There seems to be so much going on at the moment – a couple of my miniatures have arrived safely in Tasmania for ASMA (Tas)’s ‘Inspiration in Miniature’ exhibition. Today I’ve delivered my entry for ‘Artists of Mosman: 2088’ (but it will be next week before I find out whether or not I’m in); and in the next week or two I’ll also be delivering four pieces for KAS’s Autumn exhibition and another five for Sydney’s Royal Easter Show. It’s good to be involved in real exhibitions again – those Covid online exhibitions last year were less than ideal.
But most exciting has been finalising all the pieces I’ll soon be delivering to Kurrajong for my own exhibition at The Village Kitchen (running from 2 April to 7 May). I’ve loved creating this collection, probably because while I was painting I was also reliving the many wonderful trips I’ve had out west over the years …
With my mum, who was born in Orange and spent her formative years there. She and I had some really special trips to Orange over many years and I treasured being able to see and learn about so many places that helped shape her early years, and my own family history, with her.
With friends who moved to Bathurst in the late 1970s, and who I visited whenever I could during school and then college holidays. They drove me all over the central west back then, exploring so many country towns by day and by night, introducing me to some really interesting and fun people. They were good times.
And with other friends on day trips and overnighters – to wineries and gardens, restaurants and galleries, driving and walking, enjoying the scenery and capturing it in photos (not knowing at the time that those photos might one day be references for paintings). The striking colours of autumn, the stark beauty of chilly mid-winter, the freshness of spring and the devastation after summer bushfires – every season is unique.
‘Gone West’ is a collection of memories for me, and I hope it might also stir a good memory or two in those who get along to see it.
Dates and links:
‘Gone West’ at The Village Kitchen in Kurrajong (see my ‘Coming Up’ page for details)
KAS Autumn Exhibition at the St Ives Shopping Village from Monday 15 to Sunday 28 March
Artists of Mosman: 2088 at the Mosman Art Gallery from Saturday 20 March to Saturday 24 April
Sydney Royal Easter Show from Thursday 1 to Monday 12 April
ASMA (Tas) National Awards Exhibition ‘Inspiration in Miniature’ from Thursday 1 to Sunday 25 April
Until next month.