We are head over heels in love with Perth artist Tanya Shultz’ colourful work that she creates under the name Pip & Pop. Tanya uses a lot of different and unusual materials in her art, including sugar! Her work will be featured in the upcoming PICA Salon exhibition, an annual art show that is now in its sixth year. Curated by Leigh Robb and Nadia Johnson, PICA Salon 2015 will present the works of nineteen local, national and international artists exploring the concept of Epic Narratives. Do read on to hear from Tanya and to see some snaps of her incredible art practice!
Official job title: Artist.
How would you describe Pip & Pop in just three words?
Sweet colour overload.
Your solo work is diverse, yet your style is really cohesive. Can you let us into your creative process, how do your ideas form and then become what they are when they are exhibited?
Ideas form through a mix of considered research and accidental encounters. Before I create an installation I embark on research related to that particular location; I’m really interested in folk stories and mythologies, especially ones that refer to searching for paradise or wish-fulfilment. Then this research combines with the things I encounter, materials I find, and snippets of local knowledge or stories. And of course material processes drive the work too – playing and experimenting with materials provides endless possibilities for new works.
You’ve also done a lot of collaborative works. How does the creative process differ when collaborating as opposed to working solo?
Working collaboratively is great – it’s super fun, challenging and a little bit scary at the same time. I love how ideas bounce back and forth and take the work in unexpected directions. But I also love working by myself, just being in a quiet space, absorbed in my own world. My practice is a nice mix of both solo and collaborative processes.
What’s your favourite colour?
Umm, do I have to choose just one?
I do use a huge amount of pink in my work – pastel fluoro pink.
Describe your studio:
My studio is super messy and covered in glitter. It’s overflowing with containers of every colourful material you can imagine, and things I might or might not use one day. There are multiple artworks and experiments in various stages of completion. It’s a kind of colourful chaos.
What is the best thing about your job?
Travel. I feel incredibly lucky to go to so many amazing places to create exhibitions. This year includes shows in Korea, Mexico, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.
It’s not just the joy of discovering new places but the lovely people I’ve met –so many people I’ve worked with have become really good friends.
What can we expect from Pip & Pop in the upcoming PICA Salon?
I’ll be making kaleidoscopic wallpaper and prints. Both are based on photos of colourful and sweet objects like miniature cakes, sugar patterns, plastic flowers, crystals and fake plants. Lots of detail, lots of colour, a little bit psychedelic.
Which local artists do you admire?
So many! Perth has a wealth of awesome artists: Rebecca Baumann, Clare Peake, Snapcat, Carla Adams, Liz Maruffo are just a few of my favourites.
What do you love about Perth?
Big blue skies, the sea breeze, and the small but passionate and supportive arts community.
What does Perth need?
Cheaper rent, more affordable studio spaces, a change of government.
Most frequented coffee spot?
Yocal in Freo.
Best live music venue?
The Odd Fellow.
Favourite beach?
Bathers Beach. It’s my local, and favourite sunset spot. Tanya
You can see Pip & Pop’s psychedelic, kaleidoscopic wallpaper and prints at PICA Salon from 5 July to 16 August 2015 at PICA. Entry is free. Here are some more snaps of Tanya’s work – we hope you love it as much as we do!
