Daniel Qualischefski, escape, 2012, acrylic, enamel, aerosol, mineral turpentine, oil paint and permanent marker on paper, 50 x 70cm.
Shown recently (and sold) at the Toowoomba Grammar School Art Show.

sky is fallen.

Success! This morning I deinstalled my exhibition 'sky is falling' from the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. I even sold most of the artworks (but not my personal favourite, luckily), so that's a bonus. Since it is no longer being exhibited in physical form, I thought I would upload some of my artist statement (below) and some photographs from the opening (available on my Daniel Qualischefski Art facebook page) for those who couldn't make it.

In other news, I will hopefully be braving the cold ceramic studio some days soon to make some new artwork and necklace pieces. Will keep you posted when it happens!

Excerpts from my ARTIST STATEMENT AND FLOOR TALK:

I am often drawn to processes of creating that are meticulous and repetitive; the building up forms from minute details, such as the laborious nature of dotting or piercing. As such, I consider the time I spend detailing and creating an artwork important to its conceptual basis and to its resolution – metaphorically imbuing a sense of time and quietness into a work, and subsequently inviting reflection and time from the viewer. My painted paper body of work reflects this approach, as I incorporate hand-dotted forms and precisely organised compositions, albeit organised to appear organic. While the works appear to be quite abstract then, there is definitely intention behind their creation.

For my paper works I have been looking at the interplay between the enamel and aerosol forms – on one level as representative of human characteristics and relationships concerning attraction and repulsion, and on another level as a means for a wider visual interaction. Within this second level I have been exploring spacious landscapes and skyscapes, particularly since my addition of oil paint and mineral turpentine mass forms – a visual element that provides a base for the other forms to work from. These mass forms also suggest a darkness that is balanced by the gathering / attracted enamel forms. The dot matrixes are also important, as they are a visual counterbalance to the apparent abstraction. The dots are also often indicative of human thought and intention, reflected through the visual pull of the enamel forms.

The placement of the painted forms is thus paramount – they are intended to interact with one another, reflecting subtle individual and familial relationships, and suggesting concepts of isolation and rejection, and conversely inclusion and embracement. This interaction is reinforced by the subdued colour scheme, the expansive negative space and the titles of the works.

…sky is falling is my first solo exhibition in which I have shown only paintings. I was keen for the chance to work on a larger scale, and to explore a particular theme that I envisaged since the completion of my work – she will go down with her ship of promises – last year. That work was the starting point I think, as while my original intention wasn’t necessarily for a skyscape sort of work, I think it does speak to me about the idea of the sky falling.

Since I’ve been exploring the human condition and relationships and relationship breakdowns to an extent, I liked the metaphor of the sky falling down around someone, along with the possibility to look at more apocalyptic, biomorphic inspired imagery. Having this exhibition also gave me the chance to explore and develop a body of work (as an exhibition) that ‘builds’ - from inception, heightened through the idea of doubt and worry in doubt clouds, an understanding and realisation reached in the subsequent works, and a resolution through the final works, culminating at Fallen; the idea of both the sky having fallen down, and also the historical and religious connotations of that word. I do see the exhibition as almost a narrative, with the enamel and aerosol forms having human-based dialogues with the dot matrix forms, which often represent ideas and intentions, and these dialogues and relationships playing out from beginning to end. Within this, the works allude to certain intentions, reactions, and an inquiry into human nature and the human condition, particularly during trials and emotional hardships.

I am also interested in the wider visual interaction of the works; the aesthetics and compositional components that make them work well together. In this way, they extend from the spacious, more carefree compositions and colour schemes towards the darker skyscapes that indicate the collapse of a feeling, of a relationship, and / or of the world itself.

sand by me + sky is falling

I was recently asked to be in On Site, an exhibition at made. creative space in Toowoomba, curated by Elysha Gould. The exhibition invited artists to exploit raw materials (such as sand, rocks and cement) that were donated by Wagners. Other invited artists included David Usher, Christian Low, Alex Isaacson, Nathan Coleman and Jacqui Linane.

