Originally from Whanganui and based in Naarm Melbourne, Caro Pattle holds a BA and BFA University of Tasmania and Bachelor of Textiles at RMIT (2019) and was named the Australian Textile Graduate of the Year by the Design Institute of Australia (2020). She has exhibited her work in Melbourne Now at the The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.

Caro’s soft vessels are made with hand-woven techniques similar to basketry, in lush velvet. These objects evoke joyful themes for viewers, inspired by functional objects yet only functional as art pieces to enjoy and delight over. Their Athenian shapes shimmer as the velvet moves under and over to create shape and volume. Yet, eventually, they slump due to their materiality, reminding us they are art pieces.

There is something particularly deluxe about their composition, their brilliant colour and texture are particularly abundant in her large scale pieces. Not only is Caro inspired by ancient Grecian vessels, but also the Japanese Shinto practice of object appreciation. In many ways, her pieces are a way to pay respect to an object’s beauty by reanimating its form with soft materials.

Playfully constructed vessels and bowls echo ancient two-armed wine and milk containers, evoking pleasure from not only their shape but also their materiality. Vibrant colour choices along with an abundant use of textiles to create each piece is what gives these sculptures their unforgettable character.