Artist Statement

 

My recent creative work has  focused on the climate crisis and Australian bushfires. Devastating images of the 2019/2020 bushfires are scorched into the psyche of the Australian consciousness. Although it is written, both in nature and in scientific journals, the predictions of ongoing, dramatic climatic changes and the impact on our environment are still being contested in wars of words on political fronts. Many of my paintings examine the fragility and vulnerability of the natural environment and its dual capacity for resilience, endurance and strength.  There is an incredible beauty in the colours and details of the charred environment and its capacity for renewal. The narrative of the artworks examine the mirrored fragility and resilience of the human condition to the qualities of the natural environment. Through this creative process, I attempt to impart the viewer, not with a sense of seeing, but rather a sense of being part of the landscape, of deep belonging, spiritual connection, of custodianship and responsibility. A powerful response is evoked when the mind is stilled and the sacred is allowed to reveal itself in the interconnection and oneness of all things. I try to tap into this energy when I create my artwork.

 

Art Qualifications

2012 –  Printmaking modules, Western Institute of TAFE
2010/ 2011 –  Diploma of Fine Arts, Western Institute of TAFE
1982/ 1983 – Certificate II  Showcard & Ticketwriting, Orange TAFE College

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Grants & Awards:

  

2023 - Highly Commended, Cabonne Aquisitive Art Prize

2022 - Finalist, Regional Landscape Prize, Corner Store Gallery

2021 - Finalist, Mini Series Art Prize, Corner Store Gallery

2020 – Winner, People's Choice Award, Calleen Art Award - Cowra Regional Gallery
2015 – Winner, ‘Barbara Bennett Major Award’, Lachlan Valley Biennial Art Awards, Cowra Regional Gallery
2013 – Finalist, Cliftons Art Awards, Canberra Region
2012 – Orange Health Service, Arts + Health Strategy -  $1,000 landscape commission recipient
2012/ 2013 – Australia Council for the Arts ‘Artstart’ $10,000 grant recipient - July 2012 to July 2013

 

Professional Associations and Memberships :

NAVA

Wilderists Inc. 

Exhibitions:

2022 Regional Landscape Prize Exhibition, Corner Store Gallery
2022 Here and Now Group Exhibition, Orange Regional Gallery (Upcoming October 2022)

2022 ‘While the World Waits’ – Arts OutWest Travelling Exhibition – Multiply locations

2022 Inside this box, Corner Store Gallery

2021 Mini Series Art Prize, Corner Store Gallery

2021 Lachlan Valley Biennial Art Awards Exhibition - Cowra Regional Gallery

2020 Finalist - Calleen Art Awards Exhibition - Cowra Regional Gallery

2020 'Here and Now' Exhibition - Orange Regional Gallery 

2019 'Here and Now' Exhibition - Orange Regional Gallery

2018 ‘Call of the Wild’ Wilderists Inc. Exhibition – Grenfell Art Gallery

2017  Corner Store Gallery - Group Exhibitions

2016  Corner Store Gallery - Group Exhibitions

2015 Winner - ‘Barbara Bennett Major Award’, Lachlan Valley Biennial Art Awards - Cowra Regional Gallery
2015 Solo Painting Exhibition- 'Elevation', Jayes Gallery Molong.  July – Aug 2015
2014 ‘Wild Women of Arkaroola’ Exhibition – Queen Street Gallery, Woollahra

2014  Solo Printmaking Exhibition, 'Vertigo Warriors', Jayes Gallery Molong.  April – May 2014
2014   Colour City Creatives ‘Field Days/ Wine Week/ Food Week’ Group Exhibitions

2013/14  Orange Regional Gallery ‘100 km Art Show’ –  (Two works selected) - Group Exhibition
2013  Cowra Regional Gallery, Printmaking Exhibition – Group Exhibition by invitation (Six Artists Exhibiting)

2013   Colour City Creatives ‘Field Days/ Wine Week/ Food Week’ Exhibitions, The Barracks – Group Exhibitions
2013   Taste Orange ‘Frost Fest’ Art Exhibition – Group Exhibition
2013  ‘Australian Daydream’, Jane Tonks and Joel Tonks, Parkview Hotel, Orange – Joint Exhibition
2012/2013  Orange Health Service Arts + Health Strategy ‘A Clear View’ Exhibition
2012  Orange Tafe Diploma of Fine Arts end of year show – Group Exhibition
2012   ‘P5 Printmakers’ Exhibition, B Block Gallery, Orange Tafe – Group Exhibition
2012   Australian National Field Days Exhibition – Group Exhibition
2012   Colour City Creatives ‘Frost Fest’ Exhibition, The Barracks – Group Exhibition
2012   Taste Orange ‘Frost Fest’ Art Exhibition – Group Exhibition
2012   Taste Orange ‘Slow Summer’ Art Exhibition – Group Exhibition
2011   ‘100 Mile Show’ Orange Regional Gallery – Group Exhibition
2011  Orange Tafe Diploma of Fine Arts Class end of year show – Group Exhibition
2011   Solo exhibition ‘Immersed’, B Block Gallery, Orange Tafe  - Solo
2010   Bathurst Regional Art Gallery Portrait Prize, Bathurst NSW – Group Exhibition
2008  ‘Three Generations’ Exhibition, Parkview Hotel, Orange NSW - Curator & Exhibitor of Family Group Exhibit

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