Mandy Renard was born in Melbourne, 1976 and has been residing in Tasmania since 1999. In 2004 Mandy completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania, and began to exhibit her work at several galleries.
In the past five years she has exhibited in twenty-three shows in Tasmania and Victoria, and is represented by Handmark, Port Jackson Press, Frances Keevil Galleries, and The Art Hotel. Mandy's work is held in private collections in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, England, Spain, Germany and the US. Mandy works and lives with her family in southern Tasmania.
The themes of beauty, a sense of 'home' and her love of the Tasmanian landscape are prominent in Renard's work. Her series 'Tasmanian Beauties' uses personification to transform Tasmanian iconic locations such as Mt Ossa and Cradle Mountain into intriguing Elizabethan characters. The technique of placing the most important elements of the landscape into the garments of these characters has made the work an instant success. Her characters, mostly women, are warm and approachable, and inspire reverence and gratitude for these spectacular wild places.
Merinda Young has worked professionally with glass for over 20 years and is particularly interested in kiln formed architectural glass and painted glass. Merinda has completed major commissions throughout Tasmania and in other states. She also regularly exhibits small-scale works through Handmark Gallery, Stanley Artworks and Artisan Gallery.
Merinda is passionate about education, sharing information and collaboration in art. Her studio operates as a private access studio. Merinda teaches regular classes to all levels of students and in 2007 lectured in glass at the School of Visual & Performing arts in Launceston.
To continually further her knowledge, Merinda has completed numerous master classes and workshops; most recently a workshop with John Reyntiens at Pilchuck Glass School, and a casting workshop with Donald Robertson in Melbourne.
