ONWARDS
by Olivia O'Connor
20th March - 10th April 2023
presented by Arts Eleven
Marios Café
303 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 3065
ABOUT OLIVIA
Olivia O’Connor is a woodcarver, sculptor and print maker with her studio nestled amongst the rolling green hills of South Gippsland, Victoria.
Over the last decade Olivia’s practice has seen her broaden from an established traditional woodcarver and restoration expert to following a path of inspiration. Olivia is inspired by the landscape and animals that surround her, applying her traditional skill set towards non-traditional forms and patterns as she explores contemporary works through sculpture and print making.
Olivia studied Furniture Design and Construction at RMIT, has a BA from NIDA in Prop Making and Scenic Art and is a Fellow of the International Specialised Skills Institute for woodcarving, painted timber restoration and guilding. In a previous life Olivia was a scenic artist and prop maker (War Horse Saddle Maker (London), Sydney Opera House, Opera Australia FOX Films).
Olivia has taught and demonstrated woodcarving across Australia as well as America.
In recent years Olivia has enjoyed exhibiting in group shows and is excited to begin showing her work in solo shows. She is proud to have her work in private collections across Australia as well as internationally.
CV
Olivia O’Connor.
Currently lives in South Gippsland. Born Mornington Peninsula, Australia, 1988.
Web: www.oliviaoconnor.com.au. Email: olivia@oliviaoconnor.com.au Instagram: @oliviaoconnorcarving / Facebook: Olivia O’Connor Carving
Summary
Olivia O’Connor is an emerging artist living and working in the rolling hills of South Gippsland, Victoria. She is largely self taught, focusing on woodcarving, working mostly with timber and natural materials, where possible sourcing locally. Olivia’s is inspired by the animals and landscape that surround her, focusing on a sense of nostalgia and recognition, triggering a memory in both figurative and abstract pieces. Recently she has been exploring works on paper through woodblock carving and printing.
Group Exhibitions
2014 - Mid Winter Arc Yinnar Gallery, Yinnar, Vic.
2015 - Makers Lost Ones Gallery, Ballarat, Vic.
2017 - Golden Plains Trail Lucy McEachern Gallery, Wingeel Vic.
2021 - Christmas Creatives Meeniyan Art Gallery, Meeniyan Vic.
2022 - Immeasurable Meeniyan Art Gallery, Meeniyan Vic.
2022 - Material Obsession Cook Street Collective, Flinders Vic.
2022 - The Secret Garden. Loch Vic.
2023 - Threads Coal Creek Museum, Korumburra, Vic.
Upcoming
2023 November. Solo show. Meeniyan Art Gallery, Vic.
2024 February. Solo show. Little Oberon, Fish Creek Vic.
Fellowships
2017 - George Alexander Fellowship - International Specialised Skills Institute.
Prizes
2020 - Shortlisted - Wood Review Maker of the Year, Golden Heron Sculpture.
2022 - Highly Commended - Wood Review Maker of the Year, Eagles Above My Parents Place and Ripple.
Presenter
RMIT University, Lost Trades (Vic, Qld, NSW), Artisans Guild of Australia, Carbatec, Mary May’s Traditional School of Woodcarving (USA), Workshop of Our Own (USA).
Education
2011 - BA Production Crafts and Scenic Art - National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sydney.
Featured In
Country Style Magazine, ’Made To Last’ Book by Vanessa Murray , The Saturday Age Newspaper, The Herald Sun Newspaper, Frankie Magazine, Junkies Magazine, The Artisans Magazine, Gippslandia Magazine, Outback RM Williams Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens TV & Magazine, The Today Show TV, ABC Radio (local and national), Small Farms Magazine, The Australian Woodworker Magazine, Ballarat Courier Newspaper, Western Australia Courier Newspaper, Jet Star In-flight Magazine, Morwell & Churchill Advertiser Newspaper, The Star Newspaper, Sentinel Times Newspaper, Spirit Magazine by QANTAS, Mirboo North Times, Central Victoria Tourist News, Australian Wood Review Magazine.