Exhibition Opening 'The Native Grid'

Yesterday saw the opening of my solo show titled 'The Native Grid' at Janet Clayton Gallery at Danks Street, Waterloo NSW. The show runs until December 1st 2012.

There are 23 wall pieces and 9 sets of 'Pod Clusters' in all. This is the culmination of 12 months work created in the studio at Wentworth Falls, NSW. 

Thanks to the many friends and familiar faces which made the opening day nerves somewhat bearable with kind comments and interesting feedback about the work. Anyone who truly knows me can attest that openings of exhibitions are not my most favourite part of the art world. Due to nerves, I get stumped and draw a blank when people ask me about particular fragments found in the work. My brain seems to store objects visually and betrays me when it comes to terminology.
To me, things exist because they exist, not because we name them. I can understand the relevance and need for the questions about my artwork, but please forgive me if I offer up anything other than the correct botanical name!

Thank you to my partner Maxx who is my greatest supporter and rigorous quality control officer when it comes to what leaves the studio! Without his sage advice, who knows what would end up on the gallery wall!

I'd also like to thank the supporters who regularly come to my openings and make them special;
A big thank you goes out to Felicity Jenkins, Sandra Winkworth, Tim Millet, Mouse, Phillip Black, Tom Hatfield, Melinda Leguay, Annie Aitken, David Wallace, Teh, Jodie Barker, Michael McCabe, Michael Broad, Frank Boyle, Tracey Gillan and a host of others!

​Native Grid 0312.3

​Native Grid 0312.3

Installation of 'The Native Grid' exhibition

Maxx & I took the remaining artworks to Janet Clayton Gallery in preparation for the opening of "The Native Grid" which opens Sat 10th between 3-5pm. The hanging was expertly done by Trevor, Janet and Jess and I am very grateful for their efforts in making the show look great!

Quiet

I've often wondered why I have decided on the path I am on and if truth be revealed, it has something to do with the value I place on solitude and working alone. Don't get me wrong... I love people in all their infinite variety, but I am nourished by solitude and feel the energy reserves leaking when faced with social situations. I envy people who are replenished, energetically fed and rebooted in social settings. I kinda work the opposite. 

I stumble across this revealing talk by Susan Cain, who left her job as an attorney to become a writer.

Susan Cain speaks on the power of 'Quiet in a world on extroverts'. Cain explores how modern society evolved to glorify the qualities associated with extroversion. No wonder I find it difficult to be anything other than an artist toiling away in seclusion in the studio!! 

A wonderful talk and a her book titled ' Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking' is definitely on my wish list.

Scott Marr's 'New Palette'

Over the weekend, Lost Bear Gallery opened artist Scott Marr's new collection of works  titled 'New Palette'. Scott's unique process of burning into the surface is called pyrography. What sets Scott's work apart in his technique, is the use of natural pigments to colour his whimsical & unusual subjects. 
Visitors to the Scott Marr 2012 exhibition will have the opportunity to view Scott working with pyrography and painting with pigments he collected from the Flinders Ranges during a visit earlier this year. Some of these pigments date back 600 million years.

Every Saturday and Sunday over the 4 weekends of the exhibition, Scott will be at Lost Bear Gallery applying his techniques and visual imagery to create a totem.

The exhibition is open until the 27th August 2012, in Leura NSW.

Saturday 4 August - 11am to 1pm
Sunday 5 August - 11am to 1pm

Saturday 11 August - 11am to 1pm
Sunday 12 August - 11am to 1pm

Saturday 18 August - 11am to 1pm
Sunday 19 August - 11am to 1pm

Saturday 25 August - 11am to 1pm
Sunday 26 August - 11am to 1pm

The volume of work Scott has completed over the last two years is astonishing. This is one exhibition not to be missed!