I am writing to invite you to come and see my new paintings of the Warrumbungles, Wollemi and closer to home and to hear about the personally challenging, wonderful and mysterious process of creating them.
Travelling to the Warrumbungles to paint was a journey both into and beyond my comfort zone. The natural beauty and majesty of the place was enthralling. I felt joy and contentment on my solitary hikes, watching birds flit and call, noticing the texture of bark, and the colour of rock and lichen. As I experienced the shimmering of light and the movement of the air and shadows, I was filled with what poet, Mary Oliver, calls 'earth-praise'.
At the same time, I felt the challenge of being physically away from my home - the safe place, familiar people and routines that support me to feel secure and grounded. Piggybacking on the wonder of being in this awe-inspiring place, were painful emotions such as grief, fear and anger.
With all this happening it is not surprising that the process of painting there was both challenging and wonderful. I had arrived with curiosity and openness, yet as I put my artist's hat on and immersed myself in the environment, I uncovered assumptions I had unwittingly taken with me that weren't helping. Unpacking these and navigating a different path felt uncomfortable, yet that is what I was compelled to do. It felt like a redefinition of my Self – a shift in my identity as an artist that I'd like to tell you about in person.
So, it is my pleasure to invite you to come to the exhibition of these new paintings on Saturday 3rd or Sunday 4th December. And I would especially love you to attend the Artist's Talk, Sparkling and Canapés at 4 pm on Saturday.
The exhibition, entitled 'Into & Beyond' is open to you and your guests to pop in any time between 10 am and 4 pm on those days, however for catering purposes, kindly RSVP for the Artist's Talk, using the button below or by email.
Looking forward to seeing you!
