September 2025 - Award Announcement

Collaborative Work Wins Sculpture Award. Shinju Matsuri.

It was a wonderful surprise to take out the Sculpture award at the 2025 Shinju Matsuri Art Awards at the beginning of September with our collaborative work ‘Deluge’.

The steel form was constructed by Ben with the form that sits above it woven by Jody.

Deluge. 2025

Medium: Steel, Austrian paper twine, embroidery thread 80cm x 50cm x 30 cm

Deluge rises as a metaphor for the monsoon of what nature is about to unleash. The work holds tension and release, weight and drift, evoking nature's restless, overwhelming breath.

This is the most recent work of lifelong collaborators Jody and Ben Loaring.

July 2025 – International Exhibition Announcement

Jody’s work “That which remains – the murder of Mary Smith” selected for Miniartextil34, the renowned international survey of contemporary fiber art in Como, Italy.

Miniartextil 34 – Como, Italy

We are honoured announce that Jody will be exhibiting in the 34th edition of Miniartextil, the internationally renowned exhibition of contemporary fibre art, held at Palazzo del Broletto in Como from 9 August to 21 September (opening 8 August at 6pm).

Jody is one of the 54 selected artists from 11 countries, in this edition that presents works that span from the signature minitextiles to ambitious, large-scale installations. Featured artists include Joana Vasconcelos, Joel Andrianomearisoa, Samuel Nnorom, Sabrina Mezzaqui, and others shaping the global fibre art scene.

With an accompanying program of workshops, concerts, and cultural events, Miniartextil continues to be a key platform for innovation and dialogue in contemporary textile practice — proud to be part of it.

Visit for Miniartextil for full details: https://www.miniartextil.it/en?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL31SdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpyUescZ29rzv4xfRA7dvSso0ffTlvMol6vz42aafWHxDFrVhVxJxNYzbsCtX_aem_hZtgr2Bnwrs-BDxln9MpnQ

May 2025 Publication Announcement

Benjamin’s paintings featured in NAFA (National Australian Fishing Annual)

We are pleased to share that one of Benjamin’s paintings has been featured in a full-page spread in *NAFA* (National Australian Fishing Annual) Issue #45, accompanying an article *Extreme Kayak Fishing* by regular contributor Kim Courtenay.
In addition, Benjamin has created the cover artwork for Kim Courtenay’s forthcoming second book. While we await the book’s launch, we invite you to explore the latest issue of *NAFA* to see Benjamin’s published work, page 110 -111
https://www.nafa.com.au/latest-issue

May 2025 Exhibition Announcement

Ben and Jody selected as finalists for the 2025 Jury Art Prize

We are thrilled to announce that both Benjamin and Jody have been selected as finalists for the 2025 Jury Art Prize for their sculptural works. This prestigious Pilbara-based award celebrates outstanding artistic talent from across Western Australia.

The finalists’ exhibition opens in Port Hedland on 7 June and will be live streamed to Yagan Square in Perth. We are honoured to be included in this year’s distinguished selection of artists.

See Exhibition Catalogue here https://courthousegallery.com .au/the-jury-art-prize/

**Tracks of Modernism.**
Benjamin Loaring

A rudimentary vehicle moves across the land, a seabird flies above. This journey leaves a mark, shaping the landscape. A four-wheeled cart evokes the past or a mechanized future. The seabird follows an ancient path with its inner compass -how do we respect this? Our impact on nature is ever present.

**Medium:** Steel, wood, copper
**Size:** 83cm (h) x 55cm (w) x 59cm (d)

The Offering. Jody Loaring

Drawn to the shoreline, this work reflects life’s turbulence and the gifts it offers up through the rhythmic cycle of waves. Four handwoven forms, made with Austrian paper twine, copper wine and embroidery thread, are created using a repetitive, meditative random weave process.
**Medium:** Austrian paper twine, embroidery thread, copper wire
**Size:** 11cm (h) x 18cm (w)x 30cm (d)

July 2024 Master Artisan Honour

Jody Recognised as a Master Artisan by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship. Geneva

Jody is honoured to be recognised as a master artisan by the Michelangelo Foundation and to be the first Western Australian artisan to featured in the launch of Australian Craftsmanship on the Homo Faber Guide.

Discover Jody ‘s profile here and make a booking to visit the Studio. https://www.homofaber.com/en/artisans/jody-loaring-ibgyyz

The Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship is a Geneva-based non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing master craftsmanship. Through international collaborations, exhibitions, and educational initiatives, it supports skilled artisans, fosters sustainable practices, and champions the enduring value of handmade excellence in contemporary society. The foundation’s initiatives include The Homo Faber Craft Biennale, the Homo Faber Guide, Homo Faber Fellowship programme, The Doppia Firma Collaboration and the Young Ambassador programme.

