Once upon a time...
Human beings are storytellers.
My artwork draws on narratives found in folk and fairy tales with a focus on themes of individual transformation, metamorphosis and the idea of becoming. Rich in archetypes and symbology, these seemingly simple stories are constantly retold, renewed and analysed to suit our times and to reflect our way of seeing the world. Every generation finds its own way to re-imagine the core stories of our folk traditions. It is this process of reinvention and renewal that captures my fascination with the folk and fairytale realm.
"Folk and fairy tales for me, encourage us to believe that change and transformation are essential aspects of the human condition."
Spike Deane
I am a Canberra (Australia) based visual artist who works primarily in cast glass BUT I often get sidetracked and enamoured with other mediums. Print, textiles, animation and exploring other materials alongside glass is what makes me tick.
My artistic practice is focused on the underlying narratives found in folk and fairy tales to consider questions of becoming, transformation and 'the hopeful journey'. I work in my home studio and at the Canberra Glassworks.
I was born in Germany to British parents, who after returning to England for a while, immigrated to Australia. Memories of Germany are pretty hazy, what I do remember though, are the many forest walks we went on as a family. Before studying a Bachelor of Visual Arts at the University of Sydney I helped my parents build a house on the edge of Olney State Forest, I definitely feel that the woodlands and forests of Europe and Australia are infused into my artwork.
I graduated with Honours from Sydney College of the Arts (Glass) in 2012 and was a finalist in both ‘Hatched’ the National Graduate Art Prize and the National Student Art Glass Prize with pieces combining animation and glass. I exhibit throughout Australia, notably since graduation at the emerging artist space at Stills Gallery, Paddington, in the City of Sydney's 'Art & About' festival and as a finalist at the inaugural ‘Kirra Illuminated Light Awards’.