ARTIST BIO

Vanessa Law is a multidisciplinary artist. She graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor in Visual Arts, majoring in ceramics, with minors in Digital Media and Drawing. She has exhibited in solo and group shows. Covid restrictions and exhibiting  in a virtual show, made her become interested in immersive art. The idea of being able to walk around under or through an artwork, to her is like experiencing an awe inspiring moment in nature. Ways of displaying work and combining materials to give different view points and create a more sensory experience for the viewer. Born left handed but one of the last few to be converted to using her right hand, she has always had an interest in neuroscience. An avid drawer, introduced to the book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards had a powerful effect on her drawing, and art making practice. Which is why she particularly enjoys using clay in her work , as a material and practice that uses both hands, firing up both sides of the brain. And the amazing feeling that creating something from such a base natural material, that transformation into something to her is a wonderful kind of alchemy. 

This led her to becoming an art educator, this buzz and excitement of a new idea or exploring a new practice or medium, and the children’s playfulness reminds her of how she still feels creating work. Vanessa worked as a visual arts teacher for over 10 years, seeing first hand the therapeutic nature that creating art can have.

Vanessa’s current work combines her life long love of nature and fascination with myths and legends from past and present cultures. As they explore transformations, migrations and the duelling need for both freedom and safety or belonging to a group.

Shows:

2022 Portland art show, “set” ceramic bowls
2021 Brunswick Street gallery “Sense of touch”. sgraffito on copper sheeting
2020 Moreland Summer Show 2020: Solitude & Solace, Counihan gallery, “alone”, water colour life drawing. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1950581165083898
2020 Mornington Art Show, “pink trees” and “altered tree”, digital prints
2016 Brunswick Street gallery, “Magpie call” and “drought”, bird drawings on transparencies with photomontage backdrops
2016 Counihan gallery, summer salon, “happened walking”, photograph
2015 Counihan gallery summer salon, “ welcome to Australia”, digitally photograph
2008 Linden gallery, postcard show, “sentinel” and “painted lizard”
2007 Linden gallery postcard show, “golden bird and “patchwork bird”
2007 Bachelor of education visual arts A & B, Melbourne University
2005 Eisenberg gallery ceramics trees and houses the blur between public and private spaces
2005 Linden postcard show ceramic phones, texting break up
2015 Eisenberg gallery, “lightening strikes” and “nature’s wonders” transparencies
2007 Bachelor in Education, Visual Arts and Media
2005 Bachelors of visual arts, majoring in ceramic, minor in drawing and photo media, Monash University
2005 most promising student award, Monash University

Employment
2020 - Generalist teacher, Brunswick East Primary School
2010 - 2020 Visual and media Art teacher Brunswick East Primary School