ABOUT

Irene lives in Marcus Beach, where the ocean and Noosa’s unique natural environment inspires and informs her work. Fascinated by small details, Irene strives to recreate the wonder of small things in nature, where the possibilities are limitless.

Her work is a mixture of functional ware and whimsical sculpture forms.

For many years, Irene has also been actively involved in the Woodford Folk Festival. She leads an art group called the Arteries, where participants collaborate on creative projects that highlight the power of teamwork and add to the festival’s unique beauty and magic. Irene also heads up the Venue Décor team and is occasionally known to whip up a hand-painted sign or two.

 

Contact Irene at irenevisser.art@gmail.com.

Professional Summary

Currently a practicing ceramic artist, workshop facilitator, calligrapher, lettering artist, festival art and décor artist.

Former Design and Communication lecturer with 23 years experience in facilitating learning in the design arts focusing on digital media and communication of visual ideas.

Graphic designer and marketing professional.

Career History

Webmaster and Committee Member (Volunteer) Jan 2021 – Present
Noosa Film Society, Qld July 2005 – Feb 2010

Venue Décor Installation Manager (Contract) Nov 2021 – Present
Woodfordia Inc

Art and Décor Assistant, Signwriter, Special Projects (Volunteer) July 2006 – Present
Woodfordia Inc

Leader of Arteries (monthly gathering of artists), decorating venues for special events, signwriting, venue facades and special art installation projects (giant paper maché fish, bees and beetles, mosaics).
Recruited and supervised student interns.

Lecturer – Design and Communication July 2001 – Feb 2021
University of the Sunshine Coast, Qld ¬– School of Creative Industries, Sippy Downs, Qld
Lecturer, Course coordinator, Research
in Design and Advertising.

Academic Qualifications

TAFE – Dip of Visual Arts 2024

University of the Sunshine Coast – Masters of Education 2013

Georgian College – Design Arts Program
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada 1980 – 1983

George Brown College – Marketing
Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1979 – 1980

Exhibitions

SWELL Small 2025 (Currumbin) 2 – 17 Mar 2024

  • Finalist

Nissarana Gallery (Noosa) Aug - Oct 2024

  • Group Exhibition

Nambour Garden Show June 2024

  • Sculpture on the Edge Display

TAFE Graduate Exhibition 7 Jun 2024

  • Student Exhibition

SWELL Small 2024 (Currumbin) 2 – 17 Mar 2024

  • Finalist

Art Hub (Cooroy) 2 Dec – Feb 2023

  • Collaborative Exhibition (3 Artists)

Sculpture on the Edge 19 Nov – 4 Dec  2022

  • Finalist

Noosa Open Studios 6 -15 Oct 2023

  • Participating Artist

Sculpture on the Edge 19 Nov – 4 Dec 2022

  • Finalist

Noosa Open Studios 1 -9 Oct 2022

  • Participating Artist

Workshops

Cooroy Butter Factory Mar 2024

  • Ceramic Tile Workshop