Elaine Camlin
Based in the Riverina, NSW, the underlying theme in Elaine's work is the ephemeral nature of growth and decay and the vital role of regeneration in our environment. She collects and documents found objects in various stages of decomposition, from livestock skeletons and nests, to seedpods and fungi. Developing a fascination and a deepening awareness of their forms, contours, spaces and marks; her work is a continuing exploration into organic objects that are often forgotten, overlooked and decaying. Her work moves beyond traditional printmaking, and incorporates a broad range of drawing and printmaking techniques, oil painting and small sculpture. Moving across materials allows the freedom and ability to create unique imagery that explores and reflects the vast possibilities our natural environment has to offer.
Elaine is a graduate of Australian National University School of Art (Printmedia and Drawing), and Charles Sturt University (Communications and Creative Industries, Honours) and is currently studying toward a Masters of Therapeutic Arts at The MIECAT Institute. Elaine has exhibited in multiple group shows regionally and nationally since 2011. In this time she has also presented five solo exhibitions, Space Once Occupied (2013), Building Blocks (2016), Micro-Worlds: Interpretations and Observations of Organic Forms (2018), Microcosm: A World in Miniature (2019) From the Beginning (2019) and is working toward a sixth Systems: A Structure to be exhibited in late 2020 at Printmaker Gallery, Melbourne. In 2017, Elaine’s art practice was featured in a short film by Next in Line Films, as part of their Regional Artist Profiles.
Elaine is an active member of the printmaking community, having participated in print exchanges and projects: Imaginings, Overwintering Project, Human Emotion Print Exchange and has been a finalist in national print prizes, Northern Beaches Artist Book Prize and Peebles Print Prize. During the 2020 global Covid-19 pandemic, she facilitated the Pandemic Print Exchange (PPE) with 38 artists working in isolation across Australia, and Internationally, and collaborated with Julie Mia Holmes to present an online exhibition, Bodies of Matter through ANCA Gallery, ACT.
Elaine is passionate about developing art-making skills and fostering creativity in a regional and accessible context, and works closely with local artists, groups and educational and community based organisations in her region. She works across various roles in her arts community including Gallery Officer at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Mentor and Studio Assistant at The Art Factory, supported studio, and has been a Visiting Arts Specialist at ASPECT, Bimbi Preschool, Tolland Public School, Kildare Catholic School, and Tumut Arts Society. In these residencies she worked closely with staff, students and community to provide and support the exploration of a wide range of art-making techniques, sensory experiences and professional practices. In 2020, she launched the Creative Futures Program, in partnership with Create Hub Riverina, providing a practical mentoring program for senior students who aspire to a career in the Creative Industries.
