Aug 134 min read

Studio News - August 2024

I've never been any good at knitting, and I have the half finished blankets to prove it!

I'm in awe of people who can let the clickety clack of their knitting needles go nineteen to the dozen whilst they're watching TV or having a conversation; all without paying the slightest bit of attention to whether they're doing a knit-one or a pearl-one.

My attempts at conventional knitting have resulted in one decidedly wonky blanket of squares, which was once proudly draped across the back of the couch, and an incomplete scarf.......

I just never got the hang of it, much as I wanted to.

But what have my amateur knitting attempts got to do with my art?

Threads.

Strands.

Putting them together in a way that makes sense and becomes recognisable

as something.

My studio time lately has seen me beginning to consciously think about all my threads of interest, of which there are many!

I love textiles and patterns, structure in foliage, light and shade, landscapes and nature, lines or points of intersection, the textural differences between things, and of course, colour.

The trees, which I talked about last month were really the beginning of this way of thinking.

Since then I've returned to my sketchbook, looking objectively at what my drawings have been about and, when given free rein and the freedom to make drawings about absolutely anything, what I've chosen to capture in there.

I see organic shapes, wavy lines, blocks of strong contrast, pattern like repetition of elements. I also see simplicity of form.

So I've been exploring ways I can bring these threads together in such a way that the work still looks and feels like mine, but that encompasses, more of the things that make the work a more authentic reflection of me. I've had a couple of false starts, (one in particular which needs a complete re-work!) but now I'm on this pathway, it feels like the right one so I'll just keep going.

As for my knitting escapades; the dog is enjoying the blanket, the wool has made it's way to the studio so I can use it in printmaking and the knitting needles are in my 'interesting tools' pot on the workbench.

Maybe I'll try and pursue a knitting career when there's nothing left to paint about......which won't be anytime soon!

It's that time of year again!

Friday 30th August to Sunday 8th September

Noosa Open Studios 2024 trail guide and artists listing

In Queensland's largest open studios event, local artists and artisans invite you to visit their studios, galleries and workspaces during this free 9 day event.

Pick up a copy of this years trail guide locally or from participating studios and check it out online to start planning your visits!

Wallace House will once again be the hub for the event with an exhibition showcasing a piece by each participating artist, to give you a flavour of what to find out on the trails. The popular pop up cafe will be open each day, staffed by knowledgeable volunteers ready to help you plan your personalised art experience, it's a great place to start your trail.

I'm artist No.34 and you'll find me on page 41 of the guide next to ceramicist Anwen Thomas who's just around the corner from me on Lake Vista Drive, we look forward to welcoming you!

Check out the trail guide online

Affordable Art Fair Melbourne Manyung Gallery

If you're in Melbourne at the end of the month, save the date and check out the Affordable Art Fair at the Royal Exhibition Building.

I'm excited to be showing brand new works from my Latent Series with Manyung Gallery; you can see my work at the show or afterwards at one of their five galleries around the city.

Register your interest now to receive VIP tickets and be the first to see our stunning new lineup of original, affordable art!

Email the gallery direct at art@manyunggallery.com.au

Abstracts at Stevens Street Gallery and dates

Don't miss your chance to see this beautifully curated show of abstract work by local artists at Stevens Street Gallery in the historic hinterland town of Yandina before it closes on September 8th.

Stevens Street Gallery is a vibrant art space showcasing talented local artists and makers of beautiful things.

The gallery is an absolute treasure trove of creative delights, filled with original artworks in every style and hue, fabulous ceramics, prints, paintings and jewellery.

The gallery is open:

Tuesday to Friday 9am – 2pm

Saturday 9am – 3pm

So until next month,

I'd love to see you during Noosa Open Studios for a chat about all things art!