Artful August: The Visuals

Celebrating the beauty of imperfections with The Visuals.

Celebrating the beauty of imperfection, Clementine Stoney Maconachie from The Visuals strives to find uniqueness in simple and beautiful objects. With a fine eye for detail and desire to pair back the complexities, Clementine has found the perfect balance of creating simple yet striking artforms.

After we fell in love with her Totem series – which will be featured in one of our upcoming campaigns, our curiosity led us to her studio in Petersham one morning to capture Clem in her element, and to get to know the artist a little more...

Where did your artistic journey start and where did your passion for art come from?

My mother was an artist and growing up, so art was always around. The smell of oil paint and Aquadhere glue reminds me of my childhood. Our house was filled with paintings, sculptures and art books.

Did you always imagine yourself to be an artist?

I think deep down I always hoped to be. I always loved art but early on my life and passions took a different direction, but it is always where I wanted to end up. I feel very fortunate that I can do what I love for a living.

"Inspiration is everywhere: travels, books and in nature. I love to come across a material and see if I can do something unexpected with it."

What is the inspiration behind your artworks? Is there a common theme or do you find a unique story behind each piece?

Each series has its own theme. Line sculptures are like drawings in 3D - simple, minimal lines inspired by people both real and imaginary. My folded pieces are about turning something hard, cold and flat into something soft, dynamic and beautiful. They are inspired by water, waves and other shapes in nature. My Totems are a series of stacked balanced abstract shapes that develop personalities as I make them.

Your work holds a beautiful simplicity yet there are still interesting details in each of your forms. What is your thought process as you begin a new piece?

Sometimes there is a plan but sometimes the process unfolds spontaneously. Sometimes I feel like I am a maximalist reforming to minimalism in my art.

It says on your bio you embrace beauty in the imperfections. Why is this important to you?

Because the best things in life are imperfect. It is also my resistance to the world of mass production.

We love the pops of colours you use in your totems – especially the electric blue. As you have such a beautiful neutral palette, when you do create an artwork in a bold colour, what influences your colour choice?

Inspiration for colours comes from many places, what someone I walk past might be wearing, colours in nature and also the rows of paints at the art store.

What does original artistry mean to you?

Original artistry means coming to an idea yourself. Inspiration can come from artists, design and other places but I believe you need to find what's yours and distinguish yourself from what others are doing. March to the beat of your own drum.

Where is your most favourite place in the world to find inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere: travels and books, in nature and in materials. I love to come across a material and see if I can do something unexpected with it.

Where is your next destination to escape?

London and Houston as I now have some galleries there.

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Artful August: The Visuals