Laurie Oxenford makes art from discarded items

MAKING ART FROM EVERYDAY ITEMS

Laurie Oxenford is an emerging Australian sculptor, curator and painter with a special focus on sustainability.

Having been raised on a farm, she was taught to be conscious of the things people consume and to have an appreciation for handmade items.

“Society’s consumption of all things fascinates and repulses me; particularly our need for more, despite how much we throw away,” Laurie explained of society’s role in her artwork.

She enjoys working with recycled, environmentally affected items, like metal signs, building materials and everyday objects, which she said inspires and directs her.

“I am constantly considering the value of materials and my role as the artist in altering this perception for viewers,” she said.

Laurie has officially been a sculptor for the past five years, but has always loved to draw and to make and play with random objects.

For her, a new project typically starts with a trip to the recycled waste management facility, or a construction site’s dumpster/removal area to collect materials or images to inspire her.

“This also extends to industrial sites or yards behind shops; wherever there might be a strange collection of objects,” she added.

Music is a must in her studio, so is a hot coffee every morning to get her in the mood and start the day with.

This is probably as concrete as her ‘pre–creative ritual’ gets, though.

“I do like to do certain things before I work on something new, but this is quite fluid and changes with the season and my mood.”

Laurie graduated from her Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts) degree in April this year, but this was not always the plan.

“I actually started out with a business degree (believe it or not), thinking it would help me get started with my art.”

But, she soon realised she couldn’t stand the subjects and yearned to make things, so off to the Bachelor of Creative Arts she went.

“I love the idea of using what you have to make something new; I’m endlessly fascinated with the Art Povera, assemblage, minimalist and conceptual art movements.”

In January, Laurie was awarded the USQ Bellmaine French Appreciation Travelling Scholarship, which will see her develop as an artist on the streets of France.

“The opportunity is invaluable to me, as it will afford me experiences and learning that will help me become a better artist.”

For Laurie, the best thing about being an artist, is the ability to be unrestricted in what you create.