Art, Friends and 2 Upcoming Exhibitions
Where art is concerned collaboration between friends creates new possibilities and more fun.
When running the Eucalypt Day painting workshop I was put in mind of the connection between art and friendship. Friends attended the workshop together online or sat together to paint, or were excited to find friends had signed up from their post and were in the group. It became an event of friends creating together and having fun. My friend Gordon Harvey lent me his studio when my Wifi failed to deliver so the workshop could go ahead. I was touched by how my workshop provided the opportunity for friends to get together in a new way.
Friendship nurtures a spark in us. It inspires, enables, supports and strengthens us.
The time lapse videos I make while I paint are put to music made by Gordon. He composes, performs, arranges, records and releases albums of ambient jazz that record some of the best artists in the country. Recently we performed a Live launch of his recent album In Memory at the Northern Arts Hotel in Castlemaine. His music and technical support is such an important connection for my artistic work and life.
In reference to our creative collaboration and celebrating those that are with us I am dedicating my forthcoming exhibition with thanks to Gordon.
Love the One You’re With
A year in the making, I have painted the native plants of the City of Boroondara where I live and some of the walks I take along the Yarra River. The title of the exhibition is reflected at three levels.
First, I paint macro native flowers because I want people to see them, be curious about them and use them more in their gardens.
Secondly, Australian parks and gardens usually reflect our value of using exotic plants from overseas rather than our own native plants. The city of Boroondara is a green city bordered by the Yarra River where we can walk in bushland settings. It is also home to Maranoa Botanic Gardens Australia’s first and oldest native gardens. So it is easy to love our native plants without leaving the suburb and I’m very grateful.
Thirdly, we are reminded to love not only the flora of our country and our immediate environment but to be grateful for friends and family around us. To celebrate them and their contribution to our lives. And in that vein I celebrate having a friend who makes my work better and strengthens my life. Thanks Gordo.
Love the One You’re With
18 Oct - Dec 2
Exhibition Opening
Saturday November 11 2pm to 4pm
Town Hall Gallery 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn 3101, 10am to 5pm weekdays, 12pm to 4pm Saturday
Melbourne Society of Women Artists and Sculptors
Changing Perspectives 2023 is the 114th Annual Exhibition of the Melbourne Society of Women Painters & Sculptors.
Members and this includes me, have the opportunity to enter two of their best artworks to be displayed at the Victorian Artists Society Galleries (VAS). If you have never visited this venue you really should it is a beautiful purpose built gallery that is a real treat.
It will be open to the public between Friday 29 September and Monday 9 October. The official opening and is on Sunday 1 October at 2 pm where this year’s judge, Suzette Wearne, Assistant Curator at McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery will present prizes.
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am – 4pm Sat-Sun: 11am – 4pm
430 Albert St, East Melbourne 3002
So, I encourage you to take a closer look at the native plants around you, to be aware of nature where you live and to grab a friend and come out to an exhibition.