The Process of Interpretive Connection

THE PROCESS OF INTERPRETIVE CONNECTION was conceived by Julia Mcnaught and Janice Hanicar after a discussion where they realised that to continue with their art, they needed a subject that inspired both motivation and purpose.

 Julia and Janice’s aim was to find a subject that they could both connect to whilst working with their chosen fields of art practice. They were challenged to create a body of work, completely focusing on this one subject matter, to develop art works that would stand comfortably next to each other while staying true to their individual styles and process.

THE PROCESS OF INTERPRETIVE CONNECTION is the outcome of this challenge.  A collaborative exhibition of works on paper and ceramics to be held in their hometown of Singleton at Singleton Cultural Centre.

The central theme and inspiration of PROCESS OF INTERPRETIVE CONNECTION is the Banksia integrifolia, commonly known as the coastal banksia.  

Both Julia and Janice have this native plant growing in their gardens and are very familiar with its beauty and construction. The banksia flower cone, the seed pod, the leaf and the gall growth that is caused by insects or fungi.

For Julia, interpreting and connecting to the subject involved looking closely at how the flower spike is put together, how the leaves are attached to the stem; understanding the smooth and the rough textures and, most importantly, capturing where the light falls on the subject.

This process is intuitive and fluid which allows for a more interpretive development of her art.  Julia has used mainly pen and ink for most of her works on paper, but has also used handmade implements such as sticks and branches.

Banksia flower spikes were inked and pressed onto the paper then, using a pen, Julia drew back into these mono prints.

For Janice connection comes from what you see with your eyes, to what you feel and interpret with your hands.

Janice chose clay and wood for this exhibition. Due to the organic nature of the subject matter, clay slabs and coils were used to hand build all of the pieces. Decoration on the ceramic pieces were made by using plaster sprigs of Banksia cones and found objects were made into tools for mark making. A mixture of handmade glazes and commercial glazes were used to finalise exhibition pieces.

For Julie and Janice working on the exhibition together has been an enriching and inspiring project.  A connection and a partnership that has built a body of work they are proud of.