I chose to work with sand, and after receiving this, had about a week and a half to have a fully resolved work. Needless to say, a fairly short and intensive period of brainstorming and experimentation followed! While initial concepts did not work out, I finally decided to use the sand on porcelain forms, and kiln fire them. The bisque (1040 degrees) changed the sand from brown to orange, so I added extra sand into the glaze firing (1240 degrees), which then turned the sand a dark pink. I utilised the leftover sand to spell out words for my finished work; an exploration of the literal dialogue between the two sand-covered porcelain forms. The title sand by me is a wordplay of the sand-written words 'stand by me'.

While I do not normally create works this quickly, or use sand or text in my ceramic works, it was an interesting concept that has extended my knowledge and experience. I think it is important to push myself as an artist and try new things, even if the end result is not perfect, and even if it is not something that I would pursue further.

Daniel Qualischefski, sand by me, 2011, kiln-fired sand, porcelain, clear gloss glaze, dimensions variable. [Photograph credits: above: Daniel Qualischefski; below: made.]

See more on facebook:

Daniel Qualischefski Art

made. creative space

Also! My solo exhibition sky is falling at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is coming up (not immediately, but soon enough, if you are as busy as me). So here's an invitation to whet your appetite, and I'll probably post more sneakpeek photographs on Daniel Qualischefski Art in the coming weeks.

Happy Monday,

Daniel.

Annual Manual

Photographs of my ceramic work will be featured in Annual Manual: A Guide to Australian Design Now at Sydney's Object Gallery. While I was not selected as one of the 8 finalists, I am among 9 runners up; hence the photographs, not actual works. It still seems like an excellent opportunity though, and I congratulate the finalists and other runners up. It is great to see and be a part of new and interesting creative Australian talent.


The opening night is Friday 8 April 2011, 6-8pm. At this stage I probably won't make the opening (mostly due to a lack of money for flights), but I'll see how I go. If YOU live in Sydney though, or are going to be there that night, let me know so I can RSVP and put your name on the door list, as space is limited. (I'm allowed two guests, so let me know ASAP please). Alternatively, you can see the exhibition when it runs from 9 April - 19 June 2011. See Object Gallery's website for opening hours and address.

Hope you can make it!

~ Daniel.

new new new.

New artworks (and necklaces) in progress!

2011 has been a very productive year for me so far - I've made 10 or so new necklaces (available from etsy online and made. creative space in Toowoomba) and started on some new painted paper works. These paintings are my current priority - primarily for my upcoming solo show 'sky is falling' at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. I will definitely upload some photos (and the official invite) soon.

I've also been working on some side-project drawings and collaborative zine works, and am going to be involved in a couple of group exhibitions at made.

The first of these opens this Friday night 6:30 - 9:30 pm, and features 2 of my smaller painted paper works, along with works by Joeli Eastell, Chelsie Luck, Elysha Gould and Miranda Sampson, among others. The opening is any-costume-themed (optional) and promises to be a fun night.

As always, stay tuned for more news and photographs, and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Daniel

HAPPY NEW YE[ART]

After an eventful few weeks of Christmas with family + friends, I am looking forward to making a fresh start in 2011 with some new artworks. After finishing my honours degree in 2010 (which was largely directed towards theory and my dissertation topic 'The Place of Skill in Contemporary Australian Art'), I will hopefully be focussing more time on the practical side of my practice this year, and on getting more exposure in exhibitions.

I am having an exhibition at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery from May to June, so I will soon be making paper works for that. My proposal for the exhibition was based on the title 'sky is falling', so while I will be creating similar visuals to my previous works, I will also focussing on more apocalyptic themes.

I also hope to extend my ceramic works this year, looking at different sized forms and pushing the boundaries of their presentation, while still maintaining the implied dialogue and the physical relationships between the forms that are inherent to their meaning and to the viewer's interpretation.

