A solo art exhibition and installation showcased in Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, 2019 (held at a temporary location at downstairs 380 Flinders Street, Townsville).
The term Travelling by String refers to an elemental way of being and moving through the world. It can be compared to that of following The Tao, going with the flow and practising the art of living*.
With this philosophy in mind and using a process-based, wabi-sabi aesthetic, Boscacci has created an environment of objects and images which reflects her own creative journey, deep love of nature and cultural experience. The artist weaves together a myriad of materials to create an installation of works that present raw, intricate, whimsical and sometimes critical observations of mortality, the contemporary world and her place in it.
Many of the works evolved in response to life events and personal insights. Her work playfully mines the metaphysical and entropic interface between discarded objects from human activity, found natural materials and her contemplations of life / death, ecology and connectivity.
This exhibition marks 20 years since Bernadette returned to live and work in Townsville, and 20 years since her first solo exhibition at Umbrella Studio.
*“The art of living is, thus, an art of the most mundane, modest (and, thus, also truest) moments in our lives.” Crispin Sartwell, The Art of Living, Aesthetics of the Ordinary in World Spiritual Traditions. State University of New York Press, 1995.
Venue: Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts (held at a temporary location at downstairs 380 Flinders Street, Townsville)
When: 2019
Key themes: Creative Journey: Reflects an elemental way of moving through and connecting with the world.
Nature and Materials: Features playful and functional art objects, installations, and imagery exploring her connection to the natural environment and recycled elements.
Gallery
- Installation view, Travelling by String, 2019.
- Umbrella Contemporary Arts, Cartography of the heart – this country that leads me back home to myself (detail), 2019 mixed media on board, 120 x 90 cm. Private Collection.
- Span – Bone bridge (detail), 2019, bones, rope, copper wire, inks, 10m x 50cm x 13 cm.
- Plugged in – Communication overload (detail) 2019, plastics, canvas & timber frame, 60 x 180 x 25 cm. Private Collection.
Travelling by String:
- Is living in the present as process
- There is no conscious point of commencement
- Just pick up a thread and go from there
- The key to travelling is to make a start and continue
- Knots may arise or be made at any time along the way
- Time spent unravelling is inevitable
- Unpick any knots that limit one’s ability to move forward
- Some knots are helpful and add to the strength of the line
- Bind tightly that which needs to be held fast
- Fix your binds to points of stability
- One thread will lead you and may lead you to others
- It isn’t necessary to follow only one thread
- It is possible to follow and lead simultaneously
- From time to time, loosen the cords for flow to happen
- Integrate loops, they’re fun and can be integral to structure
- Pay attention to form and detail during the journey
- Observe and consider the warp, work your weft amongst it
- Follow the path of least resistance
- Be opportunistic and make the most of the spaces in between
- Maintain a view to the expanse – the overall fabric
- Being on the path is the goal
- Weave with intent and awareness