By Melissa Barnard, part of the 2024 Scarborough Art Show team
Alison Winchester is a multidisciplinary textile artist in Bulli.
As a child, Alison says, she was in awe of the environment around her, constantly picking up sand, soil, rocks and leaves, and exploring how she could interact with her surroundings. This tactile and playful nature has continued into adulthood and informs her art.
Growing up with a farming family in Yass, NSW, Alison was fascinated with the thousands of sheep wandering on their farm. Curiosity about these childhood memories has led her to work directly with her brother’s sheep farm in Braidwood. She now combines these two different worlds to create her art. The natural wool from her brother’s farm is a highlight of many of Alison’s artworks and displays the way in which Alison explores the natural environment around her and how we can interrelate with it personally and sustainably.
Alison has also collaborated with Canberra Glassworks to create and design delicate glass sculptures inspired by the environment.
She has a strong focus on the natural felting process and wearable arts.
Alison works from her studio at The Timbermill in Bulli.
We asked Alison about her varied art practice and inspiration.
From where do you draw your creative inspiration?
My creative inspiration comes from the world around me – the endless possibilities of transforming the everyday into something beautiful by seeing all the beauty and potential in the things around us. I strive to create art that captures the essence of the everyday and reimagines in it new and inventive ways.
How do your art practice and your life intersect?
Everything I create is handmade, from the original wool felt to the natural dyes, and by handstitching pieces together. I aim to capture the unique essence of the Australian landscapes and the environment using wool.
One of my goals for my felt wool hanging pieces is to promote sustainability. By using natural materials and hand dyeing techniques, I aim to minimise my impact and showcase the true beauty of sustainable living. In addition, these large colourful wool felt pieces serve a functional purpose, providing insulation to help reduce the cost of heating and helping to block out noise – all while adding a unique, visually striking element to any room.
About a decade ago I also started designing jewellery. I create sculptural rings and pendants to create one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces.
All of my art is inspired by my life and my surroundings. My still life paintings are inspired by the everyday objects and the setting of my local coffee shop. As I sit there and order, I take note of the moment that interesting objects are presented to me, such as unique teapot or a delicate tea strainer. These objects all become my subject matter.
Can you tell us a little about your personal artistic journey?
My artistic journey began long before I was even aware of it, in a childhood filled with experiences and connections that would later shape my creative vision. One very significant influence is my family’s connection to rural life, particularly my aunt and uncle’s sheep farm in Yass. My brother and I would travel there during the school holidays, stopping at the Big Merino at Goulburn. Arriving at the farm with the sight of 6000 sheep in the paddocks and the natural beauty of the surroundings made a memorable impression.
Many years later, my brother bought a farm at Majors Creek in Braidwood and started to acquire his own flock of sheep. I found myself drawn back to those childhood memories. It was then that I realised I wanted to work with wool, straight off a sheep’s back and using hand-dyeing techniques inspired by the Australian landscapes.
What will you be bringing to the Scarborough Art Show this year?
I will bring to the art show a selection of work, including my latest felt wool hanging piece, still life paintings and art jewellery.
What do you enjoy about the Scarborough Art Show?
The Scarborough Art Show is an excellent way to involve the community and foster a love of art among people of all ages! It allows local artists to showcase their work and engage with the public. This helps to keep the tradition alive and it inspires the next generation.
Scarborough Art Show will be back at Scarborough Public School on Saturday, October 12th (10am-5pm) and Sunday, October 13th (10am-2pm). Admission: $5 for adults, $3 concession, Children under 13 enter free of charge.