Artist Statement 2024
Danja is a Finnish-born artist living on Yuin land on the south coast of NSW. Poets, artists and weavers feature in her family and are of significant influence. Her works involve the natural world, after camping, travelling and working in many rural and remote regions. As an eco-artist, Danja uses found and recycled materials, welding and ceramics. Also with a long history of illustration and painting, the range of her work is diverse. The common denominator, a concern for the environment and for ecological trauma, made significant by experiencing the Currowan fires first-hand.
Artist Bio
Danja Derkenne holds a Diploma in Art Education, a BA, an MA, and a Masters of Research, from Macquarie University, and an MFA from the National Art School majoring in sculpture. Research topics include representations of time in English literature from the mid Victorian era, site specific representations of migrancy in post WWII Australia, and a survey history of ecological art in the 20th century. Danja has taught across all age groups, including art and design for Griffith Open University, ceramics for TAFE, and workshops for primary and secondary teachers. Her art practice has been similarly diverse, including commercial illustration, cartooning, and fine arts in two dimensional and three dimensional media. Danja has works held in many private collections, both in Australia and overseas but particularly enjoys mentoring other artists and sharing studio experiences.
Website: www.Danja.Derkenne.net
Instagram: @danja.derkenne