Watch this space (along with my facebook fan page) for my experiments, ideas and new works. Also, if you are interested in purchasing any of my ceramic necklace pieces, feel free to visit my etsy page. One day soon I will also be updating my page with non-necklace artworks for purchase.
Alternatively, you can alway contact me by commenting here or on facebook, or by emailing me at qualischefski@gmail.com with any enquiries.

Daniel

[SALE]

Need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping? Want to support my career as a struggling artist, while getting some excellent art in return? Then look no further!

I have some ceramic artworks currently for sale at Artisan in Fortitude Valley, and Artisan is offering 20% on Thurs 23rd Dec 5-7pm.

Cherish also features works from my artist friend and fellow blogger Cass Edney.

If my ceramic necklaces appeal more to your budget than my artworks, you might be interested to know that my etsy store also has 10% off all items for Christmas. Just enter the coupon code CHRISTMAS2010 at the store checkout.

art art art

So it has taken me a little while, but I am finally internetising the professional photograph (credit: the amazing cindy laine) of my work from this year's GraduArt catalogue jaded and bitter baby-sitter, 2010.

The GraduArt exhibition opening was a success by the way - a great turn-out of people and many were impressed with my work. The exhibition at USQ features my work they looked up to him; he looked down on them, 2010 and runs until 17th December 2010. The Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery features my paper work she will go down with her ship of promises, 2010 and that show runs until 5th Dec 2010.

Don't forget to come along to the 'Cherish' opening at Artisan this Thursday night 6pm if you can make it :-)

Upcoming Group Exhibitions

GRADUART @ USQ and TRAG, Toowoomba
Official Opening in the USQ Arts Gallery, Fri 12 Nov 2010 6.00pm

USQ Arts Gallery from 11 Nov to 17 Dec 2010
Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm West Street Toowoomba 4631 1127

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery from 11 Nov to 5 Dec 2010
Tue – Sat 10am – 4pm Sun 1pm – 4pm 531 Ruthven Street 4688 6652



CHERISH @ Artisan, Fortitude Valley
Official Opening at Artisan, Thurs 18 Nov 2010 6.00-8:00pm
381 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley TUES - FRI 10:30am - 5:30pm & SAT 10:00am - 4:00pm


Come along to see some of my newest artworks!

Paper and ceramic artworks in the works

Here are a couple of my latest 2D works. I'm hoping to combine elements from these (eg. the stark similicity of Look Up and the layering and intense nature of every beginning has an end). I think working on a larger scale will hopefully make this transition easier, giving me more room to work with and allowing more visual space around the layered areas.


Above: Look Up, 2010, acrylic, enamel and spray paint on colourfix paper.
Below: every beginning has an end, 2010, acrylic, oil paint, enamel, spray paint and mineral turpentine on colourfix paper.

In terms of my ceramic work, I am making a grouping of many small pierced forms. The grouping will be complemented by a larger form on a separate shelf. This is obviously taking some time, so photos will come once I've finished the work!

baby-sitting.

Unfortunately the latest ceramic work had a few troubles in its various stages of firing - I have a feeling that it was probably because I rushed it for assessment.


I am happy with my second-to-last work though, which I have titled jaded and bitter baby-sitter, (above). The work looks at implied [inner and outer] dialogue, and the way that relationships with others and their children influence the individual.

This work, along with some of my other recent works are on display at the latest art gallery in Toowoomba, 53Russell. The exhibition runs until the 8th of July, so if you get a chance to see it please do!

Daniel

All in this together

Just a quick post; one of my newest 2D works.




Daniel Qualischefski, Alone Together, 2010, enamel, permanent marker and spray paint on colourfix paper, 50 x 70cm.

I think they are coming along nicely... still just refining the visuals and the concept. The dots are very time consuming (thousands, all hand dotted!), but worth it I think. There is something very engaging about the repetitive I think, even if it isn't entirely evident that it has been hand crafted.

Busy Bee

Well I've been pretty busy lately - organising and making all the art for my next solo exhibition!


Magnetic Arrest
Ceramics + 2D works by Daniel Qualischefski
Exhibition Opening 7-10pm Friday 7th May 2010
Attic Art Space: Upstairs 249 Margaret St, Toowoomba QLD
Exhibition continues Saturdays 8th, 15th, 22nd May 2010 from 12noon-2pm.

