Each month, we will present a featured artist, to give you an insight into how they work and what drives them!
We present each artist with a set of twenty questions and ask them to answer at least ten of them.
Our featured artist for May, Renata Buziak
Renata Buziak is a biochrome photo-media artist, researcher, and educator, who helps people to reconnect with nature. Renata holds a PhD from Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, and her work is in private and public collections. Her work has received several awards, is featured on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia, and has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Throughout 2022 Renata was the inaugural Artist-in-Residence on the Binna Burra Cultural Landscape in Queensland, where she also developed and led the Art. Nature. Science. Program.
Check out Renata’s solo online exhibition!
Revisiting Pine Rivers Gardens in Biochromes
How would you describe your art in five words?
Organic, Decay, Flora, Abstract, Metamorphosis
Connection with Memories, Dianne (Clear Mountain)
Archival pigment print on paper, 2015
In an alternate universe where you couldn’t be an artist, what would you be doing, and why?
What I do is one way of working towards my purpose, if I couldn’t do it through art I would still be working on connecting people to nature, because that’s what my passion is. So if the medium was not available, or if I’m not able to use it, I still would be doing the same thing in a different way.
Renata in the home studio, Brisbane
How does your background influence your art, and can you give a specific example in one of your works?
Collecting plants in forests and meadows in my childhood, growing herbs, fruit and veggies in our garden, making home remedies with my mum and grandma, and having a healer in the family, my grand aunt, have had a profound influence on my art. My passion for nature, especially plants, comes from those experiences as I continue collaborating with plants for healing through art.
My sisters have also significantly impacted my life, for example when I was very young my sister Iwona set up a makeshift darkroom at home, where I got to love photography. Years later I fuse both my passions: nature and photography to create my art, and I call it the biochrome. It is based on plants and photographic materials transforming each other during the process of decomposition, which I learned about from my sister Dorota due to her science background when first experimenting with the biochrome process. Microbes, bacteria, and fungi play significant roles in decay and renewal, in the cycle of life.
Garden for Wildlife, Peter (Wights Mountain)
Archival pigment print on paper, 2015
What is your typical daily schedule?
I work with nature, and am often in-field, so in many ways, it dictates my schedule. Sometimes it can take 8 weeks to create one biochrome or a timelapse so I need to be mindful of the seasons, location, discussion, and permissions. The Habitat project for example involved many trips to various gardens, having conversions, collecting plants, and creating works that reflect those gardens and stories. Every project has its own rhythm and schedule depending on which stage it is in. Organisational, in-field, consultations, plant collections, hands on studio, exhibition planning, admin, and so on.
Renata Buziak at the Grooms Cottage Studio in Binna Burra
How do you think artificial intelligence could impact the future of art and your practice in particular?
Artificial intelligence cannot create biochromes. It is a hands-on process that involves feeling, touching, using all senses, thinking, walking, reflecting and creating.
My Love of Foliage, Jill (Everton Park)
Archival pigment print on paper, 2015
What are you reading or listening to at present, does it inspire your work?
At present I’m revisiting Legends and Landscapes edited by Oodgeroo Noonuccal, it’s a collection of legends from First Nations communities across Australia. This land, the people, and nature, definitely inspire my work. There is a lot to see, learn and contemplate on.
Photo by Julie Sisco
Do you believe that art can change the world? If your art could change one thing, what would it be?
I believe art can change the world. Art has a capacity to influence perceptions, evoke emotions, inspire, educate and spark conversations, making it a potent tool for instigating change in the world.
If my art could change one thing, it would be to foster a reconnection with the natural world among more people. In our modern, fast-paced world, many have become detached from the natural world’s rhythms and beauty. Through my art, I aim to reignite a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature’s intricacies, fostering inner peace and environmental stewardship. By encouraging more people to pause, reflect, and re-engage with the environment, my art strives to cultivate a deeper sense of interconnectedness and a commitment to preserving our planet for future generations.
Seasons and Colours, Venus and John (Mt Glorious)
Archival pigment print on paper, 2015
Can you share a time when a mistake or accident in your process led to an unexpected breakthrough or result?
In my biochrome process, various factors can affect the final outcome, often resulting in unexpected discoveries. For instance, there was a time when I had to leave the natural decay process for a longer period than intended due to an unexpected trip. As a result, the plants almost disappeared through decay. Surprisingly, what initially seemed like a failed attempt ended up encapsulating the cycle of life, evident in the resulting image Work in Progress, Beth (Ferny Hills).
Work in Progress, Beth (Ferny Hills)
Archival pigment print on paper, 2015
How do you balance creating art for yourself versus art for your audience or clients?
There is no difference. However, I do have to select works for specific exhibitions.
Food and Inspiration, Wendy (Samford)
Archival pigment print on paper, 2015
What exciting projects, exhibitions, or events do you have lined up in the near future?
I’m thrilled about my upcoming solo exhibition, ‘Floras of Gondwanan Heritage’ at The Centre Beaudesert. This exhibition showcases my Gondwanan Biochromes, which I created during my recent art residency at Binna Burra, nestled within the World Heritage Rainforest of Australia, on Yugambeh Country. Alongside these works, I’ll be unveiling several new pieces that were still in progress at the conclusion of my residency. In addition to this exhibition, a selection of images are being featured here in the online Plexus Gallery.
The exhibition at Beaudesert kicks off on 18 May, accompanied by the ‘Gondwana Echoes’ performance by Bloom Collective, opening by Dr. Victoria Garnons-Williams, followed by a brief artist talk and a tour of the exhibition.
For those eager to delve deeper into the art-science intersection, we have a public program scheduled for 8 June, offering a more detailed tour and discussions. Plus, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be facilitating cyanotype workshops at The Centre during the exhibition.
If you’re interested in joining us for the opening event or any of the associated programs, more information and registration links are available here: https://renatabuziak.com/floras-of-gondwanan-heritage/
Check out Renata’s solo online exhibition!
Until the end of May
Revisiting Pine Rivers Gardens in Biochromes
Our next featured artists are…
June
Meredith Macleod
Meredith Macleod’s work is a reflection upon significant and frequently ignored issues relating to the struggle between intellect, emotion and reality.
July
Peter Breen
Peter is drawn to reflections on culture, community and the deteriorating effect of global warming and climate change. In each of these works, Peter attempts to state his felt response to the moments experienced and to leave the viewer with an invitation.
We look forward to taking you on a deep dive into their processes in the coming months!
