Tania Mason Painter
What led you to your new work using antique plates as the background?
I have been thinking about using antiques and I was fascinated with the flora and decorative aspects of ceramics, and it pretty much just came together as a thought, and I started with exploring the concepts, and they fit like a glove!
How do you choose the type of plate shape and pattern?
I am obsessed with the oval shape and some decorative bubble shapes on the edges of the plate. Mostly, vintage plates, not the plates we generally dine with.
What are the sizes of this series?
We have a range of small medium and large. H40x 50 cm . H103cm x L 85cm to 153cm x 103cm
How are you using old concepts of fine china to promote a current issue, the environment?
The flora and the birds are archival images located from libraries from all over the world. Some are 700 years old, and I arrange them in a composition that sits well with each other and then play with the formation on the plate to get them right. I then draw and paint them.
Using the botanicals as a subject and the fact that we are obsessed with flora on our plates, that hang on walls, cabinets and shelves, is something I want people to be reminded off that we are obsessed with these as a subject and love collecting them but we do not really look after our environment. Soon, these objects might be the only recall of the flora and bird life we have lost due to climate change.
How did you come up with the super title, ‘Surrounded by Time’ come up?
It is time we have and time we do not! We are surrounded by time moving forward and these objects and subjects are of the past yet hold our very future!
Previously you painted birds on plinths – discuss.
Also, here birds on plinths are a metaphor for the bird life we are losing and when we place it on a plinth, it becomes memorabilia, something we remember to cherish.
How have you been able to exhibit your work around Australia and beyond to the world?
It is with a lot of planning, contacting galleries, and galleries and curators contacting me.
Tell us about your commission to the Art Centre of Victoria and the Australian Ballet?
I was commissioned by the Victoria Art Centre and The Australian Ballet to respond to the triple bill ballet called The Ballet Ruses. It was wonderful to be so intimate with the dancers and see the costumes come together.
With a Fin Arts Degree in sculpture. Discuss your Installation in particular – paper.
Sculpture is interesting but I find installation a better fit! I love concepts of immersing the audience in the artworks.
How has your work progressed from on series to another?
It is mostly ideas, concepts and exploring these. How they connect and influence each other.
Comment on the importance of entering major art prizes?
It is really nice being a finalist. And create to be a part of a group exhibition. Winning is even better!
Contact:
Tania Mason
Deborah Blakeley, Melbourne, Australia
Interview by Deborah Blakeley, October 2025
Images on these pages have all rights reserved by Tania Mason
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