Who is Belinda Piggott?
A visual artist and yoga teacher living at the edge of Sydney City in Gadigal/Wangal country.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’m an optimist by nature and don’t regret decisions that have formed who I am. I do feel myself being drawn away from the city however, craving the sounds of nature over ambient mechanical noise, being able to gaze at a night sky that’s not competing with the urban glow.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m surrounded by talented artists who are concerned about the environment. Their art is a portal to new ideas and knowledge. Individually and collectively they use their skills to defend what they are passionate about through their work and actions.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Collaboration is becoming a significant part of my practice. I’m learning how to develop themes in a new way, to open the mind to new ideas, to let go, and know when to speak up – respectfully. It’s a great model for solving problems and moving away from entrenched patterns, something we must do to address the world’s environmental challenges.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Have done many road trips over the last few years visiting family and friends and getting to know our country better. Traveling between Sydney, Melbourne, Broken Hill, Adelaide, Brisbane, regional galleries are always on the itinerary. There’s some wonderful curation happening outside city centres. Earlier this year we hit a new record – 18 in one journey!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Sydney harbour is hard to beat, I live right near the ferry – definitely the best way to head into the city for the MCA and Art Gallery of NSW followed by dim sum.
What are you currently reading?
Have got a couple of books on the go. This New Ocean by William E. Burrows, published in 1999, a history of the space age. Underground Lovers by Alison Pouliot tells compelling stories about fungi, a biomaterial I’ve started working with.
What are you currently listening to?
Podcasts keep me to up to date with news, contemporary art, environmental debate. I play many genres of music, depending on what’s needed to balance my energy
Happiness is?
Within us all, it takes work and patience to connect but it’s there
What does the future hold for you?
Lots of learning and growing, surrounded by family and friends
Belinda presents her exhibition, All That Twinkles, in the Project Space at Linden New Art, St Kilda until 2 July 2023. For more information, visit: www.lindenarts.org or www.belindapiggott.com for details.
Image: Belinda Piggott – photo courtesy of the artist