Cat Jones: Close to nature

Scratch the surface into her childhood, and it’s easy to see where artist Cat Jones’ inspiration and influence for her work stems.

- SIMONE ZIAZIARIS

Artist Cat Jones is best known for merging the art and plant science worlds, working in collaboration with neuroscientists, physiotherapists, biologists and botanists to create performative art.

While it may seem like an odd pairing to some, working in both worlds is inherent for Jones, who grew up surrounded by nature and with art and science featuring strongly throughout her childhood.

After living in Papua New Guinea for several years, Jones and her family moved to Queensland, spending much time outdoors, on the road, visiting creeks, swimming in rivers and working on farms.

"That is very much part of my identity: closeness to nature," Jones says. "It's very present when you live up north [in Australia]." Her mum has always been a keen gardener and would create "magic with plants wherever they lived. "She's created these mini rainforests in conditions that aren't necessarily rainforest conditions - yet she seemed to be able to manage it." Similarly, science was always of interest and a central part of family discussions.

Today, one of Jones' sisters works in health and environmental science, and another is a marine biologist.

The artist distinctly remembers attending a university open day, where her sister was part of a demonstration at a laboratory theatre. It was unlike the usual music and drama theatres she had spent time in, and she was fascinated by the room and set-up.

"It was a very simple demonstration, but it resulted in this giant explosion and  the formation of an object," Jones recalls. "The theatre, the way it was set up, was so performative. It was so spectacular. It elicited this incredible roar from the audience.

"I immediately saw the spectacular part that science can be. It drove this sense of curiosity after the event, and I think that's something that has carried through into the work that I make, especially because I keep remembering that love."