Following 2 group shows last year – one locally and one with the Frances Keevil Gallery in Sydney, I have built up a body of new works for this show. I have continued to abstract the landscape, taking it a bit further than in previous paintings.

The more that I paint and play with the landscape, I realise how my geological background has influenced the way I paint … geology being the palette of all landscapes.

The landscapes of my immediate environment feature in the works, namely the gorge country around Armidale, especially Dangars Falls, coastal landforms and more recently, the Gloucester and Barrington Tops area or even less specific areas as in one painting, Full Dams and Green Hills.

In this exhibition, my work I think has become more abstracted.  Some of the paintings come from drawings, initially in ink, then overlayed with paint and more paint, while others are just the application of paint.

One large work is on canvas, while the others are on paper. I still prefer to work on paper in preference to canvas, because of the texture and the qualities of heavy cotton rag paper. It facilitates an immediate absorption of paint, allowing the marks to be visible when the paint is scraped back.

My palette is now warmer and extended; however, I still can’t resist the blues … maybe as a result of the last few months of dreary grey weather!

A larger work on paper is a combination of graphite, oil stick and collaged overlays, in an attempt to capture a link between art, the visual landscape and the earth’s structure, i.e. geology.

Influential painters in the past few years may have changed; however, Turner and Monet still have a major impact on my work. The more art you see, I guess the more you are influenced – even in a subtle subconscious way.

Another artist introduced me to the work of the contemporary German painter, Gerhard Richter, whose abstract work involves applying the paint and then ‘blurring’ through the layers.

With my day job, I get to see the whole gamut of artworks which must influence my art. In addition, the day to day contact with other artists and the many and varied conversations all contribute to the making of my art. The exhibition opens on Friday 2 March and runs until Saturday 24 March.

When and why did you first become interested in art?

Art has always been in my life. I’m not sure when this started, but I’ve always liked making things. There were encouraging teachers along the way; this includes high school teacher, Pauline Fuller and local artist and teacher, Fay Porter. Art School was a natural progression, and I gained a degree at Northern Rivers College in Lismore, followed by a Graduate Diploma at Sydney College of the Arts.

What materials do you prefer to work with?

A wide range of materials and techniques are used in my work. There is a certain dichotomy, where I tend to use oils en plein air and acrylics in the studio.

The outdoor oil paintings are direct impressions of the day. The studio works are multi layered pieces. In recent drawings, I have rediscovered charcoal and pencils. Lino block prints are another medium that I’m revisiting. Collage and mixed media are a mainstay.

Why have you chosen to exhibit at Gallery 126?

Gallery 126 supports local regional artists and the local arts industry. Gallery 126 fills the role of a commercial gallery in a regional centre, which not many regional galleries can maintain. It is exciting to be a part of the local art community and represented at a supportive gallery. Many local artists are landscape painters, and there is a sense of community and identity through plein air painting.

What can we expect to see at your exhibition?

This exhibition is the culmination of work from the local area, over the past few years. I have paintings, drawings, lino block prints, collage and photographs.

The Dangars Falls paintings are plein air, which are painted outdoors on site. Others are worked up in the studio, referencing drawings and photographs.

The attraction to stronger contrasts and bold shapes is a progression to simplification and hints at abstraction. The charcoal and printing tie in with the use of strong dark shapes. The pull between detail and simplification is part of the challenge, and both are represented in the exhibition.

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

The local landscape is a constant source of inspiration. I am attracted to the strong contrasts in the rock and trees, patterns of light and dark that occurs in places like Dangars Falls and Bald Rock. Working en plein air allows me to record the seasons and weather patterns. We have gone from drought to flood in the last few years. This is traced in the series of paintings in this exhibition.

Artists who inspire you?

Fred Williams is the quintessential Australian landscape painter. Fred made it cool to paint gum trees again, and landscape became a part of the Australian psyche.

Other inspirations have been the abstract expressionists like Motherwell, Kline and Still for their use of bold black shapes.

Margaret Preston is also someone I have always empathised with. The direction in my work is toward further simplification of the landscape and allegories that occur.

Exhibition dates

The opening is Friday 3 February, 5pm to 7pm. The exhibition will run from 3 February to 25 February.

New owners Clementine and Chris bring a combined 25  years of quality hospitality experience to the table. They are glad to continue the high standard of coffee, food and service that Caffiends On Marsh is known for. Chris is pleased to present his new menu which he better describes as classic cafe breakfasts and lunches.

Proprietors Clementine, Curtis and Chris Stibbard

Don’t be surprised to see some of Chris’s favorite mexican and french inspired foods also make an appearance.

Don’t forget to contact us for your work place coffee deliveries and catering inquiries.

Address: Shop 1/110 Marsh Street Armidale

Phone: 6771 3178

Open: 7 days, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-1.30pm, Sun 8am-1pm (1.30 Markets)

Caffiends Armidale Gallery

What have you been doing since we interviewed you in 2009?

About two years ago, my family and I moved house from the country to town, which has opened my artist’s eye to townscapes as well as landscapes. While I do miss the country life, town life has its perks: such as being able to walk to local cafés, galleries and the cinema. Last year my family and I travelled back to my home country of Canada for three months, to spend time with relatives and friends. During the visit, I experienced a deeper appreciation of the differences and similarities between both countries.

