This symposium will explore the nature of creative influence on studio-based making. Influence can be debated as inspiration, motivation, encouragement, imitation, homage, plagiarism and coincidence, but as all makers know we cannot help responding to our daily environment or to the broader culture in which we live. All who practice within the fields of art, craft and design create work with considered choices, which are guided by a defined brief, either self-determined or pre-determined, and underpinned by intuitive, speculative and less quantifiable hunches.

With the intention of unpacking the nuances of this layered subject, we have invited a select group of makers to critically discuss their sources of contextual influence in their practice. Our international line-up showcases an array of craft and design disciplines, with experiences ranging from early-career to established and highly revered practitioners.

As is evident not only amongst our speakers but also across the broader spectrum of studio-based practice, creative influences are undeniably diverse and idiosyncratic. That said, a common thread persists throughout; after all, makers respond to something. For instance, some makers will draw on precursors or historical influences; while some makers, in their process of making, will romanticize the significance of their influences. These influences can be directly visible within the fabric of works, used to make a direct personal, political or social comment. Or alternatively, they can be subtly interwoven, hidden in a narrative waiting to be discovered. Whatever the influences are, and considering we live in a culture obsessed with sampling and appropriation, it makes sense to understand how they drive our creative choices.

‪Discussing the broader parameters of the topic of influence, Dr. Susan Cohn (herself an internationally regarded craftsperson, designer and curator) will open the symposium and deliver the keynote address on the evening of Thursday 28 April. On the following day, two groups of presentations will explore thematically related aspects of influence, ending with a chaired panel discussion and a Q & A session.

Symposim Program:

Thursday 28 April

Venue: ANU School of Art Lecture Theatre

6.00pm Keynote address: Dr. Susan Cohn (Workshop 3000, Melbourne)

Susan Cohn has a long-standing practice working across the art-craft-design divide. Living in Melbourne, she has been making work for over 30 years, and has exhibited extensively in Australia and overseas, including a major survey exhibition, Techno Craft: the work of Susan Cohn 1980-2000, toured nationally by the National Gallery of Australia and a solo exhibition, Black Intentions, presented by the National Gallery of Victoria in 2003.

7:00pm Drinks in the School of Art Gallery

Friday 29 April

Venue: Sir Roland Wilson building, conference room, room 1.02 level 1

Morning session: Internal Motivations

9:30am Introduction to the morning session by Dr Christopher McAuliffe (ANU)

9:40am Simon Cottrell (ANU)

Simon Cottrell has a BA of Fine Arts and Honours in Gold and Silversmithing from RMIT University. Cottrell’s works are deliberately monotone in colour and surface, while exploring dynamics between shape, structure and detail.

10:10am Janet Deboos (ANU)

After completing a science degree, Janet DeBoos studied ceramics at East Sydney (National Art School) in 1970/71. She has since has had a significant impact on contemporary ceramics in Australia, having been the Head of Ceramics at the ANU School of Art for over 10 years.

10:30am Dr Jeffrey Sarmiento (University of Sunderland, UK)

Jeffrey R Sarmiento is a glass artist with a PhD from the University of Sunderland. His work is influenced by how words, images, artefacts, and the urban landscape can uncover hidden narratives.

10:50am Mariana Ortega (San Miguel, Mexico)

Mariana Ortega has a Masters in Art from the Universidad Para el Desarrollo del Estado de Puebla Art (University for Development of the State of Puebla), Mexico. She works in a diverse range of disciplines including sculpture, woodcarving, ceramics, painting, tapestry and weaving.

11:10-11:40am Morning tea break (refreshments will be provided)

11:40-12:30pm Discussion led by panel of respondents: chair Dr Susan Cohn, Dr Scott Brook (University of Canberra), Dr Chaitanya Sambrani (ANU)

12:30-1:30pm Lunch break

Afternoon session: External Influences

1:30pm Introduction to the afternoon session by Dr Rohan Nicol (ANU)

1:45pm Dr Eleni Kalantidou (Griffith University)

Dr. Eleni Kalantidou is a design psychologist, researcher and educator. She has authored and developed a number of courses for the undergraduate and graduate degree of Design Futures at Queensland College of Art.

2:25pm Wendy Maruyama (San Diego, USA)

Wendy Maruyama is an artist, maker and educator from San Diego, California, who has been a professor of woodworking and furniture design for over 30 years . She uses woodworking techniques to make sculpture and installation pieces with the objective of promoting advocacy and awareness for various social issues.

2:45pm Dr Karlyn Sutherland (Lybster, UK)

Karlyn Sutherland studied architecture at Edinburgh College of Art and has a PhD from the University of Edinburgh where she is employed as a design tutor and research assistant. She began working in glass in 2009 at North Lands Creative Glass. Her work is influenced by her experience of the derelict buildings found along the coast near her home.

3:05-3:30pm Tea break (refreshments will be provided)

3:30-4:20pm Discussion led by panel of respondents: chaired by Dr Eleni Kalantidou, Dr John Debs (ANU), Niklaus Rubenis (ANU), followed by closing comments by Dr Susan Cohn