Art prizes can be a bit silly, being based on subjective choices. As artists we need to be aware of the emotional toll of submitting and being rejected much more often than we are accepted. Often we experience a disconnection from our peers and a sense of ‘not meeting the grade’. So are they worth…
It’s pretty obvious I am not a digital native, and I often feel a bit foolish paddling around the edges of social media platforms. But we are all told we have to get out there, right? Especially visual artists… Here’s something I’m quite chuffed about: Outdoor Gallery This year Moreton Bay Art Prize offered a…
I’m finally offering digital graphic recording! Getting there however, was comedy of technological errors. With a strong love of analogue work, I needed a big push to lay down my pens and paper and face the digital world. South of the Queensland border, my colleagues had been forced onto digital platforms two years earlier. A…
I’ve been doing a lot of graphic recording in the community sector in the greater Brisbane region. Much of the work has remained confidential, but I have a few images I can share. What stands out to me is the tenacious commitment and resourcefulness of the organisations and communities involved in this sector, as they…
I’d like to invite some reflections on the theme of ‘Understory’ because it’s not just about me – it’s about us and what holds us. Here’s a brief starting point, and further down the page, more reflections from the understory: A starting point I live in the upper catchment of Kedron Brook, where water draws…
With the cooler weather of autumn I’m happy to announce a new season of Park Life Drawing! We gather our picnic gear and frolic forth with two sessions in May, featuring musicians Glyn Hickling and Kate Barzdo as our models. The sessions are part of the Hills Festival, supported by Moreton Bay Regional Council. Both…
When C-19 locks you out of your regular haunt where you’ve drawn together for over 6 years, what do you do? There’s only so much you can do online – find out about how we creatively adapted, kept going as a group, and discovered unexpected benefits along the way. This short doco was a joy…
A special event, this Park Life Drawing session features the renowned musician Francis Gilfedder. Francis is bringing an assortment of wind and percussion instruments from around the world that will be interesting to draw and listen to as he poses for us in the cool shade under a leafy tree. It will be a relaxed…
I am excited to be presenting Shamani Nair for our first Costumed Life Drawing event back at Bunya House. Shamani is an Indian Classical dancer trained in a genre known as Bharata Natyam, an art form that combines melody, rhythm and expression. Dating back 2,000 years, this sacred art form originated from Tamil Nadu, a…
This is our fifth Park Life Drawing event and I am excited to be presenting Shamani Nair. Shamani is an Indian Classical dancer trained in a genre known as Bharata Natyam, an art form that combines melody, rhythm and expression. Dating back 2,000 years, this sacred art form originated from Tamil Nadu, a state in…
Drawing costumed models in outdoor settings is on! This is our fourth event and I am excited to be presenting Glyn Hickling and his trumpet! (We hope he and we won’t need to be wearing a raincoat though!) It will be a relaxed morning in a Ferny Hills park under trees away from the maddening…
Drawing costumed models in outdoor settings is on! This is our third event and I am excited to be presenting Des McPherson as our model, interpreting a late 1800’s mandolin player. It will be a relaxed morning in an Everton Hills park under trees away from the maddening crowd! Our model is quite extraordinary and…
Drawing costumed models in outdoor settings is on! This is our second event and I am excited to be presenting talented musician and yogini, Kate Barzdo as our model. Kate will play her harp for us at times during the session, so it will be an enjoyable and relaxed morning at a special spot in…
Here’s a chance to build your life drawing skills with a model booked for three hours, instead of the regular two hours. In this session I will teach key approaches to drawing proportionally, as well as supporting you to build your repertoire of expressive tone and line. This is a chance to consolidate and practice…
I would love to hear your observations, interpretations and questions – this ‘Artist Talk’ will be facilitated as a dialogue by Michelle Walker – Environmental Planner, Artist and Facilitator. Join us for a lively discussion about the themes and processes in my exhibition, Between Worlds. Seating is available for around 15 people and there is…