Marina Lommerse | National Basketry Organization

My foray into basketry was ignited when I signed up for a workshop with Lissa de Sailles at the National Basketry Conference 2023. Lissa taught a sculptural twinning workshop involving botanical works – baskets and wearable art.

Currently I am experimenting with how I will integrate basketry methods into my sculptural objects, installations, and wearable art. The NBO 2023 conference exposed me to a new world — a vast array of basketry expertise, methods, and materials. I have a spatial design background. The conference provided me with many pathways to consider in my three-dimensional artworks.

BIOGRAPHY MARINA LOMMERSE

Conceived Tanzania. Born in England. Brought up in Canada. Based in Australia. My wanderlust has taken me around the world and through several careers.

I began as an Interior architect in Canada and the UK, specializing in hospitality and workplace design. I moved to Australia to establish the interior architecture department at Curtin University and extended its programs into Singapore and Malaysia. My research focused on indigenous spatial meaning, placemaking and community building. This led to consulting to FORM, Western Australia’s Peak Body for the creative economy, facilitating workshops for clusters of artist-makers in developing, exhibiting, and marketing new products.

I create paintings, installations, sculpture and wearable art inspired by my travels. My art focuses on the natural world. I engage in research about place, memory and community to create responsive works. I studied Natural History illustration at the University of Newcastle, Australia and paint endemic species: wildflowers, fauna, and environments. My botanical work extends into ephemeral paper flower installations for Crown Casino Resorts, FORM, the City of Claremont, and a community art-making project in Myanmar. My work tells stories, stirs the senses, and makes people smile.

I have exhibited in Australia, Italy and Myanmar. I have curated exhibitions and written books on social sustainability and community engagement. I am part of a network of collaborators who initiate artist-led, community-engaged projects for activating public spaces and connecting people.

My award-winning creative work won funding from the Australian ASEAN Council (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Australia Council for the Arts, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Government of Western Australia, the City of Fremantle, the Shire of Collie and Curtin University. I hold a Master of Design and a Bachelor of Interior Architecture.