EPISODE NINETEEN: Bree DiMattina
Welcome to The Art of Making Art Podcast, a haven for artists and art lovers alike. Hosted by Christina Lowry, a visual artist based in Logan, Brisbane, the podcast delves into the romance and realities of artist studios and the Art Pact. In each episode, listeners are invited to gain insight and inspiration from artists as they openly discuss their creative journeys. This week, Christina is delighted to welcome Bree DiMattina, a distinguished arts consultant, writer, mentor, and dear friend. Bree shares her incredible journey from a former career in banking and behavioral science to her current role as a writer and researcher in the field of art. Her passion for textile and fiber art shines through as she discusses her PhD, which examines the emergence of these art forms in Australia from the mid-1960s to the early 1990s.
Bree’s path to becoming an arts writer and consultant was anything but straightforward. Originally pursuing a career in psychology, Bree found herself working in banking for a decade. After a career break and some reflection, she discovered her love for art history and pursued a degree as a mature-age student at the University of Queensland. Bree's engagement with her studies led her to realize her true calling in the art world, driving her to complete a PhD focused on textile practices influenced by social and historical contexts. Bree shares her insights on the interconnectedness of art with cultural and historical factors, such as multiculturalism and government policy. She emphasizes that art is influenced by a myriad of factors, exemplified by her research into how immigration policies and societal changes after World War II affected artistic practices in Australia.
A key aspect of Bree’s work involves mentoring emerging and mid-career artists. She aids them in articulating their artistic visions and contexts, drawing on her extensive art historical knowledge. Through her consultancy, Bree supports artists in discovering how they fit within the wider art canon, encouraging a deeper understanding of their materials and concepts. Bree's writing passion is evident as she discusses the joy of creating narratives that explore underappreciated media, such as textile and fiber art. Her experiences underscore the value of critical thinking in art and research, highlighting the importance of stepping back to take an objective view of one’s work.
According to Bree, the art world is simultaneously vast and intimately connected. She encourages others to create meaningful connections, offering advice in reaching out to artists and writers to share feedback and forge collaborative opportunities. Bree advocates for the power of networking, both in-person at art openings and digitally through platforms like Instagram.
For those aspiring to work in arts writing and consultancy, Bree emphasizes the significance of building a network and not being afraid to make connections. Her journey attests to the potential pathways available when you follow your passions and embrace new opportunities.
In closing, Christina reflects on the importance of cataloguing and professional writing in art exhibitions, suggesting that artists consider investing in these elements through budgeted grants. She also shares a personal milestone—her 22nd wedding anniversary—and her delight in celebrating Mother’s Day. Join us next week for more insightful conversations on The Art of Making Art Podcast, where artists open up about their creative journeys and build a thriving community of inspiration.
Keep exploring and embracing your artistic passions, no matter where your journey begins.