Joan Stammers
Tarkine-Takayna Tree Nymph – ‘Dryades’
Tarkine-Takayna Tree Nymph – ‘Dryades’
Tissue paper, handmade paper, reflex paper and hand-spun paper string. Natural found items from the beach and bush
Photo: Grant Wells
About the Piece
In Greek mythology the Dryades Nymphs were spirits of nature, immortal whilst living in a tree, but dying when the tree dies. Dryades holds the secrets of past cultures and unexplored places.
Inspired by the Tarkine-Takayna region of Tasmania, the piece replicates organic objects from the area, using new and recycled papers and dyes sourced from plants grown in the locality.
Dryades knitted cape represents her resourcefulness. It shields, captures, warms and carries - all that is required for existing in the wild. (Edited from Design Concept submitted for entry).
Materials used: Tissue paper, handmade paper from egg cartons, newspaper and recycled waste paper, reflex paper and hand-spun paper string. Natural found items from the beach and bush. The woven garland headdress is decorated with handmade paper and Tasmanian flowers and twigs.
Photo: Grant Wells
About the Artist
Joan is trained in all aspects of dressmaking and completed a Diploma in Clothing Construction and Pattern Making at TasTAFE in 1992. Employed as a chef and a gardener, Joan sees parallels between fashioning paper craft and the artistic flair she applies to cooking, cake decoration and food presentation.
Gardening provides scope for both creativity and connection to the natural world. Raised on the North West coast of Tasmania, Joan continues to be inspired by the beaches and bushland of the region. This inspiration is channelled into the creation of one-off pieces, often involving experimentation with surprising results!