Maria Simonelli
The Make Light Not War project creates pieces that challenge perpetuating myths surrounding the acceptance and integration of renewable energy technology into our daily lives. Given the clear science on climate change, the pieces aim to connect people to the potential and the optimism that this technology provides.
The pieces use remnant and organic materials that were destined for the waste stream. It also integrates efficient lighting and solar chargers into their design. Each piece displays both energy creation as well as utilising the energy it captures, creating a self-sustaining process.
The aim is for the pieces to have a sculptural presence, that emphasise the curvaceous form of the palm fronds, with the light adding a subtle ethereal feeling. The ultimate goal is to promote their natural aesthetic nature, the potential of the solar technology and create conversations about sustainability.
About Maria
Artist Bio:
Over Maria’s time as an artist and environmental advocate, she has witnessed the maturing of the environmental debate and the growing awareness of the drivers for sustainability.The declining health of the environment and its relevance to all aspects of sustaining life has given her a sense of urgency, reflected in a deeper expression through her practice.
She strongly believes the arts, through all its creative expressions, can act as a powerful facilitator for social change. Art and design gives people permission to engage, ask questions and understand, amongst the noise of conflicting information. Her art provides a way to have conversations about the over consumption patterns of our society.
A student from the Victoria College of the Arts, Maria has exhibited widely and is a past recipient of the Lighthouse Art Award and best use of non-traditional materials Jindivick Sculpture Exhibition.