The Museum of Intrepid Exploration
The Museum of Intrepid Exploration is the studio, gathering space and ongoing art project of artist and occupational therapist Nicole Buckland.
The Museum is dedicated to intrepid exploration of the creative spirit.
It celebrates the joyful exuberance of the inner child and provides a place for practicing daily creative devotion. It is an open invitation to kindred spirits to gather and create together.
Visitors are welcome! Book into a workshop or private creative session, or make an appointment to drop by.
Nicole Buckland
Collage Artist, Educator, Occupational Therapist
I am a collage and mixed media artist devoted to creative exploration and the opportunities it provides for connecting with self and community.
I make art as a form of daily self-communion. It is a facilitated conversation between my adult, child and adolescent selves. Often it is an argument that ends badly. Sometimes it is divine.
As an occupational therapist & educator I have spent the last ten years working closely with consumers, carers and staff in mental health to build life practices that support recovery and enhance quality of life. Exploring creative practice and self-expression has been a very important element in this work.
Why Collage?
I work in several different mediums, but my creative practice always returns to collage for inspiration and innovation. It is a medium which is both entirely accessible and endlessly complex. It’s also really fun.
Collage is a perpetual treasure hunt, from collecting materials to finding the perfect elements for a piece. The practice of collage is an opportunity to reimagine the world in ways that are surprising, hilarious and unexpected. It gives a purpose to my inner packrat.
In 2023 I co-founded Sugar House Studios, a gallery, workshop and studio space in Brookvale. It is home to my ongoing creative project and studio, The Museum of Intrepid Exploration, which houses the artefacts from many creative expeditions and provides a space to welcome other would-be intrepid explorers to get lost in the creative act.