Meet the maker
Auckland-based Philippa Bentley ponders on art and science
Adding a scientific slant to fine art is as old as Michelangelo and it can also be found in the work of multi-disciplinary visual artist Philippa Bentley. She has a growing interest in the intersection of art and design with science and technology and the possibilities that brings. Augmented reality is now an integral part of her art, helping to “animate” some of her art. Her work has always been detailed and multi-layered – early pieces depicted delicately wrought insects with a humorous twist and recent works include origami-style boats bearing finely drawn nautical maps, and ceramic whale teeth. “Currently I am influenced by pollinator decline, acidifying oceans, climate change and our changing relationship with the natural world. I use sea charts as a conceit – charts and maps reassure us, we know where we are going, but
with climate change we are heading in to uncharted waters.” Current commissions include sheet music from a Mozart violin concerto and a sea chart for a shell collector. Philippa has been working on a series of acrylics on canvas and often collaborates with local makers, providing prints for canvas chairs by Flutter Design, for example, and branding for Ata Rangi wines.
Precious to me right now is the calm peacefulness of an estuary where the boats appear to fly in reflection (1). Being fuelled by tea from one of my favourite mugs by local ceramic artist Margaret Bray – I love handmade (2). Coats and jackets; a great coat can transform my “studio friendly” outfit in an instant – this one is from Rains (3). Bees and butterflies; I am still fascinated by insects and they recur in my work (4).