School of Art & Design graduating artists: Isobel Waters and Liv Kidston
The journey of an artist is as much about discovery as it is about creation. On Campus had the pleasure of speaking with two graduating artists, Isobel Waters and Liv Kidston, both of whom are preparing to graduate after completing their Bachelor of Visual Arts degrees. Their works in glass and textiles reflect deeply personal explorations of materiality, memory, and storytelling and is currently on display at the 2024 Graduating Exhibition.
Embracing unique mediums
For Isobel Waters, glass became a lifelong fascination in her high school years. After completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Isobel returned to her first love: glasswork. "Glass is a very unique material," she explained. "Aesthetically, it has so many beautiful qualities. Working with it in liquid form is like working with molten sugar or honey—it’s incredible."
Her decision to study at ANU stemmed from the University's strong reputation in glass art. “The alumni from the ANU glass workshop are exceptional,” she said. “Being included in that umbrella of glass alumni is really exciting.”
Liv Kidston’s artistic path was deeply influenced by her family. "My grandma and mom were both artists," Liv shared. "For me, it’s a generational thing—my grandma inspired my mom, and my mom has done the same for me." Liv's practice focuses on embedding memory within textiles, using them as a medium to preserve generational knowledge.
Image: Liv Kidston with her work Avondale. Credit: Dan Rathbone.
Showcasing their work
Both artists recently exhibited their pieces in their graduating showcase, an emotional milestone for them. Isobel highlighted the significance of being part of the Canberra arts community, particularly after relocating from Adelaide. "Being able to exhibit alongside my peers is a really exciting time," she said.
For Liv, the experience of seeing her work displayed in a gallery for the first time was profound. "Textiles are often seen as craft, not fine art," she explained. “Seeing my work in a gallery space was emotional. Watching people engage with it, reading the artist statement and exploring the textures—it felt very special.”
Looking ahead
Both artists are eager to continue their artistic journeys. Liv plans to push the boundaries of quilting, inspired by the narrative-driven works of Tracey Emin. "I want to transform quilts from a traditional craft into contemporary art that’s rich with feminine narratives," she explained.
Isobel is considering a move back to Adelaide, where she hopes to join the JamFactory’s renowned glass program. "The dream is to become an artist-maker forever," she said with a smile.
See Isobel and Liv’s work as well as the exceptional work of the other 57 graduates at the ANU School of Art & Design 2024 Graduating Exhibition. This dynamic exhibition marks the culmination of years of dedication from the newest wave of artists and designers. Open daily from 10am–4pm, 30 November–8 December.
