Tell us about yourself.

My name is Maddie Cardone and I am currently studying a double degree in art history and curatorship and visual arts, majoring in glass. My current work explores the tensions created between form and material, and attempts to communicate these concepts through a subtle, minimalist aesthetic. I never thought glass would be the medium that I would specialise in, but it has been the one material that constantly surprises me and is the one material that allows me to realise all of my creative ideas.

Have you always been a creative?

I have always been a creative person. As a child, I remember always turning to some form of art to occupy my time – whether it was painting, drawing, stringing necklaces of coloured pasta together, or writing short stories while staring out the car window. My mother has also majorly influenced me artistically – she studied ceramics at the School of Art in during the 1980s, and it’s a nice feeling knowing she walked the same halls as I do today.

Has being women-identifying informed your practice? If so, how?

I’m not sure if being a woman has specifically influenced my practice, but it has definitely caused me to listen to my thoughts and emotions and allow myself to be vulnerable in my work. I also think the strength behind my work is its mystery, elegance and ambiguity, which is what I think embodies the idea of a passionate yet modest sense of femininity. 

Name three women-identifying artists who inspire you.

Anges Martin (1912 – 2014), a painter who explores the truths in art and its ability to embody sensations of self. I often visit the National Gallery of Australia and always find myself standing in front of her canvases ­­– they are incredibly contemplative and honest in their minimalistic aesthetic.

Margaret Preston, an artist whose work has always been present in my life. I always find a sense of comfort and nostalgia in her prints.

Nadège Desgenétez, my teacher and mentor, who is strong and capable, yet humble and intuitive. Not only am I in awe of her glass-blown work, but her advice and presence throughout my development as an emerging artist has been highly valuable to me.

 Where do you see your artistic practice evolving?

I see my practice evolving into something that follows a minimalist aesthetic. I want my work to intrigue people through its simplicity. I hope to appeal to areas of design such as interior architecture. I would also like to build a reputation for myself on an international level, and I hope to be able to travel, teach and make art in different and exciting environments.