So in my newest work I've been exploring the relationships between the ceramic forms more; how the viewer 'reads' what is presented, and the metaphorical dialogue that is created between adjacent forms. I'm also making whites and light grey forms primarily, strengthening the visual subtleties and hopefully being more visually appealing, as well as feeling more familiar to the viewer.

In terms of my 2D work (paintings, stitched, dotted pen work etc) I have been looking at similar human relationships, again through visual tension and dialogues. I've been experimenting with enamel and spray paint, I think it is coming along nicely. The stitched works are still the strongest I think - especially in terms of the tension and dialogue. The dot works are reminiscent of the ceramic works - intense and repetitive.

On a side note, a quote from Ricky Swallow recently struck a cord with me, I think it is particularly relevant to the time-consuming nature of my work.

“The time invested in a piece is somehow contained or embalmed in the object in the final result, and also contributes to the time an audience can spend with a piece.”

I love the quiet, contemplative nature of Swallow's work, and ultimately the beauty of his hand-crafted forms. I'm obviously researching a lot of other artists for my honours dissertation, including Del Kathryn Barton, but I just thought that was a nice quote for you all. My dissertation at this stage is looking at the place of skill and laborious processes in contemporary art.

Hopefully I'll get into blogging more again soon, amidst the process of creating and exploring.

And I shall eventually post photos from Magnetic Arrest on my facebook Daniel Qualischefski Art page, if not here as well.

:-) Happy blogging and making

Daniel

Back in the habit

It has taken a little while this year, but I am slowly getting back into making art. I've started my honours degree, so I am trying to focus on my theory and dissertation, but making art is definitely helping me get through.

In terms of my ceramic forms, I am trying to focus more on the individual groupings, and forming visual readings of these and their relationships - through the titles, colour and placement. I will be making more subtle greys and whites, as I think this is more familiar and inviting. I am also looking more conceptually at repetiton as catharsis, rather than the piercing as pain element. I am exploring repetition in my current 2D painted/drawn works as well, using repeated dots in organic circles, in contrast to spray painted areas.

Photos to come sometime soon hopefully.

Also, I've got an art fan page on Facebook now, which might be an easier way to keep up with how my art is progressing. I'll definitely keep this blog going as well though.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Daniel-Qualischefski-Art/100690633304946?ref=ts

Side Step

The 'holidays' have kept me pretty busy lately, and have for the most part kept me out of the ceramics studio. But I have made a few smaller forms in blacks/ greys/ whites to make necklaces.

So I've been experimenting with making more two-dimensional artworks again, using black spray paint and stitching cotton onto paper. It's a bit of a departure from my ceramics works visually, but I think they have some similarities in concept and process.

I've been spraying on first, which relies a lot on chance I guess (much like working with clay in the early forming process) - but still trying to some degree to manipulate the design. I then work out placement for where I will stitch (in similar shapes to my ceramic forms), and repetitivly pierce holes for this, then stitch through the designs. I'm pretty happy with the end results - obviously they still need work, but I am enjoying trying something different for the time being.

I hope the holidays are keeping you well, until next time,

Have a happy new year!

Daniel

Take Off Your Colours

So it's been a while.
And the Graduart exhibition at USQ has just wrapped up.
But over the coming weeks 'The Best of Graduart' will be on display still, with different artworks from some of the same artists [myself included].

And the good news keeps coming... I finally have photos for assessment / that last exhibition.

The artwork was titled "Take Off Your Colours", referencing the idea of the grey area in pain and annoyance. This was a continuation of the piercing concept; that inflicting and receiving pain / holes can be hurtful, but also the repetition can be cathartic. The grey areas then, can be deciding, for instance, when pain is necessary and even beneficial.

All going well I will have more news and photos coming soon - I hope to make some more smaller forms for necklaces in the next few weeks.

Along with preparations for Christmas and New Years, and life's other little joys and annoyances, I'm sure I will be kept busy! And hopefully motivated and ready to make some more artwork!

