The picnic is an opportunistic gathering

he picnic is an opportunistic gathering, an informal collection of friends, family and food; weather permitting. The social nature of things is reflected in the arrangements of work on show here. This collection forms part of an ongoing project to make useful vessels and to use them. The works range in size, shape, material and texture but a sense of play, possibility and mutation forms a network of connection between them. The intricacies and exploration of these networks has presented a seam of generative potential. Picnics embody a sense of simplicity, joy and connection with nature. Working in the backyard this year I have been rained out and sunburnt, I collected twigs and leaves in my clay and mosquito bites too but it has also allowed me the opportunity to keep playing; weather permitting. 

“I have a compulsive studio practice that produces materially distinct artworks, primarily; ceramics, animation, found objects and textiles. My practice also builds a series of social networks that are produced and encouraged by collaboration and curation. A series of reciprocal relationships are generated by the conflation of these two modes. How does a gathering (of things or people) become more than the sum of its parts, developing a momentum and life of its own? 

I reflect on gleaned and gathered source materials in reference to contemporary and historical practices of poetry, ikebana, utilitarian handcrafts and DIY. I utilise the metaphorical figure of the garden and gardening to assist in the analysis of these entangled networks and the reciprocal relationships that my practice produces. The sense I make from my practice arises through an exploration of these networks and the intricacies and generative potential they embody. 

I am interested in concepts of solidarity, entanglement, collaboration and connection as an exploration of these networks and their interconnections. These concepts account for the complexity of a material practice and its encounter with others. My ongoing research endeavours to make a place for my work (work which is also my way of living) in the world.” Dell Stewart, 2023

Dell Stewart’s work combines various processes (ceramics, textiles, animation, hospitality) with a deeply embedded personal story. These practices and references assemble in immersive environments, exhibitions, publications and hands-on workshops, seeking opportunistic gatherings of people and materials. Stewart has organised and participated in numerous exhibitions, and has shown extensively in Australia and overseas. Most recently curating an exhibition and series of public programs, Tree Log Paper Book at Bus Projects in 2022. She completed a Masters of Fine Arts at Monash University in 2022 with research focused on fostering new material connections and collaboration. 

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