Works in progress: Homo-insecta

Pictured above: further progress shots of selected Homo-insecta linocuts: a studio view, followed by three detailed images: Hover Fly Winged Woman, Shield Bug Woman and Spider Hunting Wasp Woman. To learn about the linocut in the foreground of the top image, the Shield-backed Katydid Homo-insecta, visit Moth Woman Press HERE.

Time Out

In between sampling the many and varied delights of this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival (personal MIFF standouts include The Patience Stone, Shirley - Visions of Reality, Blancanieves, Wadja and the short film The Amber Amulet) we’ve also managed to fit in some theatre visits: Victorian Opera’s inspired and inspiring staging of Einstein on the Beach by Phillip Glass and their glorious production of Sunday in the Park with George by Stephen Sondheim. Our theatrical feast concluded last Saturday night when we experienced the breathtaking Botanica by legendary ballet company Momix.

On the drawing board: reference material, working drawings and lino blocks drawn up and ready for cutting.
Lino blocks L-R: Hover Fly Winged Woman and Spider Hunting Wasp Woman

Somehow I've also managed to make time for my own work (see above). With October’s Wonder Room group exhibition looming relatively soon after my solo show, I haven't been able to take a proper break. But a concentrated block of self-imposed "interruptions" has provided some much needed time out. I’ve been working at a slower, but steady pace, whilst being fed, nourished and rejuvenated by a plethora of rich theatrical and cinematic treats. It was time out I couldn't really afford; ironically, I'm sure my work is all the better for it.

Collective Vision

On Saturday afternoon we drove to Castlemaine for the opening of Collective Vision – Prints from the Castlemaine Art Gallery Permanent Collection 1970-2013. Pictured below is an installation view (my linocut Femme Fatale, 1996 is on the far right) followed by a small selection of works that were among my personal favourites. It’s a huge exhibition, and a must for lovers of print.  The exhibition was guest curated by Dick Turner and Su Mitton. It was launched by Roger Butler, Senior Curator of Australian Prints, Drawings and Illustrated Books, National Gallery of Australia.

Pictured above, from right: Deborah Klein, Femme Fatale, linocut, 1996, Margaret Lees, Nude with Compote, 1991, monoprint and pastel, Jan Senbergs, Port Liardet, 1992, etching, Philip Davey, Past Trees, 2007, etching, Dean Bowen, Joe’s Truck (Moving the House) 1989, lithograph, Brian Dunlop, Untitled (Three Ploughs) 1981, etching, Liz Caffin, 1997, Trees, Clouds and Water, etching, aquatint and drypoint

Pictured above:
Catherine Pilgrim, Untitled (Onion Skin) 2000, lithograph

Eric Thake, An Opera House in Every Home, 1972, linocut

Euan Heng, W'ensday, 1991, linocut, hand coloured

Rona Green, Sea Dog, linocut, hand coloured