Artwork: Electronic servants – chilling 2025
Artist: Michele England
Medium: reclaimed linen, cotton and synthetic floss, cotton fabric remnant, bamboo batting, botanical dye from Calthorpes ornamental plum, wire, old button
Dimensions: 54 x 25cm
Acquisition: An acquisition of the ACT Legislative Assembly Art Advisory Committee, 2025
Asset no: OLA002997
About the Work
Michele England Electronic servants – chilling, is one of a trio of works that reflected the changing domestic situation with the introduction of electronic goods such as the iron, the refrigerator and the washing machine. This work was competed as part of the annual Craft + Design Canberra Artist-in-Residence program. England worked in several historic houses, including Calthorpes House. The shape of the linen was drawn from the shape of the house, with echoes of old peg holders or tea cosies. The metal ‘hand’ references how gloves were washed and stretched.
About the Artist
Michele England has a hybrid arts practice that mixes painting, textiles, printing and small objects. England studied at the ANU School of Art, completing a Batchelor of Arts in Visual Art, attaining First Class Honours, and in 2022 a Master of Philosophy in Visual Art. England has been shortlisted for several Art prizes including: Ravenswood Art Prize, Bruny Island Prize, Petite Miniatures Textiles, Calleen Art Award and Fishers Ghost Prize. England has been the recipient of ACT Arts grants, CAPO grants and awarded residencies. Her work is held in private collections across Australia.