Craft Conversations
“Each mark became like a stitch in time as I found myself reflecting upon my grandmothers’ lacework and processes. My use of white onto the darker background evoked childhood memories of lace doilies displayed in my family home. ”
Katherine Marmaras is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice encompasses printmaking, drawing, ceramics, collage and textiles. Her practice involves mark-making inspired and influenced by the decorative stitching of her grandmothers’ handmade doilies and lacework.
Geelong Art Space is an eclectic exhibition and retail space that supports and promotes emerging innovative artists and craft makers.
Katherine Marmaras’ Waste Not, Want Not… exhibition is part of Craft Victoria’s Craft Contemporary satellite program.
Can you tell us more about Waste Not, Want Not… now on as part of the Craft Contemporary Satellite Program?
I have been creating altered images through mark-making on photographs for many years. During the first COVID-19 lockdown, I found myself mark-making on discarded polystyrene and cardboard food containers which I had previously collected thinking, “I’ll use them for something one day.”
As I was unable to get photographs printed to draw on, I began decorating the surfaces of these items. Each mark became like a stitch in time as I found myself reflecting upon my grandmothers’ lacework and processes. My use of white onto the darker background evoked childhood memories of doilies displayed in my family home. I also found myself considering how much waste was being created and accumulated during these times. I guess by decorating these items, which have been rendered useless, I am giving them a new purpose and not adding to their environmental impact.
As I turned my mind to creating with what I had on hand, I was also reading Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. The title for my event was inspired by a phrase in her book as it felt fitting for not only the times, but the journey I had embarked upon.
Making during Covid-19 is not without its challenges. Can you share with our readers what sort of studio or making environment you currently have?
Like many artists, during the pandemic, I have retreated to working from home from my dining table and to my courtyard (in finer weather). Other than when I have been an artist in residence, my home has been my studio. It is where I juggle both life and creativity’s demands and where the two co-exist and sometimes meld.
What are some of your favourite iterations of mark-making and lacework in pop culture (for instance film, tv, music etc)
Although not really pop culture iterations, some of my favourites are the works of NeSpoon and Isa Catepillan who have both brought lacework into the mainstream in interesting ways. NeSpoon is a Polish street artist who creates lace patterned murals and installations and Isa Catepillan is a textile artist who creates handmade crochet dresses.
