At a time when most of us are considering what it means to live in and belong to this land, I am excited to be planning a plein air painting trip to the heart of the country, Alice Springs and the Simpson Desert. The Red Centre has long been the subject of collective imaginings, myth and legend, and holds a unique position in the psyche of all Australians.
I expect the experience to challenge me - to stretch me to my limits, even at times, into discomfort. The desert is a place of extremes, of silence and solitude. It is a landscape of vast open spaces, intense colours and dramatic forms. Responding as an artist promises to be both demanding and rewarding.
While there I plan to make a series of paintings that, when exhibited later in the year, will invite urban audiences to reconsider the desert’s mystical, sacred and environmental significance. My intention is to explore my relationship with the desert as a source of creative inspiration and spiritual encounter and to share that with you.
The project will begin with a 3-week residency in the vicinity of Alice Springs in April. There I will be immersed in the desert environment, investigating my connection with the landscape, meeting with other artists and being mentored by indigenous women elders. I will produce approximately 25 plein air and studio artworks in and around Tjoritja, (The MacDonnell Ranges) that will be exhibited publicly in the Lower Blue Mountains in June and later in Melbourne.
As a seasoned plein air landscape artist, I am well-positioned to create work that investigates, questions and redefines the role of the desert in my life and the lives of contemporary Australians. My hope is that you will see the value of this endeavour and support me to realise this goal. The project will be both challenging and costly and I will need your encouragement as well as financial backing. So, I am writing to invite you to become my patron by making a tax-deductible donation.
All donations will go through the Australian Cultural Fund, a fee-free government body that assists artists in raising funds to do creative work. 100% of your contribution will go to the project costs including travel, accommodation, art materials and equipment, framing and shipping of artworks.
So, that’s my big news for 2024, but before the year is out, I hope to see you at my forthcoming exhibition Realms and Ranges. This show is comprised mostly of the recent plein air oil paintings made in Capertee, Glen Davis and the vicinity. They are fresh, vibrant and energetic, complete with the odd flying bug and red dust! For catering purposes, please let me know if you are attending the drinks and canapes on Saturday 2 December at 4 pm. See below for other information about the exhibition.
I look forward to seeing you and thank you in advance for your generosity in supporting me.
Corinne invites you and your family to view
Realms and Ranges
An Exhibition of Plein Air and Studio Paintings made in the Capertee Valley and the Blue Mountains
2 - 3 December 2023, 10 am - 4 pm
Blaxland Gallery, 12 Jamison St, Blaxland, NSW 2774
Join Corinne for drinks and canapés on Saturday 2 December, at 4 pm
Please RSVP here for catering. Children are welcome
Afternoon Breeze, Pantoneys Crown, oil on board, 30 x 54 cm, 2023