Bridget Stehli Curnow
Sex symbol: The male nude represented on rugs.
You have beautiful hair. What was the weirdest approach you ever experienced?
Sydney is a weird city with a lot of weirdo men in it. Once I was stalked by a masturbating jogger. Recently a man was taking videos of me on the train, I chased him down, took photos of him and posted them online. Not sure any of those encounters were specifically because those guys liked my hair.
Where do you come from - what do you work in, what did you study?
I have a Bachelor of Fine Art from the National Art School (Sydney) where I majored in painting. Along the way I developed an interest in the intersection between feminist theory and craft pastimes of the 1970s and started working in textiles, mainly rug making. I now incorporate both into my work plus a bit of video and some installation.
If you could describe yourself with three comic figures, which ones would you be?
I'm 95% Lisa Simpson, 3% Ren and 2% Minerva the Mink
Why dicks ’n pics on rugs?
I became interested in working with the male nude for the same reason that I approached rug making and other craft practices, both were thoroughly underrepresented and even denigrated in the greater art world. However what I'm specifically interested in is fan-culture and the alternative erotic gaze. Many of the rugs recreate images of Joe Dallesandro whose career as a professional sex symbol intrigues me as does his ability to appeal to both women and men equally. In a way it's fan-art. Really, really time-consuming fan-art.
When did you get this brilliant idea?
I first started working in this medium while at art school and looking for a way to 'draw' without drawing. I've always been a painter, but never felt satisfied with my drawings. I joined a drawing class where we were encouraged to think outside of traditional mediums like charcoal or pencil. I've been really into crafts since I was a kid and latch-hooking (rug making technique) was something I'd always wanted to try, I kind of just went off on my own little journey, bought some old books and vintage tools and it became a really solid part of my studio practice. I now think of it a lot like painting, it's very similar.
How much is a piece and where can we get it?
At present my pieces range from very cheap to way out of my own price range. I'm easy to contact on instagram and very friendly. China Heights Gallery (Sydney) currently has my most recent piece, a 4.5 foot David Lee Roth.
What is your message to the world (in those COVID-19 times)?
Support and love each other!! If you are financially able, support artists and makers by buying their work during these tough times. Stay at home for the protection of those that are vulnerable. Be kind to the earth and to animals.
courtesy BRIDGET STEHLI CURNOW
interview FRANCIS SALVATOR
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