Claude Jones is an artist with a fantastical obsession with mutants. She is bringing her wonderful beings to Art Melbourne 10 as part of their Off the Wall program.
Claude talks to us about vintage inspiration, deconstructing dolls and the excitement of coming to Melbourne for the big event.
What is the core subject matter of your Art Melbourne work - how does it link up with the work that has lead up to all this?
My work at Art Melbourne explores the contradictions in our multifaceted relationship with nature, in particular, the different ways we treat animals in accordance with our taxonomic categorizations of them. For example whilst the family dog might be given a gift at Christmas, the pig and turkey become the Christmas dinner. In my large mixed media works on paper, the anthropomorphized animals are the antagonists – the butchers, the hunters, the ring masters – the irony highlighting mans double standards.
In recent years I have worked extensively with drawing, sculpture, print and collage, often combining mediums. I have created mutant and hybrid forms frequently combining doll parts with animal parts to suggest biotech experimentation and its potential outcomes. Animal rights has always been a concern for me. My new work has evolved as a natural progression.
Are your mutants cute? Or repelling?
My earlier mutants creatures were definitely a bit disturbing but my work has become more accessible since I have begun putting heads on my creatures! Having said this I believe my expressive doll heads may have been cute when they had doll bodies, but their expressions take on new meaning in their hybrid state. Not cute, not repelling but definitely a little disturbing.
Some of your creations are personified - or anthropomorphized. How are these different from your other creatures?
By anthropomorphizing my creatures I am able to create narrative scenes in which the animals behave like humans. Whilst the focus of my earlier work was the creation of hybrid and mutant forms alone or in imaginary landscapes, these new narrative images better facilitate the expression of my philosophical concerns.
A lot of your source material looks vintage. Where do you turn to for your research and inspiration?
I have a couple of wonderful books of copyright free illustrations from the nineteenth century. These drawings function as source material and inspiration. I am also inspired by dolls, toys, nature, medical science, science fiction, and taxidermy.
How do you feel about deconstructing dolls? Where do you get your dolls from?
I always feel a bit sad at the thought of deconstructing dolls but my excitement about their potential new form overrides this. Most of my dolls are purchased at Op shops or markets or they are found on the street. These are abandoned and neglected dolls who are then resurrected as artworks. They get a second chance at life and can be appreciated anew.
Tell us about the greater significance of dolls in our culture and how this ties into your art...
Dolls represent humans. Their likeness to reality can be both enchanting and eerie. When we play with dolls we enact out possible realities. I combine doll parts with animal parts to suggest a possible future biotechnological mingling of species.
How did you come to be part of Art Melbourne?
I was one of 10 artists selected for "Off The Wall" Art Melbourne. This is a section of Art Melbourne dedicated to showcasing emerging artists. It is competitive and I am very excited to have been selected!
What are you looking forward to at Art Melbourne?
Meeting other artists, curators and the public and checking out all the interesting artwork on display.
Where do you always head in Melbourne?
I always enjoy Brunswick street for the shops, bars and cafes. The Vege Bar is an old favorite for dinner and Bimbos Deluxe is a nice fun place to meet for drinks, especially as it has a collection of Cupie dolls adorning the bar in some interesting get up and poses.
Advice for young artists wanting to get represented.
Definitely apply for things like Off the Wall as it’s a great opportunity to have your work seen by thousands. Also enter as many art prizes as are appropriate to your work and keep exhibiting. Get your CV looking good and get your name out there. Its also really important to think about marketing –websites, blogs, publications, networking etc.
What are some of your favourite things in your studio at the moment?
A life sized deer form in polyurethane, a bowl of altered hybrid doll heads, a couple of fluffy rabbit heads, bags of colourful plastic insects, a 2010 PETA calendar with a photo of "Claude" the rescued chicken!
Thursday 22 April 2010 (Opening Night), 5 - 9pm
Friday 23 April 2010, (Live music until late) 12 noon - 9pm
Saturday 24 April 2010, 10am - 6pm
Sunday 25 April 2010, 10am - 5pm
Royal Exhibition Building (next to the Melbourne Museum)
Carlton Gardens
Melbourne
Ticketing information here.
Or win on The Vine