Drawing Inspiration

Have been struggling to paint the last few weeks while I wait to hear back from a gallery. So with Damien over to have his semi-regular drawing session I decided I'd take the opportunity to get back to basics and do some studies of some of my new lovelies. This is one of the delightfully worried bears/mouses that arrived this week. I'm not sure what it says about me but I do tend to cackle an inordinate amount whenever I see such cute little critters looking so distressed. I know it's wrong - but I'm cackling as I write this. Deary me.

I can't wait to devise some frought situations for them in full colour. Hmm, and so returns the inspiration!

The Parity Refugees

These lovely little skunks came to live with me this week - fleeing high unemployment in the US. They have sought refuge in my studio as parity paid models. They have recent company in some Enesco bears, and deer. I'm going to need a wild-life reserve soon!

Long live parity!

My little donkey painting has been selected for the Eutick

I'm still doing my little happy dance after hearing today that my still life painting 'Head On' has been selected for the Eutick Memorial Still Life Award at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. The exhibition will run from 12th November 'til the 15th January.

They're such good little horsies!

Measure For Meaure

Amidst SALA tweaking of videos and presentations, teaching commitments and nipping off to Melbourne for the Art Fair I've managed to complete 15 works for my vanitas series.

I've decided to call the series "Measure for Measure". It satisfies me on several levels - as they are about the way we reflect on the passage of time in our lives and they also incorporate measuring devices and items that have passed from fashion.

This one, 3/4ths of an ounce is my current favourite. The title refers to the research of Dr. Duncan MacDougall, who in 1907 published his studies into the weight of the human soul. He conducted several tests in the form of weighing dying people immediately before and after their deaths. His first result from the death of a man dying of TB resulted in a weight loss of 3/4ths of an ounce as determined by the beam scales that had been placed beneath the framework of his deathbed.

Three more large works to do, and one small and then I shall release them in to the wild.

Niki's Hand

I don't really get to a lot of openings, but today was an exception. In the blustery chill afternoon Hans and I travelled to the opening of Niki Sperou's exhibition the Golden Fleece at the Prospect Gallery. Niki makes thoughtful works by hand that are imbued with the invested energy and meaning that builds up in an object which is painstakingly crafted. Making art which is driven by personal desire lends it a special quality that I personally treasure. It's like the hand-made quilt that my grandmother made me, or indeed every painting I create from stretching to varnish. These are are loving acts of creativity which give expression to the simple acts of being. Well done Niki!  

And the thing in my head goes click!

After weeks of forced discipline I woke up on Monday morning with the correct head attached and started painting. I've finished two pieces already this week with four in progress and five more to mark up. It's very satisfying to finally find where I left that bookmark in my painting brain.

Brain Switch

Having completed the agonising but deeply rewarding video process I've been trying to get my head back into paint-space. It's not really happening yet, but I'm still pushing for at least an hour a day to swish some paint around. It's a good time to get some R&D done for the current body of work. I have around 15 pieces either done or on the go, but I really need about another ten to feel comfortable. Sadly off the wall in Sydney has been cancelled. I had hoped to debut this body of work there, but c'est la vie, the universe has other plans... I just hope She knows what She's about.