About

SharkChic is the business of Meredith (Meri) Peach, artist, fibre sculptor and basket maker.

I acknowledge the First Peoples of the lands where I live and work, and recognise their continuing connection to country and community. I pay respect to Elders, past, present and emerging.

I am an Australian fibre sculptor working with natural fibres and reclaimed synthetic materials. I was always interested in art and nature, and these interests have driven my career. After doing a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree and working for several years as an artist, illustrator and photographer, I later returned to university to study science, gained PhD in biology, and then worked as a marine biologist. My nickname at the time was Shark Chick – and I’m not the only one; it’s a moniker often given to women working with sharks. I often joked that if I ever returned to being an artist, that is what I would call my business.

I first experimented with basket making in 2002 and soon after branched out into fibre sculpture. Over the next decade I gradually phased out my scientific work as my artistic practice became full-time. My biology background continues to influence my work, which often references structures in nature and human relationships with the environment. I have taught fibre sculpture and basketry workshops since 2005. I regularly exhibit my work in group and solo gallery exhibitions, some of which I have also curated. I sell my baskets through Sturt Gallery and Timeless Textiles. I was a founding member, former President and Newsletter Editor of Basketry NSW Inc. I also write about fibre and basketry (see a recent article here), and am currently researching and writing a book on basketry history in Australia.

For more information on my current practice see my blog or find meripeachartist on Instagram.