This month's Artist Digest takes us to the other side of the world, as Elite speaks with artist, designer, and collector, Dina Broadhurst.
Australia's 'It' woman on the art scene, she has collaborated with numerous fashion brands, most recently Westfield Chermside where her works can be seen at large-scale proportions throughout the fashion precinct. Having shown in group shows in both her native Australia and internationally, this latest project marks her first live solo exhibition and incorporates Broadhurst's use of photography and collage in two and three-dimensional forms.
Broadhurst's growing fame is in part due to her social media presence, her Instagram @dinabroadhurst, boasts nearly 22k followers and plays host to images of her art, interior design and lust-worthy life. We asked Broadhurst about her inspiration, collaborations, growing art collection and more:
Your work is known for its themes of femininity, beauty and consumerism (– to name a few!) What is it that draws you to producing art about these aspects of life?
I draw from myself and my own life experiences, the challenges and complexities of being a woman and women’s roles, the impact desire love and emotions has on my life, the changing landscape of beauty in my time, embracing age and growth and accessibility to things like cosmetic surgery. And the desire and allure of luxury consumerism and advertising which is always a huge influence as I am a part of it and fascinated by it.
What is your process when approaching a new piece?
I collect, photograph, cut, layout, group, make, retouch and file all day long. When I see a link or I’m inspired, I just go for it like picking up a puzzle and doing it - it's very instinctual and emotional when I feel it. I'm lucky as it's so varied I can always take a break but still be creating. If my eyes are sore from the computer or I can't sit still, I can jump off and go outdoors on a hunt in nature for bits and pieces or pick up my camera and go for a drive. There is always something to do.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/578306fbb8a79b369b3bd3e0/57909918d2b857f32544d3a5/58eb4c13f5e231a18acefd2a/1491815453506/ACNE+in+water.jpg?format=500w
You’ve clocked up an impressive following on Instagram, how integral has social media been in your career journey?
It has been absolutely amazing and invaluable. People can reach you from anywhere in the world anytime and stumble across your work, if not familiar with you. The number of artists and inspiring people I find this way is such a pleasure and highlight of my day.
You’ve also collaborated with a lot of fashion brands, has fashion always been something you’re interested in?
Absolutely, it's an art form in itself and I have amazing respect and admiration for fashion designers. It's what shapes us as women, mind and body.
You recently transformed the Westfield Chermside Fashion Precinct with your artworks, how did that project come about and was it what you expected?
Westfield Chermside approached me 6 months ago and it was all systems go with such excitement from both sides. The scale of the spaces they allocated were so inspiring and a dream come true for me. The vision to nuance the layers and bring the collages to life with 3D - was all so mind-blowing and encompassing. I was completely immersed and loved every moment with such amazing support from the Westfield Chermside team. Then, to finally see it in actuality - the colour, the drama, the journey, the story, the vision, all come together and the emotion it evoked in all was beyond any expectations I had.
Are there any brands you would love the chance to work with?
There are so many brands I love for their aesthetic and vision and ultimately to be able to work with inspiring and wonderful people with a moral respect and admiration is an absolute honour every time.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/578306fbb8a79b369b3bd3e0/57909918d2b857f32544d3a5/58ac1b82e4fcb50f1fadbe39/1491130857750/Screen+Shot+2017-02-21+at+9.50.24+PM.png?format=500w
Does your work in interior design influence your print work?
It is definitely an amazing base of practice. In learning about materials and quality in the detail. In colour, texture, composition, balance, symmetry, scale, drama, space and emotion.
Do you have a favourite piece of your own work to date?
It changes often but I love looking back over old work and becoming inspired all over again, seeing patterns and similarities. I collaged a Dior bikini once the colour had faded from the sun to make it into something beautiful that was worth keeping in a new light, so a piece of art. I love that piece a lot.
What kind of pieces catch your eye when you’re adding to your own art collection?
Photographic art, simplicity, incredible use of colour or a subtle texture. And a mystery or a hidden story that is not obvious.
What advice would you give to someone looking to work in the art world?
Have thick skin and passion and be yourself inside and out in all facets.
If you want to find out more or purchase one of Dina's fantastic prints, head to her website.