Annette Bukovinsky
My practice largely centres on investigating humanity's relationship with nature and a search for a new ecological philosophy that can address the challenges threatening the vitality of our planet.
My practice largely centres on investigating humanity's relationship with nature and a search for a new ecological philosophy that can address the challenges threatening the vitality of our planet.
Three Dimensional Works
Much of my work employs the use of clay. It is a material with a rich history and is known paradoxically, for its strength and fragility. I am drawn to its malleability and tactility and even to its defiance! Clay is a material that bears witness to its own state of flux. Given that a ‘state of flux’ reflects my ecological observations, I believe clay has many relatable characteristics that may potentially increase the dialogue regarding the current health of our natural environments. By utilising traditional hand-building techniques of coiling, pinching and moulding I am able to have a direct and protracted engagement with the clay enabling a more considered articulation of ideas and concepts. My interest in non-conventional surface applications, such as acrylic paint, shoe polish, bitumen and timber stains, feeds my desire to explore the nexus between tradition and innovation, and extend the link between structure, surface and concept.
Two Dimensional Works
My current two dimensional works are created using various mediums including charcoal, oil and acrylic paint, timber stains, and also more unconventional mediums such as bitumen and shoe polish. I engage with these materials in a way that encourages them to reveal a form or direction rather than imposing an preconceived order on them. The materials drip, bleed and blend with other materials in their proximity. I then follow their gestures with more decisive and expressive marks creating numerous planar surfaces and pictorial depth. This way of working allows me to become more of a collaborator in the creation of the work and also invites a curiosity regarding our relationship to other entities within the world.
I have recently completed a Masters of Fine Art at the National Art School, Sydney and am represented by Stanley Street Gallery in Darlinghurst Sydney.