Pitcher, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 10 x 8 cm (pictured top in the upstairs kitchenette adjoining my studio, propped up by a vintage Johnson Brothers jug) is from a suite of miniature silhouettes created for next Sunday’s BMI Maker and Community Market.
The jug, from the Johnson Brothers Dream Town series, c 1950s, one of a pair recently purchased from Rocket and Belle in Ballarat, is currently among my favourite things. It was the point of departure for this work, although beyond elements of the colour scheme, there is no discernible resemblance between the two. The painting has been pared down to stylised shapes, drawing much of its inspiration from 1920s-30s Art Deco.
This series in progress (see also previous post) reintroduces the Shadow Women, a cast of characters that made their first public appearance in my paintings, prints, artist books and zines in 2013. The current works were started in fun, but in a remarkably brief time frame, appear to be pointing the way to future directions in my work. All going well, they will form the basis for an ambitious project that has been on the back burner for so many years, I’d all but given up on it. I certainly didn’t see that one coming.
Meanwhile, let us not forget the BMI Christmas Maker and Community Market:
Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Vic 3350.
Sunday December 18 from 9 am - 2 pm.