July 2024 International Exhibition Announcement

Jody invited to exhibit at Homo Faber’s Craft Biennale 2024 in Venice this September.

A celebration of contemporary craftsmanship: Inspiring Objects – Talented Artisans – A Global Experience

Jody Loaring. Homo Faber Craft Biennale 2024 invited artist.
Photo credit Benjamin Loaring.

The Ballad Of Mary Smith. Sculpture. Driftwood, Copper. 2022
Photo credit Jody Loaring.

I am proud and honoured to announce that I have been invited to exhibit in the Homo Faber Craft Biennale in Venice this September. The exhibition runs 1st September - 30th in the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice.

The Ballad of Mary Smith is to feature in the After Life exhibition room of the Homo Faber 2024 - The Journey of Life.

This incredible exhibition will showcase the works of master craft people from around the globe and I am thrilled to be included.
Art direction is by Luca Guadagnino and Nicolò Rosmarini and curated by the Michelangelo Foundation. Incredibly grateful to the Michelangelo Foundation for the inclusion of Marys story.

Homo Faber 2024
The Journey of Life
Art direction by Luca Guadagnino and Nicolò Rosmarini
Curated by the Michelangelo Foundation

A celebration of contemporary craftsmanship: Inspiring Objects – Talented Artisans – A Global Experience
1 – 30 September 2024
Venice, Fondazione Giorgio Cini

The Ballad of Mary Smith https://2024.homofaber.com/ecatalogue/objects/02iTG000000xRqbYAE

Website : https://2024.homofaber.com

Press release: https://www.michelangelofoundation.org/press/homo-faber-2024-the-journey-of-life/?lang=en

June 2024 Panel Appointment

Ben selected for the Judging Panel of Western Australia’s second-longest running art prize .

The Kimberley Art and Photographic Prize.

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View details of 2024 Judges through the link here https://www.kappawards.com.au/about/judges.aspx

The Kimberley Art Prize (KAP) has been facilitated by the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley (SDWK) since 1970, when, following a suggestion by the then Shire Clerk to run an annual art competition for residents of the Kimberley region, the SDWK agreed to sponsor the prize.

The art prize was a non-acquisitive prize until 1978. Since then the SDWK has acquired the winner. The Shire now owns a substantial art collection produced by some of the most talented artists in the region.

The KAP has grown to become a highly respected art award in the Australian arts industry; being one of the most remote art competitions in Australia and one of the longest running art prizes in Western Australia. Over the years it has provided a platform for many local and regional artists to develop and showcase their talents.

With a $10,000 acquisitive prize, the KAP has raised awareness of indigenous art and played a significant part in launching emerging artists.

Judges Bio Benjamin Loaring

Benjamin creates artworks that express a viewpoint of Social issues, historical narratives and concepts related to West Australian and wider Australian context through his art processes of sculpture, painting, photography and installation he materialises his own understandings of the world.

Loaring has works held in the public collection of the Shire of Derby West Kimberley, the Elizabeth and Lloyd Horn Collection and numerous private collections throughout Australia and internationally.

His accolades include two time winner of the acquisitive Kimberley Art and Photography Prize 2016 & 2019; View to Asia Outdoor Sculpture Prize, Broome winner 2019 and 3rd place 2018; Sculpture Award Shinju Matsuri Art Prize, Broome winner 2018 & 2015; Shinju Matsuri Art Prize winner of painting category, Broome, 2011; Highly Commended Award winner at the Shinju Matsuri 2014.

April 2024 Exhibition Announcement

Collaborative Exhibition Newlyweds’ Dream

A collaboration between Broome-based artist couple Jody and Benjamin Loaring, that tells a story of connection and disconnection to place.

The exhibition is comprised of original artworks created in North Bay Kudarup and Broome from 2004 to 2023. The work is powerful, with the artists having continued to authentically explore these themes over a sustained period and now represents a complete story that originated in Margaret River 20 years ago, evolved in Broome and now returns to its origins. With the current challenges of climate change and housing crises, the themes inspiring the original work are just as globally relevant now. Newlyweds’ Dream explores themes of ‘home’ and ‘identity’ through personal and community experiences of dislocation, relocation and environmental changes, deeply drawing on the artists’ own reflections of their connections to Margaret River and Broome. The exhibition presents an opportunity for these important stories of shared experience to be told.

Margaret River HEART Gallery , Wallcliffe Road Margaret River

Opening 5th April 6 - 8 pm.

RSVP loaring@hotmail.com

EXHIBITION 3 April - 23 April

ARTIST TALKS 9 & 16 April

https://artsmargaretriver.com/event/newlyweds-dream-2/2024-04-03/