Vessels of Mass Consumption at Chrissie Cotter Gallery

The next exhibition to feature at Inner West Council’s Chrissie Cotter Gallery throws a spotlight on society’s unsustainable consumer habits and disconnect from the natural environment. 

Vessels of Mass Consumption uses found and discarded objects to create wire pods, stitched baskets and quirky assemblages. 

The artist, Central Coast-based Nicole de Mestre, says she inspired by “what’s readily available in my environment”. 

“Found materials drive my process. There is great satisfaction from both sourcing materials locally and creating something aesthetic from what others see as rubbish,” Ms de Mestre said. 

“I look for potential in what is rejected. I love sifting through council pickup piles, collecting overlooked things and deconstructing, arranging and assembling them so that they tell a new story. 

“Essentially, my environmental concerns are reflected through conscious use of recycled materials. My work (and my life!) is dominated by the use of these reclaimed resources. 

“I love the marks of time that objects and materials collect, and find an incredible beauty in overlooked things that have been discarded and left to weather. 

“My assemblages and baskets are created from materials at hand, reflecting the character of the places in which they are gathered and made,” she said. 

Vessels of Mass Consumption, at Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Pidcock Street, Camperdown. 

Dates: Thursday 26 April to Sunday 6 May, 11am–5pm 

Meet-the-artist event: Saturday 28 April, 1pm-4pm. Includes artist talk, interactive basket-making opportunities and refreshments. 

www.nicoledemestre.com 

For an interview with the artist, call 0402 702 103.

For further information, contact Communications and Marketing Coordinator Elizabeth Heath, 9392 5334 or 0428 115 292 elizabeth.heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au