world around you in a different way.

Over two hours you will work directly in the natural environment guided by a series of exercises in creating ephemeral art. You will create one work or a series of works that integrate into the natural environment.

About the teacher:

Catriona Pollard is a contemporary artist who uses traditional basketry techniques to transform foraged plant fibres into organic sculptural works. Engaging audiences to build creative connection with the natural world is a fundamental part of her art practice and her teaching.

By transforming organic material into sculptures, she presents an opportunity to be enchanted by the natural world and the stories it shares.

She spends time creating ephemeral works as a way of exploring the concept of impermanence within nature and the juxtaposition of society’s current disconnection with it. The process of disintegration of organic material – and spending a day creating art that is simply left to disintegrate is an integral aspect of this exploration. More information: TheArtofWeaving.com.au

Date and time

Thu, 7 Sep 2023 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM AEST

Location

Police Point Shire Park, Franklands Drive, Portsea VIC

Franklands Drive Portsea, VIC 3944

What to bring:

Camera/phone

Notebook/paper

Depending on the weather – Long-sleeved shirt and long pants, sturdy footwear such as sneakers, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent or wet weather gear.

Click to Reserve a spot


Spirit Wings in the Forest

I’ve come to an end of my month as Artist in Residence at Domaine de Boisbuchet in South West France. My only goal was to spend time in the forest and build a spiritual connection and weave sculptures that showed the spiritual narrative of the landscape. I completed a series of works that are inspired by Hilma af Klint’s petal forms she used as symbols throughout her work. I’m particularly interested in her use of the sacred geometric symbol of vesica piscis which I have interpreted as the the interface of the spiritual and physical worlds. The viewer is invited to look into the multiple layers of this work and see it is a representation of these two worlds.

My work references the intersecting of the petals – the vesica piscis – as a commentary of the how the invisible, non-material realm can uncover the psyche of human’s place in the landscape. But something very unexpected happened. Everyday I went for a swim in the river and there are beautiful dragonflies. A couple of times I sat in the river and a dragonfly would land on each knee (clearly my knees looks like rock!). After I nearly finished this series and I was looking at their wings right in front of me I realised that this series all have 4 petals - like 4 dragonfly wings. And the weaving looks exactly like their delicate wings. So I’ve captured them as well.

The petals are rattan waste from a cane furniture factory in France, with layers of charcoal and ash of burnt wood from fallen trees in Domaine de Bois Bouchet. The copper wire is an interpretation of the ancient basketry technique of looping.

Made while Artist in Residence at Domaine de Boisbuchet, France.


Way Finder Art

This Way Finder Art was created while Artist in Residence at Domaine de Boisbuchet, France. This work was a series of ink on paper using materials from the forest as 'paint brushes', woven cotton nests and 'spirit wings' using rattan waste from a cane furniture factory in France, with layers of charcoal and ash of burnt wood from fallen trees in Domaine de Boisbuchet. The copper wire is an interpretation of the ancient basketry technique of looping. I spent a lot of time in the forest in observation and decided to create a path that lead to a space where I used woven nests with Peter Osborn's ceramics to create a sense of place within the forest.


Basketry Workshops RED HILL, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

WEEKEND BASKETRY WEAVING RETREAT

Learn my favourite 4 basketry techniques in 2 days. 

“Thanks so much for an awesome weekend of weaving! It was wonderful to learn a range of weaving styles and enjoy great company.” Jane

“A fantastic workshop.” Jenny

“Thank you so much for the weekend workshop. It was lovely to learn your techniques with a great group of fascinating women” Venta 

You will be learning and exploring my favourite basketry techniques with materials you can easily access after the class so you can keep on weaving:

  • random weaving with cane + inclusions
  • random weaving with long leafy plants
  • twining with jute with a pattern
  • looping with paper string
  • Bonus: cordage/string demonstration

By the end of this course you will be confident in multiple basketry techniques.

Tapping into your creativity, like all of my workshops, it is so much more than just learning techniques, it’s an opportunity to tap into powerful creativity that is ready to surface.

Learning at your own pace, in this hands on, practical workshop is all about exploration and experimentation not perfection. While learning basketry techniques, you will be reconnecting with your imagination and creativity.

It’s a small class so you get hands-on tuition from expert weaver, Catriona Pollard.

Suitable for beginners, or weavers who are looking to learn these techniques If you’ve never done weaving before – perfect! You’ll love it and leave with finished basketry sculptures and the confidence to do more.

This course is for you if:

  • You want to learn multiple basketry techniques.
  • You don’t have any experience or want to further develop your weaving.
  • You’re looking for a fun, relaxing creative outlet, and an enjoyable way to spend your downtime.
  • You deserve the gift of a weekend of dedicated weaving with a group of lovely people.

WEEKEND BASKETRY WEAVING RETREAT

Learn my favourite 4 basketry techniques in 2 days. 

“Thanks so much for an awesome weekend of weaving! It was wonderful to learn a range of weaving styles and enjoy great company.” Jane

“A fantastic workshop.” Jenny

“Thank you so much for the weekend workshop. It was lovely to learn your techniques with a great group of fascinating women” Venta 

You will be learning and exploring my favourite basketry techniques with materials you can easily access after the class so you can keep on weaving:

  • random weaving with cane + inclusions
  • random weaving with long leafy plants
  • twining with jute with a pattern
  • looping with paper string
  • Bonus: cordage/string demonstration

By the end of this course you will be confident in multiple basketry techniques.