You have an upcoming exhibition at Gallery 126?

The title of the exhibition refers to two places close to my heart: Canada’s east coast and the New England region around Armidale. I enjoy the different colours and house styles of the rural homesteads in both countries, as well as the way Australian country properties are most often hidden from view, whereas Canadian rural properties are nearer the roads and in full view. The quality of light is different in each country, but there is a time in late afternoon where the light is at its most similar – with a real sense of vibrancy, as well as deeply shadowed areas. This exhibition represents about 18 months of intensive artistic study and work, photographing and sketching landscapes in both countries followed by painting in my studio to complete the finished works – which I hope the public will enjoy looking at.

Have you recognised any young talent arising from this region?

The New England region is brimming with talented people working in the cultural sector, and many emerging talents can be seen in the art world. Check out the art students’ exhibitions at TAFE to get an idea of the newest talents coming through. Other new artists are self-taught and start exhibiting in cafés and community-run galleries. We are lucky to have at least five galleries in the city of Armidale, with more galleries in Uralla, Walcha, Glen Innes, Tamworth and Inverell. I always enjoy seeing what my contemporaries are doing in regards to their art practice: what moves them and what they are trying to show us about the world they see. It can be exciting to witness an artist’s directional shift, or when they elaborate on and develop a style they have been immersed in for years. I enjoy talking to fellow artists about the creative process, and I really love heading out into the open air to sketch and paint side by side.

What have been your personal achievements in art?

While I was an artist in Canada, I was lucky enough to be awarded two government artist grants that allowed me to actualise a conceptual art project called Insecurities Project in 2002, as well as a series of paintings, Landed Immigrant Seeks Landscape. Since settling in Australia, I have been chosen as a finalist for several art prizes over the past 8 years. Being a finalist in an art prize gives an artist some recognition of the effort you put into your work. Art prizes involve a nerve-wracking process and usually end with a single lucky and talented artist winning fame, along with a sum of money. One idea would be an art prize’s funds being used to purchase several works of art from the finalist’s exhibition, and that this collection of art then be toured and exhibited more widely, benefiting more artists in the long term.

What’s next in 2012?

I know that I will continue painting and exploring within my art practice, always allowing the art to direct itself. I often feel that I am just a conduit and that while my work demands a certain amount of control, the process is not much under my control. I would love to build myself a more spacious studio space, perhaps built of straw bale in my back garden, with plenty of natural light and plenty of room to paint and contemplate. At this stage, it is still a dream and one that I hope can become reality in the next year or so.

Thanks Isabelle.

Ryan Charry.

The Wicklow offers and extensive menu, an impressive wine list and 16 beers on tap, including the Wicklow’s very own ‘Wicklow Gold’ – a mid-strength lager brewed by a boutique local brewer.

The hotel has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with two log fires for those warm summer days. It’s a pub that caters for young and old, with a kids room for the younguns and speciality beers and wines for the older ones.

So come in, be greeted by our friendly staff, have a drink and enjoy your time with us, we’re open until 3.00am most nights.

Address: Corner of Dumaresq and Marsh St, Armidale.

Open: 10am-3am Everyday

The Wicklow Hotel Gallery

The Team at Trax

 
With Asian influences, as well as a vast range of seafood specials that change every day, from a whole snapper to Atlantic salmon. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, start making tracks to Trax.

Address: 222 Rusden St, Armidale

Open: Daily Noon-2pm. Mon-Sat 6pm-9pm

Trax Restaurant Gallery

Craig & Ashlee Nordstrom

 
-Catering/Function Menus Available

-Open nights for private functions (15 people or more)

Address: Shop 8/9 Hanna’s Arcade, Armidale

Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm – Saturday 9am-1pm

Market Sundays 9am – 1pm

Closed Public Holidays

QC’s Cafe Gallery

Sandy and the new owners of Country Comfort want to bring you an enjoyable dining experience that is affordable. The setting of the heritage listed restaurant speaks for itself and with the colder months approaching our roaring open fire will ensure you have a relaxing and cosy night out.

Sandy Phillips.

Come in and check out our new winter menu

Address: 86 Barney Street, Armidale

Open: Monday-Sunday 6pm-8pm (Closed Public Holidays)

Squires Restaurant Gallery

Multi award winning Chef Rene Pauvert originates from France. The Bistro / Gourmet  deli in Moore Street opened in March 2003. The meal pictures is Risotto Rosso with kangaroo prosciutto to basil balsamic reduction and shaving of parmesan. Rene and his wife Jill also offer a catering service at the venue of your choice. Another great service is the E-Meals.

Rene Pauvert.

Address: Moore Street, Armidale

Open: Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm, Saturday 8am-2pm, Market Sunday 8.30am-2pm

Rene on the Mews

You can order gourmet lunch and dinners by visiting

www.touchofflavour.com

We offer non pretentious, bold flavored rustic modern Australian. Enjoy a pre dinner drink in our cocktail lounge. Our Restaurant is a relaxed smart casual dining environment perfect for small groups or a romantic night out. Bookings recommended.

Please see our website for the menu & special offers.

Address: 208 Dangar Street, Armidale

Open: Restaurant Open 5 Das a week from 6.30pm Closed Sunday & Wednesdays.

Armidale Regency Gallery

www.armidaleregency.com.au