Mixed Media
Penny Brooshooft
Penny Brooshooft is an artist based in Perth, who thrives at the intersection of creativity and sustainability.
Artist Profile
Penny Brooshooft is an artist based in Perth, who thrives at the intersection of creativity and sustainability. Formerly a zoologist, she is driven by a deep connection to nature and a commitment to sustainability, evident in her use of recycled materials. Penny’s signature technique involves transforming waste paper and cardboard into a versatile, clay-like material she affectionately calls “Cardcrete.” This dedication to repurposing waste is a core principle in her artistic practice, born from a desire to breathe new life into what might otherwise be discarded. She uses her Cardcrete medium to sculpt vessels, objects and wall sculptures imbued with a haptic quality and an unapologetic zest for colour.
While seeking to create beauty in her art, Penny intends the viewer to discover a deeper meaning beyond mere aesthetic; her artworks are created with an environmental consciousness and provide a comment on responsible creation, where discarded materials find a new and meaningful purpose. Through her art, Penny invites viewers to appreciate the inherent beauty and potential with everyday waste transformed.
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I work primarily with a medium I call "Cardcrete" which I develop from scratch using recycled paper and cardboard waste. I love working with Cardcrete as it is incredibly versatile – I can create very smooth finishes or highly textured ones, and I can build endless form by hand sculpting and joining. But I really love working with this medium because it is rooted in the notion of waste transformation. My background in environmental science ignited a deep connection with the environment. I hate waste generation, and I know my place in the world as a contributor of waste, which has led me to find ways to live as sustainably as I can within my means. Art, as an industry, is no stranger to waste contribution, so to align my core value of sustainable living with my passion for art, it is really important for me to be working with a medium that is environmentally conscious.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
My background in science informs my artistic approach. I like to break down the creation of an artwork into a series of well-defined steps, much like a scientific experiment. This structured approach allows me to execute the artwork efficiently, ensuring each step builds on the last to achieve the final vision.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I have a spare room that I have converted into my studio, although my studio encroaches on the rest of my house too! The kitchen and laundry have become wet area stations, while the bathroom and outdoor table double as drying areas for my projects.
Career Highlights
- The Other Art Fair Sydney 2022.
- Commissioned to complete a 5x4m mural in a private residence, Perth.
- Artwork stocked at Art Gallery of Western Australia Design Store.
