Natalie Muller & Yana Griffits: Balls Up

'Balls Up'
Natalie Muller & Yana Griffits
Ceramic and mixed media installation
10th June - 29th June 2010

‘My philosophy thus sits within a Buddhist/deep ecology framework which explains that a false perception of a separate self is the cause of suffering. I believe our culture encourages the egoist way and that this false perception is at the root cause of environmental destruction. Therefore, an alternative to an egoist existence would be the state of being. To cultivate a state of being, I look to ancient Buddhist techniques of breathing, equanimity, letting thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations come and go whilst keeping the mind focused on breath. I see making art as an opportunity to return to the simple place of being and awareness, whilst living as a meaningful practicing artist within a non-monastic framework.’ Therefore, I find myself sitting on the floor making hundreds of tiny round balls from white clay as I breathe in and out. Every new ball is an opportunity to bring myself back to the moment, back to breath, bringing the mind back home to the present. Through the making of hundreds of tiny balls and assembling them, a vessel is formed. These vessels are faintly figurative, sitting head down, must like the artist at work or the mediator sitting.'
-Natalie Muller [2010]

‘We, as a society, value our possessions. They are what we protect and treasure. When we move house we take care not to destroy any valuables and wrap them in protective shock absorbent bubble wrap which assures us and gives peace of mind that our most treasured possessions are well taken care of. By changing the function of the bubble wrap I have challenged this perception and questioned what it is that should be truly valued, which is subjective and may vary from individual to individual.’
-Yana Griffits [2010]

Artist Talk evening on Tuesday 8th June 7.30pm - 8.30pm
(come along and hear both Natalie and Yana speak about their work prior to the exhibition as part of 'Artists Talking Art' see www.arthub.co.nz for further information).

Event listed by LAPS

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