A CREATIVE journey has been boosted through an art space at Mayday Hills leading to a first time exhibition at the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) for a local artist.
Working in ceramics and small sculpture, Beechworth's Julianne Piko said having a studio at Mayday Hills Art Society's premises meant she could create and refine ideas making the development of her exhibition 'Familiar Strange' at MAMA possible.
Interested in design, culture and sciences Julianne has never believed there is a separation between the streams.
"By being cross–disciplinary and embracing expanded ways of thinking, we can look to the future and better ways of living together – nature and humans," she said.
In a post–COVID world and the state of climate change urgency, Julianne has created sculptural pieces that are at the intersection of art and science.
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"My exhibition contains materials that are both found and created from the fragility of unglazed ceramics to local granite and burnt wood to recycled copper pipes and glass," she said.
"Assembled sculptures encompass different timescapes, and each has its history and future."
With a keen interest in the interconnectedness of things, Julianne's artwork reflects a desire to redefine ecological perspectives and the human–nature balance.
As a multidisciplinary artist she is fascinated by materials and is constantly looking at the potential of new mediums.
"I am currently working on a funded project with Regional Futures through Regional Arts NSW undertaking self–initiated professional development in material science delving into the potential of biomaterial and the recycled/circular," she said.
"Having a dedicated space with room to create with a community of creatives and fellow mess–makers assists in not feeling isolated in your own practice," she said.
"The studios are part of a developing community that will no doubt continue to be enhanced under the incredible support of both Christine Cansfield Smith and Peter Leppert."
"I'm excited by their vision of a centre for Arts and Science in Beechworth," she said.
"The Mayday Hills studios will be an ongoing asset for both myself and the increasing community of local creatives and thinkers."
Julianne's exhibition can be seen at MAMA until July 17 in the Brindley Family Galleries from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
