RE-IMAGINED

Gertrude Steins Rose

22/Jun/2016 - 10/Jul/2016

VENUE: Cambridge Studio Gallery

Distressed Eucalypt

Sculptures & assemblages by Kay Nattrass

Opening Drinks: Saturday 25 June, 2 to 4pm.

For the last two years Kay Nattrass has been focused on the visual riffs in flora and fauna. She has developed a fascination with the process of deconstructing and re-imagining the ordered symmetry evident in the natural world.
In this collection of sculptures and assemblages, Kay has sought to re-interpret the miracle of nature by re-creating its patterns, silhouettes and textures using materials that challenge the imagination and tease the senses.
The re-imaging process prompted Kay to look anew at the innate qualities of the wire fencing, weathered metal, leather and feathers collected over many years. She has used mostly found material to evoke and reflect on the light patterns created by forest canopies, the texture of bark on burnt trunks and the simple repetitive elegance of leaves and flowers.
Influenced by Rosalie Gascoigne, an artist who emerged later in life, Kay Nattrass is inspired by Gascoigne’s iconic works that are sourced from a vast collection of found material. More recently Kay has been influenced by Fiona Hall: her clever use of a diverse range of material, and her often craft- inspired, intensely detailed pieces that eloquently reflect her love of the natural world.
Kay Nattrass is the first to say her work has also been influenced by what has oft been described as an ‘interesting life’. “I initially studied Architecture but was distracted by the urge to travel. I worked overseas for a decade: in Australian diplomatic missions in Africa, Europe and, Asia, often in war-torn areas – always painting, absorbing, and being influenced by, the local cultures, and indigenous arts and craft. On returning home, I undertook a series of technical courses in metalwork, leather, resin and basket weaving.”
This is Kay Nattrass’ first solo exhibition. Her contemporary sculptures are in a number of private collections. Kay was the featured artist at the “HEART” of Kingston Charitable Trust Exhibition in 2012, and featured sculptor in a group exhibition in 2013 at the Collingwood Gallery, Melbourne.