How has your degree in Environmental Design and Architecture influenced your artwork?

Studying environmental design and architecture has had a significant influence on my work and the way I think. Architectural theory has provided me with a structured approach to creation, focusing on precision and functionality. Unlike traditional art, which can be more artist-centric, design and architecture are inherently people- and audience-centric. This perspective has shaped my approach to art, encouraging me to consider how my work interacts with space and the people experiencing it.

How have exchanges to Italy and Canada altered your art?

My experiences in Italy and Canada have profoundly shaped my artistic perspective. Italy reinforced my appreciation for the value of art and design in everyday life, something that is not always emphasized in Perth. I resonated with the deep cultural respect for craftsmanship and creativity. In Canada, I was exposed to a more academic and theoretical approach to design, which broadened my understanding of its intellectual foundations. I also appreciated the positive and non-cynical attitude of designers there—people took pride in their work and saw it as their life’s calling, which was incredibly inspiring.

Tell us about working with Ricci W.

While in Hong Kong, I worked with a local public artist, which was an invaluable experience. I was introduced to integrating technology into art, including CNC machines, resin, and wood.

Our designs won the Good Design Award in Japan. Beyond technical skills, I gained insight into work ethic, business practices, and a new philosophy where art and design serve a fundamental purpose beyond commercial success. It reinforced my belief that as artists, we are called to create.

How has art changed by embracing glass, light, sound, and technology?

My work has always been rooted in allegory, using symbolism and metaphor to explore deeper meanings. The integration of new materials and technologies expands the possibilities for expressing these ideas, allowing for more immersive and thought-provoking experiences.

How have your combinations of graphite and oil worked to present abstraction?

While working in Shanghai as both an architect and artist, I drew inspiration from my surroundings. The grey tones of China—the chalky bricks, the dust, and the atmosphere—fascinated me. Graphite became a natural medium to capture this aesthetic, often contrasted with pops of red, a significant color in Chinese culture.

What led to Abstraction being at Bund 22 in Shanghai?

Exhibiting at Bund 22 was an extraordinary opportunity. As a recent graduate, I was fortunate to have an art manager and be part of a collective that helped secure the exhibition. It was a prestigious space, and I worked harder than ever before—seven days a week, networking and creating. The experience was surreal, with performances by a circus troupe and diplomats attending the exhibition. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Comment on the one red or yellow crane.

These artworks explored how the built environment in China shapes collective identities. The cranes symbolized the rapid urbanization and the impact of architectural development on individuals and society.

Are the buildings real or representations of cities?

The buildings were real but arranged in a collage to form a larger metaphysical city, blending reality with conceptual representation.

How did you come to combine concrete and resin?

During a home renovation, we broke a concrete slab, and I found the moment deeply symbolic. As a new mother, my beliefs and perceptions were being dismantled, much like the broken foundation of our home. The act of pouring resin over the fractured concrete became a metaphor for healing and renewal, reflecting Christian mythology where brokenness is restored through faith.

How large are these pieces?

This particular piece measured approximately 50x50x25 cm.

Does one idea lead to the next, or are they formed through residencies or commissions?

I am constantly generating ideas—my mind is an endless machine of creativity. While some ideas evolve naturally from previous works, others are shaped by residencies or commissions.

In your furniture, you use a combination of modern and old—CNC technology and recycled wood. Discuss.

My furniture merges traditional materials with modern technology. Using recycled wood honors history and sustainability, while CNC technology introduces precision and contemporary innovation. This fusion reflects the broader human experience—where the past and present coexist and inform one another.

What made you combine art and manufacturing techniques?

I am driven by curiosity and experimentation. I find routine uninspiring, so I explore new techniques and disciplines. People often expect artists to have one signature style, but creativity should be fluid and multidisciplinary.

What has been one public art piece that excited you while moving your career forward?

A recent mural for a child health center was particularly meaningful. I had been working on high-end projects, often for clients who already had access to great design. When I saw how poorly designed the child health center was, it felt unjust—young mothers and children deserved a nurturing environment. I secured funding and transformed the space, ensuring that design served those who needed it most. This project reinforced my belief in the power of art to impact communities positively.

How has learning classical drawing techniques been valuable in your art?

Classical training provided me with a strong foundation, allowing me to be more intuitive and confident in my work. Painting is fundamentally different from design—it requires a balance of technical skill and instinct. Just as a great structure relies on solid foundations, great artwork is built on knowledge and discipline.

You comment, ‘Oil is slow to dry … it encourages me to think and react in a deliberate and thoughtful manner.’

Oil painting teaches patience and intentionality. Each step is deliberate, informed by principles and experience. This philosophy extends beyond art—living consciously and thoughtfully leads to more meaningful and beautiful outcomes.

Contact:

Joanne Ruth Clarke

www.joanneruthclark.com
Deborah Blakeley, Melbourne, Australia

Interview by Deborah Blakeley, April 2025

Images on these pages are all rights reserved by Joanne Ruth Clark