Chris Hartley

Chris trained as a Primary arts teacher many years ago. Now, with more time available, she can engage in making her own work.
Chris is a new Splinter Contemporary Artists member.

 

 
From memory, what was the first thing you made with your hands?

The first thing I can remember making with my hands was using clay dug up on our farm. My sisters and I enjoyed squeezing the clay into shapes, decorating our work with stones, grass and sticks and allowing them to dry and crumble on the edge of the concrete water race. I won’t mention the yacht beautifully carved into the wardrobe door!

What are you making with your hands right now?

I am cutting out a stencil of a road map of Shepparton. I plan to use the stencil as part of a collage. It is very time consuming – three days so far! – But, I am enjoying getting to know the city layout, place names and housing areas. I am also cutting up a painted canvas of the river bank that I completed in January. I plan to integrate this into my work.

Why is the art of handmade so important?

Many aspects of our daily lives are controlled or manipulated by others. By creating tactile works of our own we are given the freedom to explore materials and ideas to interpret our personal world. The work that emerges endeavours to be worthy of the viewer’s time. Sharing our creativity with others allows us to grow as individuals.

All photographs courtesy of Chris Hartley.
Chris can be contacted via Splinter Contemporary Artists.

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