Blue Mountains artist and illustrator, Faye Wilson, showcased her latest body of work at Gallery 188 in Katoomba under the title 'Black White & Red Allover'. Faye, a stalwart supporter of the book as object, explores this theme with a wide range of objects scattered around the gallery on plinths, shelves and walls. In the centre of the room sat an oversized table and chair, complete with a jumbo pencil which visitors were invited to use to connect with their childhood notion of whimsy.
Faye Wilson
As the title of the exhibition alludes to, Faye limits her colour palette to black and white with the exception of a concertina book which reveals her background in graphic design with its geometric patterns and hard edge abstractions.
At the opening of the exhibition, Faye spoke of her fathers influence on her creativity, love of books and the meaning they had for her. In her artist statement she says-
Some of my happiest childhood memories are of being with my dad in the garage while he worked on his woodworking projects and I worked alongside him making books with plywood covers made from offcuts, then filling pages inside with poems and pictures.
Faye was born in Perth W.A and moved to NSW after graduating in Graphic Design and Fine Arts. Since then she has produced award winning illustration for a broad range of clients across the editorial, merchandising, fashion and textile industries. She is noted for the hugely successful calligraphic brush illustrations that she produced for Weiss during the 1980's.
At the exhibition opening, author and poet Mark O'Flynn gave a congratulatory speech in praise of Faye's eclectic yet cohesive show. Gallery director Victor Peralta commented that it was the finest looking show the gallery has held since the inception of the space.
Author Mark O'Flynn, Gallery Director Victor Peralta and Faye Wilson
Congratulations Faye on a stunning exhibition. Thank you for giving us an insight into your creative process and a body of work which conveys your love of words, pattern, graphic design, fine art and of course, the love of books.