Tapping into your creativity, like all of my workshops, it is so much more than just learning techniques, it’s an opportunity to tap into powerful creativity that is ready to surface.

Learning at your own pace, in this hands on, practical workshop is all about exploration and experimentation not perfection. While learning basketry techniques, you will be reconnecting with your imagination and creativity.

It’s a small class so you get hands-on tuition from expert weaver, Catriona Pollard.

Suitable for beginners, or weavers who are looking to learn these techniques If you’ve never done weaving before – perfect! You’ll love it and leave with finished basketry sculptures and the confidence to do more.

This course is for you if:

  • You want to learn multiple basketry techniques.
  • You don’t have any experience or want to further develop your weaving.
  • You’re looking for a fun, relaxing creative outlet, and an enjoyable way to spend your downtime.
  • You deserve the gift of a weekend of dedicated weaving with a group of lovely people.

 


MORNINGTON PENINSULA - RED HILL - WEEKEND BASKETRY WEAVING RETREAT 23-24 SEPTEMBER 2023

Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 September 2023 Book here: Weekend Weaving Retreat, Red Hill Mornington Peninsula

Cost: $460 includes all materials

Where:  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria – Red Hill Mechanics Hall ,19-23 Mechanics Road, Red Hill, VIC 3937

Limited spots –  BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Book here


BOOKED OUT - SEE OTHER DATE - MORNINGTON PENINSULA - WEEKEND BASKETRY WEAVING RETREAT 9-10 SEPTEMBER 2023, ST ANDREWS

Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 September 2023 Book here: Weekend Weaving Retreat, Mornington Peninsula

Cost: $460 includes all materials

Where:  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria – St Andrews Beach Recreation Club, 99 Bass Meadows Blvd, St Andrews Beach 

Limited spots –  BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Book here


BOOKED OUT MORNINGTON PENINSULA - WEEKEND BASKETRY WEAVING RETREAT 16-17 SEPTEMBER 2023, CAPEL SOUND

Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 September 2023 Book here: Weekend Weaving Retreat, Mornington Peninsula

Cost: $460 includes all materials

Where:  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria – CAPEL SOUND  – 20 Eliza Street, Capel Sound 3940

Limited spots –  BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Book here


forage: symbiotic (trans)formations - Gallery Lane Cove

Group exhibition ‘forage: symbiotic (trans)formations’,

curated by Nicole Wallace

Artists: Alyson Bell, Katherine Boland, Heather Burness, Katie Harris-MacLeod, Catriona Pollard, Rhonda Pryor, Jo Victoria and Liz Williamson.

13 September - 7 October

Gallery Lane Cove

In a period of concerning climate change, ‘forage: symbiotic (trans)formations’ explores, interprets, transforms and preserves nature’s ephemera and our relationships to it; inviting visitors to pursue deepened connections with their surroundings, environmental awareness and the veneration of our human-enviro symbiosis. 

‘forage: symbiotic (trans)formations’ brings together eight east coast, metro and regional female Artists for whom foraging natural materials is at the core of their artistic practices. The Artists introduce fresh and original methods to conventional artistic mediums such as printmaking, painting, weaving, fibre art, textiles, film, digital AI, ceramics, and sculptural installation. They achieve this by integrating natural debris, saps, pigments, and the surrounding atmosphere. 

"Catriona Pollard will present several woven masterpieces, utilising foraged vines and other materials. Catriona adopts two main basketry techniques in her practice - random weaving and looping: ‘Her unique sculptural work offers glimpses of shapeshifting natural forms, from unnoticed branches, leaves and vines into stunning works that celebrate the abundance of nature. She uses foraged and discarded plant material with traditional basketry techniques.’"

There is an exciting opportunity to participate in a looping workshop being hosted at Gallery Lane Cove + Studios during the exhibition period. Please stay tuned for details…


Sculpture in Focus 2023

‘Sculpture in Focus’ 2023

The Sculpture Society annual exhibition.

EXHIBITION VENUE: INCINERATOR ART SPACE – 2 SMALL STREET, WILLOUGHBY 2068
WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST – SUNDAY 27 AUGUST 2023

Exhibition opening hours: Tues – Sun, 9.30 am – 4 pm

Opening: Saturday 12th August 2 – 4 pm


Finalist - 2023 Environmental Art and Design Award

Over 450 entries were received and just over 160 finalists have been selected across the seven Open sub-categories. Wilderness in Flourishing Mutiny was selected as a finalist for the 2023 Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design Prize – Open Category.

Exhibition dates & times - 4 – 27 August, 10am – 5pm, Tues – Sun

Manly Gallery and Museum

On my neighborhood walk, I pass a brick wall built to give privacy to the house behind it. As with most urban streets, the wilderness is tamed by planting pretty flowers and neighbor approved trees. However, this brick wall has a mutiny of wilderness. Flourishing in the smallest of crevasses, the patchwork of green sprouts grow into miniature trees alongside beautiful green weeds. ‘Wilderness in Mutiny’ offers the idea that while we have impacted vast areas of wilderness and replaced it with sprawling urban areas, the renegade plants have prevailed and if you choose to see, the concrete jungles are in fact flourishing with wild urban plants. In the landscapes of contemporary cities, these plants provide real ecological benefits, and are the overlooked backbone of an emergent green infrastructure.

Materials: Recycled copper electrical wire, smilax vine