Who is Catherine Truman?
I make objects, film, images and I write. I work in many different mediums and scales and environments. If I’m asked to pin it down a little, I say I’m a contemporary jeweller and object-maker, working across the disciplines of art and science. I’m a co-founder of Gray Street Workshop and currently a visiting scholar at The Flinders Centre for Ophthalmology, Eye and Vision Research, Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia. I am also fortunate to have been chosen as the SALA Feature Artist for 2016, and I’m the subject of a Wakefield Press monograph written by Melinda Rackham.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Hmm… probably nothing. I wouldn’t want to compromise the deep pleasure I gain from making, and the rich relationships I’ve built through collaboration. No, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Who inspires you and why?
People who become completely absorbed in their creative process, without becoming a slave to the outcome because that’s how valuable unique, authentic voices are developed.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Teach people to make something close to their own heart.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
South Coast of South Australia – particularly Hayborough and the stretch of coast between King’s beach and Waitpinga. When I look out across that ocean, I know that the next landmass is Antarctica and I can relax my eyes and breathe in the distance. Bliss.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Central Market (Adelaide). It fills up the senses and the belly.
What are you currently reading?
Foundations of Perception and Sensation, second edition by George Mather, Psychology Press, 2009.
What are you currently listening to?
The sounds of making in my studio and revisiting the marvelous Chrissie Amphlett.
Happiness is?
Being absorbed, being led by curiosity, loving someone.
What does the future hold for you?
All of the above – making and thinking in preparation for exhibitions in Amsterdam, USA, and a major solo exhibition at the Jamfactory in Adelaide in July 2017, focusing on a survey of my art/science works.
Drawing inspiration from the human form and exploring the affinity between art and science, Catherine’s work is the subject of the 2016 South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia until 4 September. The 2016 SALA monograph, Catherine Truman: Touching Distance – written by Melinda Rackham, is available from Wakefield Press.
Image: Catherine Truman