Shahn Stewart
Shahn Stewart — You and Me and Everything Else, 2025
Marking the beginning of a new series of exploration, this sculpture from Naarm based botanical artist Shahn Stewart delves into the interconnectedness of the plant, animal and human worlds coexisting within our ecosystem and the complicated relationships that arise over time.
Emotional nourishment is sought through the gathering of found and natural materials – raffia, eucalyptus leaves and onion skins – and the meticulous repurposing through learned traditional methods – coil weaving and bush dying. This process of working sustainably on Country brings reconnection and purpose.
Woven tightly into the work, an inherent and uncomfortable tension surrounds the use of sheep's wool, the introduction of sheep farming has been disadvantageous to aboriginal people - the wool trade was one of first known offenders of stolen land.
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Shahn Stewart is a botanical sculptor and artist, born on Whadjuk Noongar Country in Western Australia. Now living and working on Wurundjeri land (Melbourne). Shahn is the founder and director of Alchemy Orange, a botanical design studio that focuses on championing our native flora and regenerating Country through sustainable practice.
Her work is visually striking, using the texture, contrast and inherent dynamism of native and introduced materials to compose organic sculptural works and site-specific installations.
A descendent of the Yorta Yorta people, she weaves personal narratives through her work regarding tradition and reconnection through sculpture and weaving.
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Main Gallery
May 9 - June 21, 2025
Future Ambition showcases innovative and ambitious works by seven artists and makers investing in new pathways forward – generating both creative and conscious furniture, lighting, artworks and installations, with the hope for a better tomorrow.
The development of sustainable art, craft and design produces specialised knowledge and skills are highly prized assets in the commercial world. This exhibition examines unrealised value of this creative intellectual property and showcases pathways to positive real-world outcomes for artists, who are investing boldly in our collective futures.
Future Ambition forms part of Conscious Craft – a movement to redefine our relationship with materials in a considered, responsible and responsive way.
Material: Raffia (natural & bush dyed), jute twine, rover wool, Flax, cordage, chicken wire, bees wax. Natural dyes include Eucalyptus leaves, brown & red onion skins.
Dimensions: approx. 148 x 60 x 45cm
Please note when purchasing, exhibition works are to be collected when exhibition closes.
Shipping costs may be estimates. Please feel free to contact shop@craft.org.au who will be available to provide an Art Courier quote or shipping costs for larger items.