McIntosh’s art combines textiles with traditional painting techniques and impulsive mark-making with non-human collaboration. McIntosh’s textile installations reflect the dynamic and complex interactions present between local environments, industries, and communities in the context of rural Australia.
The textiles are donated, and come from places like farms, factories, or shops – this way she is incorporating what impact these have on the natural environment, and our influence over it.
“I am really looking forward to exhibiting at the Western Plains Cultural Centre for the first time so early on in my career,” HomeGround artist Clementine Belle McIntosh said.
“Sowing and Sewing is made with my local community, so to exhibit so close to my hometown and have family, friends and neighbours able to easily travel to experience my work truly is the fulfillment of my personal creative journey.”
“The HomeGround program has provided me with a vital opportunity to further my experimental arts practice in a rural location. To work with professional curators in developing my concepts and the practical components of exhibiting in a gallery space, has provided me with invaluable skills and perspectives to take into future endeavours,” Ms McIntosh said.
Sowing and Sewing invites viewers to be enveloped by the textile materials utilised and consider the narratives of the land, the industry that relies on it and the people that live within it.
“There is also an element of sensory exploration, where you might catch a whiff of stale earth, sharp chemical notes, or a mustiness that comes from neglect and age,” Dubbo Regional Council Curator, Kent Buchanan said.
“McIntosh’s work challenges the human-centric relationships which define our inherent sense of place,” Mr Buchanan said.
The HomeGround program focuses on emerging artists who are wanting to expand their skills and have the potential to extend their practice and benefit from the experience of working alongside curatorial staff within a professional gallery.
HomeGround is a professional development program sponsored by Wingewarra Dental and supported by Orana Arts. Through the Dubbo Regional Council SPARC Cultural Plan, Council is committed to supporting the development of a strong visual arts sector. HomeGround specifically supports the growth of regional artists.
Sowing and Sewing will be officially opened on Saturday 7 June at 2pm.The artist will also be In Conversation with Curator Kent Buchanan. The opening is Free.
For more information about the exhibition or the HomeGround program visit www.westernplainsculturalcentre.org.