Come and be inspired
Current Exhibition
An exhibition of works by
Lizzy Newcomb
June 5th - July 29th 2010
Lizzy’s beautiful paintings are awash with colour and the joy of living. As a child, piles of paper, drawing books, pencils and paint brushes always seemed to spill out of her cupboards and it is still the same today.
“Looking at all the pencils and brushes in the newsagents was wonderful. Dad was an architect and hand painted all the detail on his plans by hand and I would sit and watch him bring the plans to life with lots of detail including people, shrubs, trees and cars, it was so inspiring.”
Initially inspired b the artwork of May Gibbs and her stories of the gumnut babies, Snugglepot and Cuddpie, Lizzy has developed her own unique style of naïve art. Throughout her travels she has found inspiration in the day to day life of the countries she has visited. Tile patterns in Italy to the intricate paintings, sculptures and stained glass found in the cathedrals Lizzy has always carried pencils and paper to scribble down ideas.
Sassafras Creek is her fifth solo show, along with various group exhibitions and Sydney based competitions such as the Sulman Art Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW, Blacktown City Art Prize and last year The Publishers Cup Cricket Art Prize.
Next Exhibition
An exhibition of intricate new works by
Louise Fox and Jennifer Gardiner
Opening Saturday 31 July 2010
Drinks and canapés 3-5 pm
Both visual arts educators, these two women have been artists and friends for many years, however, recently they found common themes. This exhibition is a result of their shared desire to express the beauty seen in observed detail, whether it be lichen growing on a fallen log or the sentimental beauty of old lace. Their work consists of collage, ink and watercolour on paper as well as digital works.
Jennifer has always had a desire to convey the abstract seen in the details of life. Her past solo exhibitions have portrayed close ups of leaves, rocks and bushfire. Each work for “Beauty in the Detail’ has come from the careful observation of patterns and textures found in lichen from her home in the Blue Mountains, visits to Kangaroo Valley, Penrose state forest and National Parks of Tasmania. The inherent beauty in the detail of lichen has lead her to form delicate kaleidoscopes, watercolours, collage, etchings and art books that hopefully inspire the viewer to see patterns within the everyday layers of nature.
“I was staying at Kangaroo Valley last year” says Jennifer “and was excited by the lichen growing on the rustic wooden fence and spent time photographing and painting the details of what I saw, I was hooked.”
Louise describes her starting point. “My son married last year. I started reflecting on brides and beauty. This led to using family heirlooms in my artmaking.”
“We were surprised at how similar lace and lichen can be.” Jennifer adds. “We decided to work together regularly to encourage each other and make ourselves accountable.”
