E-mail: zara.zannettino@live.com.au
My art practice is inspired by natural wonders and is informed by the intersection of my scientific-background, photography, life experience and the joy I gain by resolving the challenges of working with textiles.
My work often identifies the intriguing beauty, fragility and complexity of colour and patterns found within nature. By drawing attention to the unique physical attributes of ordinary forms, this also emphasises the importance of conservation or underlying narrative.
Through investigating and understanding these subtle differences between subjects, I also find I am more accepting of my own and others’ unique traits. This reinforces my core belief that awareness and appreciation of differences, ensures that all life forms have a unique identity and a critical place in the world too.
My process utilises improvisational raw edge-applique of hand-dyed artisanal fabrics, which enables me to emphasise opportune patterns and colour values that reinforces my initial photo composition. To accentuate details and textures across the many layers, my work also incorporates a broad range of techniques including torn fabric, hand stitching, beading, dye discharge, dyeing, silk-screening, stencilling, machine thread-sketching and quilting techniques.
Monarch Menagerie
Retail Price: NFS
Dimensions: 60 x 60cm (H x W)
Statement: Monarch Menagerie showcases the variety of hues and patterns found within the Monarch Butterflies in my garden. Just like snowflakes…no two are the same!
Exhibitions: Impressions of Oceania from Around the World (SAQA Global, Virtual Exhibition 2021), All Creatures Great and Small (Fringe Exhibition at Pepper Street Art Centre, 2020)
The Invisible Connection
Retail Price: NFS
Dimensions: 117 x 84cm (H x W)
Statement: Despite humans’ displaying vast physical and cultural diversity, at the cellular level every person is related to one another through an unbroken female-line of mitochondrial inheritance. This amazing “invisible connection” binds us all together.
Exhibitions: Microscapes, SAQA global exhibition
In the Eye of the Beholder
Retail Price: A$2000
Dimensions: 60 x 30cm (H x W)
Statement: The poorly named, Black-necked Stork reveals its striking jewel-toned iridescence to the careful observer.
Exhibitions: 5th Annual Birds of a Fiber: Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum, Washington, USA and Royal South Australian Society of Art’s 13th Solar Art Competition (finalist). Also selected for Martha Sielman’s 2023 (untitled) Bird Book
