Vol. 02
My Verona x Alicia Bilyara Bennett.
As of late, HAKE has been working in a symbiotic partnership with My Verona. My Verona is a circular design studio founded by Sarah Cousens, offering a curated edit of collectible furniture items and prop hire, with a focus on 20th Century design. The curated selection of furniture has been arranged alongside the Gallery’s exhibiting pieces. This collaboration between visual art and functional home design allows for collectors to be immersed in the ‘art of living’ philosophy shared by HAKE, My Verona and this weeks highlighted HAKE artist: Alicia Bilyara Bennett.
Alicia Bilyara Bennett is a Sydney based indigenous artist who works mainly using earth pigments and acrylic polymer. Alicia manages her time between full time parenting and painting - we are eagerly awaiting Alicia’s first solo exhibition opening in July at HAKE.
With a focus on the harmony between aesthetic and functional living we collected some insight into the practices of Sarah Cousens from My Verona and Alicia Bilyara Bennett.
See below our conversation between Artisans.
Words by Venn Miles, HAKE
Q: What does the concept of the art-of-living mean to you?
Alicia Bilyara Bennett: The art of living is purpose; creating works that move and captivate the audience in but also mailable enough to fit in within a dwelling without overpowering.
Sarah Cousens/My Verona: It is about developing skills and practices that promote a fulfilling and meaningful existence, including self-awareness, resilience, balance, and purpose.
Q: How has motherhood changed your practice and methodology?
Alicia: Patience and the ability to make mess without being judged for it.
My Verona: Since becoming a mother I have learnt to become more efficient in my practice as most days time is not on my side. I outsource where I can and I try to acknowledge that certain things are beyond my control at times [when my small human is my first priority] and try not to become overly fixated when things don't go according to plan.
Q: Both of your works have a timelessness to them, is this something you consider when curating or painting?
Alicia: I like to have a consistent pallet and story that goes along with them, not all of my works are titled but they share the same lineage that of my Barkindji / Ngalakan and Scottish / Australian heritage.
My Verona: Absolutely, I am always on the hunt for collectible design pieces that have a story. Whether that be from the previous owner, or the design history behind the piece. Any design item that has withstood the test of time and still has relevance in todays world are items I am most drawn to.
“Any design item that has withstood the test of time and still has relevance in todays world are items I am most drawn to.”
-Sarah Cousens.
Q: Do you feel a closer connection to a neutral palette, if so what draws you to this?
Alicia: Absolutely, you’ll rarely see me working with bright colours; the rural landscape, skin colour tones and refracted light heavily inspire my pallete.
My Verona: I love a neutral palette as a base and to allow the eye to rest, but I do love an injection of colour especially in the home through a piece of furniture or artwork. Since having a child, I have learnt to embrace it even more as I learn and understand the importance it has on development.
Q: Is it difficult at times to part way with a piece that’s sentimental? Both of your works are about one-off pieces. Unlikely to be replicated again. Do you save particular pieces for your personal collections?
Alicia: As noted above I work in collections that are cohesive with one another; Most if not all of my works can be hung next to one another to create a story of linage. I definitely miss some of my best works but it’s all part of the process of evolving as an artist.
My Verona: Yes! I have so many pieces that I have saved for my personal collection - too many perhaps! However, I do offer up a lot of these items to hire instead. I have had a bit of sellers remorse over the years, but I guess that is just the nature of a circular business.
Q: If you were to describe your creative vision in three words what would you pick?
Alicia: Patience, Resilience, Gentleness.
My Verona: Considered functional art.
To arrange an appointment with Sarah at My Verona please contact via sarah@myverona.com.au and to inquire for commisions by Alicia please see https://aliciabilyarabennett.com/pages/contact .
