I have been an artist all my life. My parents were immersed in the art world of Melbourne and I grew up surrounded by artists of all disciplines, musicians, architects and designers. I grew up in a house designed by my Father, Mid-Century Modern, with contemporary designs from all over the world surrounding me. Thus I followed the path which came naturally to me – being immersed in the arts.
I trained as a secondary art/craft teacher and retired in 2014 from a wonderful career working with young people. At the same time I have always continued to do what I love – make art. I have had many exhibitions, sales, and residencies over the years and now paint full time.
Exhibition Background
Initially I was inspired to paint dramatic landscapes in response to discovering a Great Uncle of mine, who lived and worked in Germany during the Romantic Period of art, from around 1800 to 1850. I was thrilled to discover his paintings, so much so, that I went to Germany recently to see his work in real life on display in some of the most famous art galleries in Europe. I also visited his family home in the north of Germany which is now a museum dedicated to his art.
The Romantic painters loved painting large open skies and beautiful old trees. Thus I began by simply drawing a horizon line and slapping on thick paint, creating drama, until it became convincing! I painted the skies first, not knowing what trees etc would actually end up there. La Nina was also in full force right outside my window. The dark, moody skies and dramatic light effects had a huge influence on the colours I used, the shapes and the textures.
In recent times I have been exploring the remaining remnant vegetation and wetland areas of the Bellarine Peninsula, in order to understand the consequences of European settlement. I have often wondered what this land would have been like prior to cultivation, settlement division and removal of indigenous vegetation on a grand scale.
So began this series of paintings, a combination of the Romantic painters approach and my personal response to the environment of the Bellarine Peninsula.
And so by studying, exploring, and discussing this combination of magnificent old trees, indigenous plants, animals and birds, my journey began.
I have added in animals and birds to my paintings that I think would have lived in these places prior to settlement. Apparently the land was teaming with wild life – huge numbers of animals, birds and all sort of creatures inhabited the wide open spaces, including the wetlands. That is, until the fences were built and the vegetation was removed for livestock and cultivation.