E: m.peach@bigpond.net.au
W: www.sharkchic.com.au
Originally trained as an artist (B.A. Visual Arts), Meredith (Meri) Peach worked as an illustrator, but later studied biology (B.Sc., Ph.D.). She then worked as an academic researcher and lecturer for several years. One of Peach’s specialties was studying sharks, earning her the nickname ‘Shark Chic’. In 2004 she left academia to resume an artistic career.
Most of Peach's work is inspired by nature and very much informed by her biology background. Basketry and fibre art, using natural plant materials and synthetic or recycled materials, currently comprises about half of her artwork. Meri is inspired by natural structures such as cocoons, spider webs, shells, burrows, plankton and micro- organisms. Her recent basketry work speaks of various ecological concepts, the impact of humans on the natural world, and human relationships with the environment.
Recently Peach curated and participated in Groundcover, a joint exhibition with another artist at Primrose Park Gallery. She regularly teaches basketry and fibre sculpture workshops, and is a founding member of Basketry NSW and editor of their quarterly newsletter.
selected exhibitions
2009
-Tradition & Beyond, curated by Virginia Kaiser, Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, Broken Hill, NSW
-Artists of Mosman, Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman, Sydney, NSW
-Returned to Glory, Hornsby Art Gallery, Hornsby, Sydney, NSW
-Fresh: Contemporary Baskets and Basketry, curated by Peter Williamson, At the Vanishing Point Gallery, Newtown, Sydney, NSW
2008
-GroundCover, curated by the artist, Primrose Park Art Gallery, Cremorne, Sydney, NSW
-Inspired by May, Australian Textile and Surface Design Association, Stanton Library, North Sydney; Royal Botanic Gardens Shop, Sydney, NSW
2006-07
-The Basket: Exploring the Woven Form, curated by Daniel Ablethorpe, Artisan Books, Melbourne, Victoria
-Myth, curated by Edwina Fleurshannon, Mindirr Gallery II, Mittagong, NSW
-Risk / Risque, Intertwinning Group, Balmain Watch House, Balmain, Sydney, NSW
-Artists of Mosman, Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman, Sydney, NSW
-Goulburn Art Award, curated by Jennifer Lamb, Goulburn Regional Gallery, Goulburn, NSW
-Meroogal Womens Art Prize Exhibition, curated by Barbara Konkolowicz, Shoalhaven City Arts Centre, Nowra NSW
-Found, Ewart Gallery;
-Old Traditions, New Ways, curated by Virginia Kaiser, Sturt Gallery, Mittagong, NSW
selected residencies
2008
- Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre, Cremorne, Sydney, NSW
2007
- The Armory, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush,NSW
2006
- Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin, NSW
selected workshops
Since 2005 Peach has regularly taught basketry and fibre art workshops. These have included workshops for Sturt Craft Centre, North Sydney Council, Primrose Park Art & Craft Centre, the Australian Textile and Surface Design Association, Hunter Valley Gardens, and Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery.
2010
- Sturt Summer School, Sturt University, Mittagong, NSW
2009
- Random Weave Basketry, Sturt Craft Centre, Mittagong, NSW
-Coiled Basketry (using recycled and natural materials), Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, Booragul, NSW
-Coiled "Sampler" Basket, Australian Textile and Surface Design Association, Dence -Park, Epping, NSW
-Exploring Coiled Basketry, Sturt Craft Centre, Mittagong, NSW.
Time piece
2007
random weave, mistletoe, star jasmine, ponytail cord, kurrajong seed pods
56 x 27 x 10cm, courtesy the artist
Reclamation
2008
colied basketry, recycled materials ( plastic, wool, leather, cotton, string)
30 x 32cm, courtesy the artist
Persistence
2008
coiled basketry, plant fibres, recycled materials (wool, leather, coton, string)
27 x 28cm, courtesy the artist
Power source
2007
random weave, apricot prunings, banana passionfruit
20 x 58cm, courtesy the artist