About & exhibitions |
Printing at Equinox Printmaking
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I make works on paper presenting the natural world in novel and contemporary ways. I want to encourage the viewer to observe closely and wonder at nature and to consider its vulnerability.
I am inspired by nature, most often while walking because the pace encourages close observations, random meanderings and discovery of details not otherwise obvious. I am particularly attracted to unusual or significant plants and to end-of-life, such as spent seed pods. I work on life-sized and scaled depictions to show seldom observed aspects of nature, many of which are not commonly illustrated.
The simplicity of mark making with pencil (a most basic medium between subject and artwork) is particularly sensuous — on paper and on lithographic stone. The product is only black and shades of grey but captures beauty, complexity, resilience and vulnerability.
Stone lithography, a charming medium, demands dedication and patience — the printing stage can delight or despair; hence the reliance on expert printing. All prints were created in collaboration with master lithographer, Keith Wiltshire, at his atelier Equinox Printmaking in Chewton Victoria.
“When the finest nuances of a drawing on stone print faithfully with rich, full tonal range, it is joyous.”
Planning, drafting and executing the art works rely on frequent forays to inspect nature in situ and studying collected materials. Planning and research is as enjoyable as the product.
I have been working mainly in graphite pencil. Since 2019, with retirement from full time work and a move from Melbourne to Castlemaine, I have more time to dedicate to art. That encouraged me to navigate the quirks, challenges and allure of stone lithograph.
I am largely self-taught but benefited enormously from tuition with Dianne Emery and Mali Moir in classes at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
I am inspired by nature, most often while walking because the pace encourages close observations, random meanderings and discovery of details not otherwise obvious. I am particularly attracted to unusual or significant plants and to end-of-life, such as spent seed pods. I work on life-sized and scaled depictions to show seldom observed aspects of nature, many of which are not commonly illustrated.
The simplicity of mark making with pencil (a most basic medium between subject and artwork) is particularly sensuous — on paper and on lithographic stone. The product is only black and shades of grey but captures beauty, complexity, resilience and vulnerability.
Stone lithography, a charming medium, demands dedication and patience — the printing stage can delight or despair; hence the reliance on expert printing. All prints were created in collaboration with master lithographer, Keith Wiltshire, at his atelier Equinox Printmaking in Chewton Victoria.
“When the finest nuances of a drawing on stone print faithfully with rich, full tonal range, it is joyous.”
Planning, drafting and executing the art works rely on frequent forays to inspect nature in situ and studying collected materials. Planning and research is as enjoyable as the product.
I have been working mainly in graphite pencil. Since 2019, with retirement from full time work and a move from Melbourne to Castlemaine, I have more time to dedicate to art. That encouraged me to navigate the quirks, challenges and allure of stone lithograph.
I am largely self-taught but benefited enormously from tuition with Dianne Emery and Mali Moir in classes at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
Awards
2012 Celia Rosser Medal for Botanical Art
Group exhibitions
2020 Editions 2020, Tacit Art Galleries, Collingwood
2017, 2015 Reframing Nature, Domain House, Melbourne
2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006 The Art of Botanical Illustration, Domain House, Melbourne
2015 Neighbourhood Justice Centre, Melbourne
2006 Contemporary Botanical Art, Catanach’s, Armadale, Victoria
2005 Kangaroo House Gallery, Hurtsbridge, Victoria
2004 North Hamilton Rotary Art Show, Hamilton Art Gallery, Hamilton, Victoria
Collections
Media
Botanical Art Essays, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Nos. 10, 31, 37
https://www.rbgfriendsmelbourne.org/FRBGM_Content/Botanic_Art_Folder/Variations_on_a_Theme_Essays.aspx
Alexander Krasovskis, Aggregata Plants and Gardens, 1 November 2014
http://aggregata.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-art-of-botanical-illustration.html
The Culture Concept Circle, 27 October 2014
https://www.thecultureconcept.com/art-of-botanical-illustration-exhibition-beauty-of-plants
2012 Celia Rosser Medal for Botanical Art
Group exhibitions
2020 Editions 2020, Tacit Art Galleries, Collingwood
2017, 2015 Reframing Nature, Domain House, Melbourne
2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006 The Art of Botanical Illustration, Domain House, Melbourne
2015 Neighbourhood Justice Centre, Melbourne
2006 Contemporary Botanical Art, Catanach’s, Armadale, Victoria
2005 Kangaroo House Gallery, Hurtsbridge, Victoria
2004 North Hamilton Rotary Art Show, Hamilton Art Gallery, Hamilton, Victoria
Collections
- State Botanical Collection, Herbarium of Victorian, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Three graphite works: Strelitzia nicolai 2008; Acacia melanoxylon 2010 and Callistemon linearis 2012
- State Library of Victoria, giclee copy
- City of Melbourne, giclee copy
- Fawkner Cemetery, Victoria. On a four metre wall panel: Eucalyptus camaldulensis gumnuts, seeds, seedlings
- Many private collections
Media
Botanical Art Essays, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Nos. 10, 31, 37
https://www.rbgfriendsmelbourne.org/FRBGM_Content/Botanic_Art_Folder/Variations_on_a_Theme_Essays.aspx
Alexander Krasovskis, Aggregata Plants and Gardens, 1 November 2014
http://aggregata.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-art-of-botanical-illustration.html
The Culture Concept Circle, 27 October 2014
https://www.thecultureconcept.com/art-of-botanical-illustration-exhibition-beauty-of-plants
