State of Flux Presents: Michelle Stewart

Michelle Stewart: Embodied Sensory Practice and Environmental Connection

State of Flux is excited to welcome Michelle Stewart, our first interstate artist, to speak about her practice at State of Flux Presents. Michelle shares work from her PhD at RMIT University, Melbourne, alongside earlier pieces that inform her practice. Her research explores how immersive, sensory fieldwork can be translated into tangible forms. She approaches making as an extension of these experiences, creating interactive objects and wearable pieces that embody physical and sensory encounters.

About Michelle

Based on Taungurung Country in the Central Victorian Highlands and closely surrounded by National Park and Old-growth forest ecosystems, Michelle is deeply engaged in these environments that inspire her practice. Working with glass since 2008, she is working towards a minimal impact with her practice through experimentation and a careful consideration of materiality and process. Michelle uses recycled materials and particularly glass to explore the theme of the natural landscape and the premise of human impact within it. She incorporates silver-smithing, glass casting and pâte de verre techniques as she explores the delicate balance of cause and effect. Primarily working in the jewellery field, she also presents installation, small sculpture and environmental art.

Michelle is a current PhD Candidate at RMIT University in naarm (Melbourne) exploring, ‘The Phenomena of the Forest’ in her mountain home and is teaching Jewellery at Melbourne Polytechnic. She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at RMIT University in 2017, with First Class Honours, after a previous Advanced Diploma at Melbourne Polytechnic in 2011. In 2018 she participated in a botanical research residency in Ontario, Canada, and presented her recycled glass and won a Sustainability in Glass award in Venice, Italy and in 2019 completed a year-long Artist in Residence at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland. In 2025 Michelle explored the NSW Spotted Gum forests at the Bundanon Arts Residency and is taking part in the ‘Art for Takayna’ in 2026 in lutruwita (TAS).

State of Flux is a dynamic, collaborative workshop and retail space for contemporary jewellery and objects. Run by members Jane Hodgetts, Anna Weber, Emma Bugg, Gabbee Stolp and Trudi Brinckman, we are dedicated to creating a hub for connection, support, and engagement, linking lutruwita's /Tasmania’s community of makers to the broader national and global conversation.

We hope you can join us as we host talk #4, with Michelle Stewart at State of Flux Presents!

Info: Michelle shares work from her PhD at RMIT University, Melbourne, alongside earlier pieces that inform her practice. Her research explores how immersive, sensory fieldwork can be translated into tangible forms. She approaches making as an extension of these experiences, creating interactive objects and wearable pieces that embody physical and sensory encounters.

Her practice prioritises minimal impact through careful processes and material choices. Using recycled glass, metals, and respectfully collected natural materials, her work centres on place, reparation, and care.

In response to the rapid destruction of species and habitats in Australia, her research seeks to reconnect bodily awareness with forest environments. Her work reminds us of our deep interdependence with natural systems, and our place within them. There will be time for Q & A at the end of the event.

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