Alison Shirley In The Studio
I live in an old church that remained in Central Victoria after the 1850s gold rush of the region. The surrounding landscape is still healing and I too, took many walks in my beautiful surrounds during Covid lockdowns. The landscape was part of my study, helping me collect my thoughts and ideas and it was so helpful in keeping calm during such challenging times.
What inspires you?
Nature is my muse. Even the process of decline and decay holds its magic, when observing the details through the macro lens. For me it becomes like a meditation, I can eliminate the distractions of life around me and focus on what is before me - and breathe.
Describe your creative process.
My creative process is largely about remaining open, looking for the magic in the everyday and then keeping the process clean and simple. For more complex work, I ruminate, collect, research and then allow all of that to brew. When it comes together to make the work, it has already had a full life through all of the research and background work, which makes joyous work of creating the final product.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Contemplative, Other- worldly, Intriguing
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
No specific artists, however reading about Joseph Banks has inspired a continuance, as well as Botanical drawing books, and although I learnt of his work well into my career, Karl Blossfeldt.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Make the work, they will come
Where do you go for inspiration?
Outside. Into the bush, near trees or into Botanical Gardens
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
