I had every intention of writing this blog entry at least 4 weeks’ ago, early in 2017 but as usual time seems to pass by way too quickly.
With every new year I subconsciously reflect on the year that has passed, celebrating achievements, feeling proud of new things learnt and being grateful for good health and happy times spent with family and friends. Sometimes the year that passes delivers these fortunate memories more than others and I feel fortunate that last year was one of those years for me.
2016 was a wonderful year for me in terms of personal growth as I studied my Certificate III in Visual Arts at Northern College of Arts and Technology. The course was part-time and provided an excellent opportunity for me to learn new skills that I previously had not explored. The exposure to collage, watercolors, oils, acrylics, intaglio, gelatine and lino-cut printing have added a new dimension to my art and skills that I had not previously had. Weekly life drawing sessions really pushed me out of my comfort zone, into that space of self-doubt which is so critical to learning and growth. Prior to the course I really hadn’t enjoyed drawing and didn’t possess the skill or knowledge however, it is so nice to confidently say that I can now draw.
It was a really special time to work alongside other talented artists, collaborate and learn from one another. I feel really blessed to have met such beautiful women who have become wonderful friends.
Naturally, a particular medium resonates with us more than others and one that I am particularly enjoying at the moment is collage.
To enhance my interest and gain further inspiration, I attended a workshop in January at the home studio of Anne Warren and this inspired me to continue exploring collage further, resulting in a body of works titled “Glamorous Nature”.
These pieces explore the synchronicity between women and nature, in particular how the beauty of each collide and enhance each other. We live in a fast paced, disposable, sometimes artificial world where beauty is so often critically judged. My intention is for these works to celebrate the simplistic beauty of women and nature.
While I really never “plan” for what lies ahead, I do intend to exhibit this series in the future, whenever that may be. This series came together quite organically and while I can have the best of intentions of what work I may like to produce, the majority of the time it just happens.
I have made some conscious efforts however for 2017 which include continuing with intaglio printing and learning collagraph printing. As always I will always work on some mosaic pieces and jewellery.
For me it is important to be involved in my local arts’ community and therefore I will be volunteering as a Gallery Attendant at the beautiful historic Montsalvat in Eltham on a fortnightly basis. This provides an excellent opportunity to support other artists who exhibit in the galleries and also assist the daily operations at Montsalvat.
The first exhibition that I will take part in this year is titled “What Lies Beneath” a group exhibition by Thou Art Mum exploring Layers at the Long Gallery Montsalvat in April/May.
The 2016 NCAT Create students will also be exhibiting works relating to "Grids" at Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre from 3rd April - 1st May, 2017 and I will exhibit a piece titled "Spring in Tathra" in this group exhibition.
This year I will continue to have my art available for purchase. Currently it is available via Etsy, Red Bubble, Saatchi Art and other exhibitions throughout the year. Direct enquiries via this website and social media are also welcome.
