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Olivia Parsonage

The year of the horse

11 April - 3 May 2026

OPENING/MEET THE ARTIST Saturday 11 April, 11am – 5pm ALL WELCOME

This body of work is made in the year of the Horse 2026. It reflects my continued interest in storytelling through fabric and associated materials. There are hints of strangeness and isolation but also curiosity and contemplation. It hopefully resonates with the energy of this astrological year.

How do you find your subject matter?
I’m inspired by images I see online , on t.v, in books, magazines, on walks in nature, dreams and when i look at my materials. Basically anything can trigger an idea. And the strongest ideas come when I am finally in the ‘zone’. Actively sewing and trying things.
 
What techniques do you use?
I sew images through the techniques of patchwork, applique and embroidery. Mostly machine stitching with a little hand sewing. I aim to add painting to my process as well so that the work becomes more mixed media.
 
Who are your influences?
I think I’m influenced by every artist I’ve ever come across, through all the different mediums. There is always something that speaks to me, whether it’s the theme, colour, scale, expression etc. Everyone is contributing something. And that’s what makes art exciting.

Olivia Parsonage is a full-time artist living and working in regional NSW. Her work is held in private and corporate collection in Australia and overseas. She completed a Diploma of Fine Art at Hornsby TAFE in 1998 and Bachelor of Natural History Illustration at the University of Newcastle.

She has previously exhibited in Sydney at Hornsby TAFE and Eden Gardens and in the Newcastle region at Watt Space Gallery, John Paynter Gallery, PODspace gallery and Maitland Town Hall.  She was previously represented by Gallery 139.

Olivia first exhibited in Straitjacket “right sides facing” in 2022 and “Scrambled” in 2024. This is her third represented solo exhibition with Straitjacket. 

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