Dominique is a multifaceted contemporary artist. She embarked on her creative journey in 1972 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her initial artistic inspiration ignited while drawing with her father on paper napkins. Dominique thrived in art school, earning a graphic design diploma and a Fine Arts II certificate.
In 1998, Dominique relocated to Australia, where she established a successful career in the design industry. Over time, her artistic path led her back to the realm of fine arts, reigniting her passion for creativity. She has since made her home in the Northern Rivers region, dedicating herself entirely to her artwork.
In the ever-evolving tapestry of my life, I draw inspiration from the intricate threads of my personal experiences, encapsulating moments from the solitude of my graphic career to the cherished fragments of my downtime and family life.
These diverse facets converge in the creation of plaster and epoxy vessels, which have become my new canvas for exploration. Each vessel tells a unique story, isolating particular instances that have left an indelible mark on my journey. My artistic process begins with the raw delicateness of the plaster palate, embracing the unpredictable shapes that emerge as the medium sets.
In the hands of intention and chance, I mold and sculpt, shaping these vessels into tangible representations of my lived experiences. The plaster and epoxy vessels serve as a bridge between the realms of personal narrative and artistic expression. Each piece is meticulously hand-painted, bearing the marks of my creative instincts. Washes of inks blend seamlessly with sketchy hand drawings, capturing the essence of a frozen moment in time. The result is a harmonious dance between the ephemeral and the enduring, the delicate and the resilient.
These vessels, beyond being objects of aesthetic contemplation, hold a practical dimension. They are tangible, usable pieces of artwork, inviting individuals to incorporate a slice of my narrative into their daily lives.
The fusion of art and functionality allows these vessels to transcend the traditional boundaries of artistic expression, becoming a seamless part of the observer’s own story. I aim to share not just my visual experiences but to instill in each vessel a sense of universality. The frozen moments within the vessels invite reflection on the transient nature of time, the beauty in imperfection, and the interplay between fragility and strength.
My artistic passion lies in crafting unique pieces that blend functionality with visual allure. As an artist who traditionally worked on a 2D canvas, I embarked on a journey to explore the realm of 3D. This shift, from canvas to plaster, took two years to refine. The white, semi-porous surface of the plaster serves as my canvas, mimicking its qualities. Each vessel undergoes a delicate hand-casting process using hydrocal plaster, a method that presents a challenge with a 1 in 5 success rate due to the potential for cracking or exploding during the drying phase. When hand-casting within a balloon shape, the irregular walls and varied shapes emerge, creating a dynamic visual appeal. Once shaped, to fortify and waterproof the plaster, epoxy resin is applied.
Embracing a diverse range of mixed media, including inks, acrylics, and crayons, I adorn the porous surface, adding a layer of uniqueness to each piece. The result is truly one-of-a-kind artwork.
Despite their ceramic-like appearance, these vessels are light in weight with exceptional durability. This artistic evolution showcases my commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new mediums to bring my creations to life.
