Falling Into Longing by Catriona Pollard

Celebrated Sydney fibre artist Catriona Pollard’s fifth solo exhibition ‘Falling Into Longing’ offers stunning works of sculptural basketry and assemblage works that explore the concept of longing and how we move towards our desires and the impact that has on our lives.

Running from 20 June to 14 July 2019 at Sydney Road Gallery, the sculptures are made from foraged plant material, and through the observation and interaction with nature Ms Pollard has developed works for this exhibition that explore colour, texture and organic form.

“I didn’t start exploring my artistic nature until much later in life, and when I started to uncover this hidden creativity, I realised that I had a deep and profound longing to completely fall into it—to surrender to it.” said Ms Pollard.

“I’m exploring this visually through the works in this exhibition, and asking the question, what would happen if we acted on our longings?”

Ms Pollard uses the process of exploring nature to inspire her, and the work offers glimpses of shapeshifting natural forms, from unnoticed branches, leaves and seedpods into shapes that celebrate the abundance of nature.

Through reinterpreting nature, her work highlights a deep connection with the natural world, the sculptures offer up the idea that we should see nature as part of us rather than simply an object that has no meaning or spirit. And to see ourselves in harmony with the natural world around us.

“My work transforms the inherent beauty of nature into moments that encourage reflection and connection. Nature plays an important part of helping us become fully aware of who we are. It inspires expansion and reignites an ancient connection,” said Ms Pollard.

Ms Pollard has exhibited extensively in selected and group exhibitions and has been shortlisted in art awards including Emerging Artist of the Year Craft NSW, Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize, Northern Beaches Art Prize, North Sydney Art Prize, Warringah Art Prize, and Mosman Art Gallery.

Her work highlights the link between raw foraged organic materials, like vines and seed pods, with earthy materials like base metals including copper, and natural elements like charcoal and clay.