See you when? Then.

Daniel

Recent news & exhibitions

The USQ Tradeshow (artists from USQ in a group exhibition) entitled Project B was held at the Judith Wright Centre on Thursday and Friday night of last week. We all talked briefly about our artworks on the Thursday night. Not a huge amount of people came, but it was still a worthwhile experience - good to see so many talented artists and their artworks in one room! Special thanks must also go to Mel Robson for coming along; it was great to meet such an inspirational ceramic artist!

So next up is the Reflex: Graduart exhibition at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. The show is now on, and runs until 22 November. The exhibition also runs concurrently at the USQ Arts Gallery from 13 Nov to 13 Dec 2009, with different artworks from the same artists.

My artwork 'even if it kills me' [shown above, the detail of a larger work with five pierced forms] is in the TRAG gallery currently. The title is in response to the two forms shown above, which I'd previously called 'The Repetition Kills You'.

For the USQ part of the exhibition I will be having some of my black and grey pierced forms, the artwork entitled 'Take Off Your Colours'. Photos coming soon [hopefully]!!

Exhibitionssss

Here's some details for the group exhibitions I have coming up soon:

Project B

A diverse selection of third-year USQ Visual Arts students.

29 - 30 October 2009
@ Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts
420 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane

The works represent the culmination of three years' hard work, evolving from the disciplines of drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics and spatial construction. The students will talk briefly about their work on the evening of Thursday 29 October from 6.00-7.30pm followed by an opening of the exhibition. Staff and students will also be available for questions from 6.00-8.00pm on Friday 30 October.

Reflex: Graduart

This exhibition is the culmination of three years studying Visual Arts at USQ. Works by third year students will be showcased across a range of media (incl. Ceramics, Spatial Construction, Painting, Printmaking and Drawing) exploring different concepts, processes and materials.

Graduart will be held at two venues, with the official opening at USQ on Friday the 13th November 2009 at 6pm.

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
531 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
30th October - 22nd November
Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
Sun 1-4pm

USQ Art Gallery
University of Southern Queensland
West Street, Toowoomba
13th November - 13 December
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Please come along - the exhibitions should be really good. There are some really talented artists that will be included in the shows, with diverse media and visuals.

Tiny Tiny

The smallest of these forms (the white one) is only about 1.5cm diameter.

I'm still really happy with the black form. It's such a beautiful tone and sheen. So. More greys and blacks on their way... I just have to pierce them first!

Until next time,
~Daniel

P.S. Please feel free to leave a comment (negative or positive). I'd love to know what you think about my artwork!

Watch This Space

Here's another photograph of the pink forms... with the sheen instead of a shadow. I have about six pink forms now. They have a nice relationship, but I'm still not too sure how I feel about the colour.

I also got a nice surprise out of the kiln today... some tiny yellow forms (possibly looking into their use as jewellery), and a black one that I had glaze fired. The yellow is quite vibrant and strong, but still with a hint of subtlety and pastel-ness. I was impressed with the depth of colour and of the black especially. As usual, I used a body stain kneaded into the clay with a clear gloss glaze.

I'm looking forward to making more black and grey ones - for their visual and conceptual worth. Hopefully I will have some gradient between my white forms (that I'm still making, however sporadically) and the black and grey, so as to show relationships and familial interactions. Also the concept of emotional change and endurance - the fading of one feeling into another over time.
Having grey forms will hopefully be especially strong - suggesting (on top of the general idea of piercing as pain and annoyance, and relieving that pain through the cathartic creation of art,) that pain is not always black or white - it strengthens one's character and enables new directions and experiences. No pain, no gain?

EXHIBITION NEWS
Coming up in the following months, I will be in these group exhibitions:
"Project B" - Tradeshow @ Judith Wright Centre, Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
"Reflex" - USQ GraduArt exhibit at USQ Gallery and Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.

I'll have to dig up the dates for these soon... time is running out! Busy times ahead!
I'll also soon have more images of my artwork, including some black and grey forms.
Watch this space.