E-mail: zara.zannettino@live.com.au
My art practice is inspired by natural wonders and is informed by the intersection of my scientific-background, photography, life experience and the joy I gain by resolving the challenges of working with textiles.
My work often identifies the intriguing beauty, fragility and complexity of colour and patterns found within nature. By drawing attention to the unique physical attributes of ordinary forms, this also emphasises the importance of conservation or underlying narrative.
Through investigating and understanding these subtle differences between subjects, I also find I am more accepting of my own and others’ unique traits. This reinforces my core belief that awareness and appreciation of differences, ensures that all life forms have a unique identity and a critical place in the world too.
My process utilises improvisational raw edge-applique of hand-dyed artisanal fabrics, which enables me to emphasise opportune patterns and colour values that reinforces my initial photo composition. To accentuate details and textures across the many layers, my work also incorporates a broad range of techniques including torn fabric, hand stitching, beading, dye discharge, dyeing, silk-screening, stencilling, machine thread-sketching and quilting techniques.
The Invisible Connection
Retail Price: NFS
Dimensions: 117 x 84cm (H x W)
Statement: Despite humans’ displaying vast physical and cultural diversity, at the cellular level every person is related to one another through an unbroken female-line of mitochondrial inheritance. This amazing “invisible connection” binds us all together.
Exhibitions: Microscapes, SAQA global exhibition
In the Eye of the Beholder
Retail Price: A$2000
Dimensions: 60 x 30cm (H x W)
Statement: The poorly named, Black-necked Stork reveals its striking jewel-toned iridescence to the careful observer.
Exhibitions: 5th Annual Birds of a Fiber: Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum, Washington, USA and Royal South Australian Society of Art’s 13th Solar Art Competition (finalist). Also selected for Martha Sielman’s 2023 (untitled) Bird Book
Upon Reflection
Retail Price: A$1200
Dimensions: 88 x 69 cm (H x W)
Statement: The spectacular colour change of this poinsettia plant from green and pastel-pink to a striking red, happened in the cold of the night. This beauty was enhanced by the shimmering reflections of the early morning dew, which dazzled like pink diamonds in the soft light.
Prizes: 2nd Prize, Professional Art Quilt Pictorial Category, Festival Of Quilts, SAQ
Brù-dhearg (Robin Red-breast)
Retail Price: NFS
Dimensions: 71 x 31 cm (H x W)
Statement: When I explored my ancestral homeland of Scotland, I was delighted to finally photograph my first Robin Red-breast. This is called “Brù-dhearg” in Scots Gaelic. Despite its diminutive stature (12 cm/5 inches), it boldly approached me and then proceeded to dart about the frozen landscape looking for dinner.
Exhibitions: SAQA –European and Middle East Regional showcase Celebrating Our Heritage.
Woven in Tradition
Retail Price: A$1200
Dimensions: 81 x 62 cm (H x W)
Statement: Every instance of an artist’s creative exploration leaves an indelible impression that enables them to pursue new directions.
Exhibitions: One Step Further 2022 presented by Victorian Quilters. International Fiber Art Festival at the PNW Quilt and Fibre Art Museum 2023, La Conner, Washington, USA.
Prizes: 2nd Prize, Open Art; Abstract or Representational, Festival of Quilts 2023, South Australia2nd Prize, Professional Art Quilt Pictorial Category, Festival Of Quilts, SAQ
Monarch Menagerie
Retail Price: NFS
Dimensions: 60 x 60cm (H x W)
Statement: Monarch Menagerie showcases the variety of hues and patterns found within the Monarch Butterflies in my garden. Just like snowflakes…no two are the same!
Exhibitions: Impressions of Oceania from Around the World (SAQA Global, Virtual Exhibition 2021), All Creatures Great and Small (Fringe Exhibition at Pepper Street Art Centre, 2020)
Portraits of a Pelican
Retail Price: A$2000
Dimensions: 102 x 82 cm (H x W)
Statement: When the seemingly dull Australian Pelican is viewed at twilight, it glows with a stunning array of pastel and neutral shades. Just like conservation solutions…nothing is truly black and white. (A quadtych presentation of 4 framed art quilts.)
Exhibitions: SA Fringe “Its Only Natural” exhibition in 2022 and the 12th Solar Art Prize at the Royal South Australian Society of Arts 2021.
Just a Matter of Time
Retail Price: A$1200
Dimensions: 90 x 90 cm (H x W)
Statement: It takes patience to witness this spectacular, incandescent succulent flower finally emerge from its vibrant buds. This highly anticipated summer event always brings back fond memories of my dad’s enjoyment of the simple things in life.
Exhibitions: Australasian Quilt Convention 2023 Challenge: In Full Bloom
Fragile Beauty
Retail Price: A$6500
Dimensions: 100 x 100 cm (H x W)
Statement: A flurry of fragile butterfly wings is a beautiful thing.
Exhibitions: Fragmented a Fibre Artist Network exhibition 2023, South Australia.
Prizes:Judges Commendation SA Quilters’Festival of Quilts 2024
Bedazzled
Retail Price: NFS
Dimensions: 96 x 122 cm (H x W)
Statement: At the macroscopic level, each peacock feather is an impressive and intricate work of unique art, which is truly worthy of wonder.
Exhibitions: The New Quilt 2024
Prizes: SA Quilter’s Festival of Quilts: 1st Prize in the Open Art Realistic Quilt. The Royal Adelaide Horticultural Show 2024: Art/Pictorial- 1st place and Best Overall Exhibit in Quilts.
