
Bodhi Del Mar
Born: 1983
Hometown: Adelaide
Based in: Gold Coast
Born: 1983
Hometown: Adelaide
Based in: Gold Coast
Bodhi Del Mar (b. 1983, AU) is a visual artist based from her mountainside home studio on the Gold Coast, Australia.
After studying commercial photography and working in the industry for 10 years, Bodhi deep dived into a creative cocoon and relaunched as an independent artist in 2014. With photography as her springboard she continues to experiment with a wide range of media to develop her own unique arts practice; including composite photography, cold glass, vinyl, stenciling and painting. (both on canvas and humans).
Her whimsical and metaphorical artworks often speak to both her outer and inner world experiences, using colour and recurring symbols to represent the human psyche.
She is currently working on a number of surreal limited edition giclée print series that exploring the journey of the human subconscious using images from her travels to Africa, Antarctica & India, She also continues to experiment with a wide range of mediums in her original mixed media artworks.
As I explore the outer, so I explore the inner. I’m deeply compelled to examine our connection to the natural world and our highest self. Each dream-like scene is intended to thoroughly delight and amplify a childlike curiosity and spirit - to hopefully inspire a more mindful heart and heartened mind.
What inspires you?
I have a deep love of complementary colours, moody interiors, maximalist art, mythology, psychology and of course, the endless wonders of the natural world.
Describe your creative process.
My artworks are created with photos I've taken while travelling. Photography is a meditative process for me, tuning in to the present moment, paying deep attention to my surroundings; not just the physical landscape or light but the energy. When I return to my studio, I'm looking to create a work that reflects what that journey felt like, rather than how it looked and often this means combining many photos into one to recreate that surreal, often whimsical sense of awe and wonder. Sometimes I'll include mixed media elements like digital illustration, or overpainting with acrylic to represent that magic.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Exotic. Surreal. Maximalist
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
David LaChapelle, Montalbetti + Campbell, Alexia Sinclair, Kirsty Mitchell
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
My digital camera
Where do you go for inspiration?
Visiting any art gallery big or small, botanical gardens and independent movie cinemas are always medicine for when my creativity is feeling tired. I also keep a small journal of cut out pictures and words I find inspiring for an instant pick-me-up.
1 Article
New and Noteworthy: October 2022
October 06, 2022
Awards
Silver Award, PX3 Fine Art / Digitally Enhanced
2022
Finalist, Clayton Utz Art Prize
2020
Finalist, Art Lovers Australia
2020
Finalist, Moreton Bay Regional Art Awards
2016
Special Award Winner, Cardwell Art Prize
2016
Exhibitions
Punk Luxe by Art Lovers Australia
Australia, 2022
Featured Artist at The Judy: Spring by Flying Arts Alliance
Australia, 2018
Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Retrospect Galleries
Australia, 2016
The Watercolour Collection, Solo at Novotel Brisbane
Australia, 2015
Retrospective Collection, Solo
Australia, 2015
Canvas for Creatures
Australia, 2014
Press