Varelle Hardy Art for Sale at Auction

Varelle Hardy works in textiles, creating collages that contain stitch, paper, fabric paint and dyes. She has no siblings but remembers one of her cousins as a great playmate. Hardy reflected on his teasing and the fun times they had together to create a collage. Small paper overalls are surrounded by images of his toys.

Hardy enjoyed working with fellow textile artist Marilyn O’Brien on the exhibition.

“It was mainly a positive process remembering my childhood,” she said. “In our talks, Marilyn and I reinforced and prompted each other’s memories.”

Materials include chicken and fly wire, old paper maps, pressed metal, wall paper and much more as embellishments. Little matching hand bags are also made, one of an old water bottle.

“Because of my love of textiles, found objects and mixed media in general, I have combined these in my dress sculptures and handbags. I am interested in women’s stories about clothing, and stories come up in conversation when a certain garment triggers a memory’ says Varelle.

Initially I used to paint and draw, before I was introduced to a visual feast when I undertook the Bachelor of Arts -Visual Arts Degree at the University of Newcastle. To discover Fibre art, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics was a joy. I then went on to do my Masters degree majoring in ceramics. I thoroughly enjoy making work and having opportunities to exhibit.