she/her
Miri Badger is an Australian representational painter living and working in Meanjin/Brisbane.
Headshot by Imogen O’Doyle
Hi Miri! Tell me a bit about your background.
When did you start your artmaking?
Hi there! In terms of my background as a creative, I always knew art was something I wanted to pursue. I had been playing with watercolour painting and doodling around with drawing for as long as I can remember. While studying at National Art School I began to explore my visual language as a representational painter, but honestly think that my painting style and technique is continually developing.
‘Dolphins Meet Fluffy Bag’ Oil on wood board, 30cm x 20cm, 2021.
‘Blue Shoe Meets Egg’ Oil on wood board, 20cm x 30cm, 2021.
Who or what has inspired you as an artist?
There are so many to things! firstly I am also endlessly inspired by the everyday, the mundane and the decorative. I love fashion and often incorporate fashion objects into my still life works.
Some of the artist that are big influences are: Maria Lassnig, Salman Toor, Michael Armitage, Martin Kippenberger, David Hockney and Miriam Cahn.
Each of these artists inspire me through their unique approaches to representation and an ability to expand what painting is capable of.
Sunflower Meld, 48 x 64, Oil on Canvas, 2020
Nasturtiums at night, 48 x 64, Oil on Canvas, 2020.
What is your favourite medium to use?
I really enjoy the feeling of oil paints (classic). For years I avoided using them because I was freaked out by the arduous cleaning processes and methods I’d have to adhere to. In the past 3 years I’ve gone back to oil paint and have found I prefer its depth of colour and movement compared to acrylic paint.
Usually I paint on wood boards or sometimes canvas. I have also recently been experimenting with ceramics and am developing understanding of a more sculptural medium.
Threadbare | for Mutual Intent. 2021 - Exhibited at Brisbane Powerhouse for the 'Mutual Intent' group show, a collaboration between Kat Walsh and Miri Badger, curated by The Third Quarter & Yeti.
What themes do you pursue and explore?
There are a range of themes I explore in my works, in my most recent series ‘Drop of a Hat’ I presented a series of representational paintings depicting objects of adornment and decoration. These collaged artworks spoke to the ways in which we represent our interior selves through exterior expressions and symbols. All the works pictured alongside the interview are from this recent series.
Still Life with Horned Headdress, Oil on wood board, 80cm x 60cm, 2021.
Install shot of ‘Drop of a Hat’ exhibition.
Built in Stone by Hand, oil on wood, 80cm x 60cm. 2020.
She Cared for the Garden, oil on wood, 29cm x 42cm. 2020.
Built by Hand, oil on wood, 29cm x 21cm. 2020.
Tell me a bit about your mural works!
I dabbled in mural painting for a few years when I was at Art School but found I prefer studio conditions. When doing mural painting in the past I found it hard to stay focussed on the creative process while out in the elements and engaging with the public. I loved some of the mural’s I created during that time and feel that the experience taught me to understand my materials better as well as scale-up my work.
'Jelly Drip', 80cm x 60cm, Oil on Wood Panel, 2020.
Professionally, what’s your goal for the future?
I think my only goal is simply to keep making art and stay motivated during such a shocking time for the arts. I think one of the biggest challenges for many creatives is stamina in this ‘strange time’. I just hope that I can keep making art for a long time in a sustainable way!
Kewpie a Rabbit and a Lamb, oil on wood board, 61 x 46 cm, 2021.