The trees have names
This solo exhibition by Vicki Mason seeks to remind us of the interconnectedness of all things by looking more carefully at the trees that inhabit our urban streets, parks, gardens and open spaces. Raising awareness of and according value to the urban trees that frame our quotidian existence reminds us of the importance of the organic world.
The trees looked at in this body of work follow recent encounters with trees Mason had while undertaking a residency in Barcelona in 2015. The trees selected reflect not only the functional role of trees, but also their significant economic, environmental and cultural roles. Trees offer us a sense of permanence, while at the same time reminding us of natural cycles of growth, fertility, decay and death. They tell us about our history and heritage, help mark the rhythm of the seasons, purify the air we breathe and help define our identity.
The trees looked at in this body of work follow recent encounters with trees Mason had while undertaking a residency in Barcelona in 2015. The trees selected reflect not only the functional role of trees, but also their significant economic, environmental and cultural roles. Trees offer us a sense of permanence, while at the same time reminding us of natural cycles of growth, fertility, decay and death. They tell us about our history and heritage, help mark the rhythm of the seasons, purify the air we breathe and help define our identity.
a. Vicki Mason, Tree litterfall collection 1, 2017, powdercoated metals, oxidised metals, sterling silver Largest - 10 x 3.5 x 0.6 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
b. Vicki Mason, Eucalypt flowers, 2017, sterling silver, linen, fabric pen, cotton, Largest - 20 x 20 x 7.5 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
c. Vicki Mason, Drooping She-oak pods, powder coated brass/nickel silver/sterling silver, cotton, hand-dyed cotton & leather, sterling silver, Largest - 6.8 x 6.8 x 1.5 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
d. Vicki Mason, Bushy eucalypt flower - worn, 2017, sterling silver, linen, fabric pen, cotton, 16 x 16 x 7 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
e. Vicki Mason, The trees have names, 2017, sterling silver, linen, fabric pen, cotton, powder coated brass/sterling silver/nickel silver/copper, oxidised nickel silver, Largest - 66 x 27.3 x 0.8 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
f. Vicki Mason, Jacaranda leaf collection, 2017, powder coated nickel silver/brass/sterling silver, Largest – 10.5 x 4 x 0.6 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
b. Vicki Mason, Eucalypt flowers, 2017, sterling silver, linen, fabric pen, cotton, Largest - 20 x 20 x 7.5 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
c. Vicki Mason, Drooping She-oak pods, powder coated brass/nickel silver/sterling silver, cotton, hand-dyed cotton & leather, sterling silver, Largest - 6.8 x 6.8 x 1.5 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
d. Vicki Mason, Bushy eucalypt flower - worn, 2017, sterling silver, linen, fabric pen, cotton, 16 x 16 x 7 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
e. Vicki Mason, The trees have names, 2017, sterling silver, linen, fabric pen, cotton, powder coated brass/sterling silver/nickel silver/copper, oxidised nickel silver, Largest - 66 x 27.3 x 0.8 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
f. Vicki Mason, Jacaranda leaf collection, 2017, powder coated nickel silver/brass/sterling silver, Largest – 10.5 x 4 x 0.6 cm. Photo: Andrew Barcham
About the Artist
Vicki Mason (born New Zealand) obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Otago University (Classical Studies) and a Diploma in Craft Design from Otago Polytechnic School of Art (Jewellery) in New Zealand before working at Fluxus jewellery workshop/gallery. Currently living in Melbourne, Mason completed a Master of Philosophy degree (Research) in Gold and Silversmithing at the ANU in 2012. She runs a production practice, makes one-off works for exhibition and teaches. Exhibitions include solo show Vingnettes from a suburban front yard, Craft Victoria 2013,A Fine Possession Powerhouse 2014 and Fertile ground Australian Tapestry Workshop 2015 Amongst awards Vicki has notably been awarded the coveted Barcelona Studio Residency from the Australia Council for the Arts to be undertaken in 2015. Australian Public collections include the Powerhouse Museum, Art Gallery of South Australia, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery and Griffith regional Art Gallery and she is represented in international collections in Sweden and the UK.
Vicki Mason (born New Zealand) obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Otago University (Classical Studies) and a Diploma in Craft Design from Otago Polytechnic School of Art (Jewellery) in New Zealand before working at Fluxus jewellery workshop/gallery. Currently living in Melbourne, Mason completed a Master of Philosophy degree (Research) in Gold and Silversmithing at the ANU in 2012. She runs a production practice, makes one-off works for exhibition and teaches. Exhibitions include solo show Vingnettes from a suburban front yard, Craft Victoria 2013,A Fine Possession Powerhouse 2014 and Fertile ground Australian Tapestry Workshop 2015 Amongst awards Vicki has notably been awarded the coveted Barcelona Studio Residency from the Australia Council for the Arts to be undertaken in 2015. Australian Public collections include the Powerhouse Museum, Art Gallery of South Australia, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery and Griffith regional Art Gallery and she is represented in international collections in Sweden and the UK.