Artist Juliet Collins uses recycled materials in her artwork that focuses on the female form. Her nudes are sensual, cheeky and meditative. Some of her works put me in a contemplative frame of mind, while others (Ms Stripy Socks VI) just makes me giggle. Which is your favourite? Juliet’s first solo exhibition, Fabric of Life, is on at Kingston Arts Centre until May 1.

Blue Jean (thread + new & pre-loved fabric)

1. What inspires your work around the female nude?

Life drawing has always been an important part of my art practice. I have always loved the challenge of depicting the human form. In these works I aim to convey an aspect of the human condition from a female perspective.

 2. In your first solo exhibition, you showcase works in thread, paper and fabric, including recycled materials. Tell me about this.

I use freehand machine embroidery to depict the drawn line. I combine this technique with layering a variety of materials including recycled paper dressmaking patterns, preloved clothes, upholstery samples, second-hand fabrics, recycled shopping bags, second-hand threads and tapestry wool as well as using new fabrics. The designs, textures, stories and personalities of the materials take me on a journey to the finished piece. I strive to express atmosphere and emotion whilst also achieving an overall decorative effect. Its a bit like collage, but instead of using paper and glue, I use fabric or other fibres and thread. “Discovering” my materials is an important part of the process. I love coming across inspiring fibres to use in op shops, a friend’s bag of old clothes or a shop with exquisitely designed fabrics.  

TOP: Loss (thread, tulle & recycled dressmaking patterns) BOTTOM: Patchwork Passion (thread + new & pre-loved fabric)

 3. Where do you live and work?

I live in Mordialloc and work out of my home studio.

 4. Tell me something about your background. What inspired you to become an artist? Are there artists in the family?A teacher or friend who encouraged you? Did a specific experience spark your artistic life?

I love this question!  My grandfather was an artist and drew and painted all his life, although this was not his income source. He never exhibited or sold work. He had an incredible knowledge and love of artist–particularly of the post-impressionist period– and shared this passion with his family. He also had a wonderfully alternative view of the world, strong opinions and a love of debate. Plenty of fiery discussions regularly took place on all subjects including art! While his four sons (my Dad included) would say they did not inherit any of his artistic talent, I think they did receive what I now realise to be quite an advanced understanding and appreciation of art  which they passed on to their children.

My brother and several of my cousins are talented artists or are interested in the arts. While I always loved art at school, it never really occurred to me that I might pursue it more seriously until I was about fifteen years. I was lucky to attend a high school (in Scotland) with an amazing art department and inspirational teachers. A really significant event for me was being invited to go on a week-long art retreat at this age which gave me the confidence to consider applying for art school. I was encouraged by my family to follow my passion and I chose to study an MA Fine Art degree at Edinburgh University. I majored in sculpture.

Following my degree I did not immediately become a professional artist. I spent many years earning money by working in jobs that left me too exhausted for my art practise. Finally, after the birth of my son, I was able to acknowledge how important my art is to me and sought a mentor to help me get back to doing what I loved. I immediately found Viktor Kalinowsky who is a local sculptor offering tuition to artists of all levels. I found him to be an inspiring mentor and with his encouragement I started producing and exhibiting my sculpture and, later, my 2D thread-and-fabric works around Melbourne.

Rest (thread, tulle & pre-loved fabric)

 5. What are you working on now?

 I am completing a few private orders for works similar to those I have exhibited in my solo show – Fabric of Life. I am also designing several series of new works using and developing these techniques. My sculpture also makes use of recycled materials. I am currently using sheets of brass that was previously on a friend’s roof which I am shaping into “pods”.

If you love Juliet’s work, but can’t make it to the exhibition in person, you can follow her work over on her blog, Juliet D Collins.

“Fabric of Life” Exhibition by Juliet Collins

Kingston Arts Centre&Kingston City Hall 
Friday 20 April–Tuesday 1 May
979-985 Nepean Hwy Moorabbin (crnr South Rd, 100 metres from Moorabbin train station