Residents are encouraged to get creative and quirky at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery workshops run by Brisbane-based ceramic artist Bonnie Hislop.
Exhibiting in XX, the Gallery’s latest exhibition of contemporary ceramics by female artists, Bonnie is known for her colourful and fun sculptural vessels.
Art lovers will have the chance to chat with Bonnie and experience the exhibition after hours on Friday 9 August when the Gallery hosts Up Late! with Bonnie Hislop.
Bonnie will also facilitate two workshops on Saturday 10 August, which she said were designed to be enjoyed by people of all experience levels.
“We have some children’s workshops using air dry clay, exploring children’s ideas of self through these vessels and working on developing their own personal motifs,” Bonnie said.
“And we’re also doing an underglazing workshop on pre prepared vases for adults.
“I’m really excited that I’ll be here for the whole weekend, and we’ll have a fun Up Late party with some music, and you can come in and spend some time with me in the space.”
Bonnie’s artworks in XX feature colourful sticker-life designs and catchy phrases that Bonnie said challenged the viewer to seek the deeper meaning, if they wished to perceive it.
“These three pieces are sculptural vessels that resemble urns, and they explore the notion of legacy through a femme lens and particularly through a creative female viewpoint,” Bonnie said.
“Visually, they may look like on a surface level quite gaudy, quite saccharine but these motifs do represent more serious themes.
“These motifs to me symbolise of patriarchal perception of what a female-driven career or life often looks like.”
Growing up in Ipswich, Bonnie said she had been inspired to become an artist by her visits to the local regional gallery, and she was proud for her works to be exhibited in Bundaberg.
“I’m incredibly proud of these pieces and I’m really excited to display them amongst such a such an incredible group of women,” she said.
“I think it’s really great when travelling artists can exhibit in regional towns as well, because it’s kind of that swapping of information and knowledge and passion.
“Seeing artists in regional spaces may encourage others to go further with their work, like it did for me.”
XX will be on display at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery until 8 September. Entry to the exhibition is free.
Up Late! With Bonnie Hislop
When: Friday 9 August, 5.30 to 7.30 pm
Where: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, 1 Barolin Street, Bundaberg
Cost: $15
Magic Clay Workshop with Bonnie Hislop
When: Saturday 10 August, 10 am to 11 am and 11.30 am to 12.30 pm
Where: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, 1 Barolin Street, Bundaberg
Cost: $25 includes materials
This workshop is aimed at young people aged 8 – 14.
Creative Crowd: Underglazing Workshop with Bonnie Hislop
When: Saturday 10 August, 2 to 4 pm
Where: Bundaberg Regional Council Building, Corner Walla and Quay Streets, Bundaberg
Cost: $85 includes materials, pre-made vessel, and light refreshments
