Botanic Gardens showcases local craft

Inner-City artists Gabriella Hirst and Keiko Matsui have been chosen to exhibit their works in the 2011 Artisans in the Gardens.
The exhibition, held from 8-16 October will display fine art and sculpture from emerging artists.
Japanese artist Keiko Matsui was invited to the event by organisers Friends of the Botanic Gardens, who spotted her work at the Artisans market in Redfern.
“I use everyday objects such as bowls or vases, and change them into what people might call art,” Ms Matsui said.
“In Japan, everyone really appreciates handmade objects. They buy art and use it in everyday life, which is what I aim to bring to Australia.”
Matsui has since been working as a ceramics artist in Chippendale since moving to Australia in 1999.
“The Australian landscape was the influence for my works,” she said.
“Australian gumnuts in particular are visually beautiful.”
Her innovative ‘Ichirin’ Vase, means ‘single flower’ in Japanese.
“With the vase, I want the viewer to contemplate and enjoy the simplicity of everyday life, this object is distinctively Japanese, you cannot find it anywhere in Australia.”
Local artist Gabriella Hirst, based in Darlinghurst, focuses on bold ceramic jewellery,
“The natural history museum was something that inspired me for this exhibition. I spent a lot of time visiting it while living in Venice last year.” said Hirst.
“I find that sort of slightly eerie natural curiosity aesthetically appealing, so that probably comes through in my jewellery and object practice”.
Hirst was invited to join Artisans in the Gardens after organisers saw her work on display at Incub8r gallery in Mosman.
“The gardens have a history of artist in residency programs. Their abundance of natural reference material is inspiring for any artist wishing to take refuge from the chaos of the city,” Ms Hirst said.
She aims for people to wear her necklaces as art, rather than adornment.
“I would ideally like to see people interested in wearing my bizarreheadpieces in the way they would wear astatementnecklace” she said.

By Georgia Fullerton