Slow progress

 

Recently I set up a temporary studio in our dining room, as it’s adjacent to the living room where we’ve been screening our selections from this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival. (See Blog Post Thursday, August 12). The paintings shown here will be diptychs. Elements of the designs in the two pieces of needlework, both hand-stitched in the last century (possibly the late 1930s) by my late aunt, Eileen Klein, will be incorporated into the bottom panels. 

Progress on the new work has been slow, partly because we’ve been streaming films all week, but mainly because my chair has been hijacked. The works will be completed in time for Rückenfigur, my upcoming solo show at Queenscliff Gallery, or Alice will have to answer to it.

JOURNEY INTERRUPTED

The collective name for my most recent protagonists is ‘Rückenfiguren’ or alternatively, ‘Journeywomen’. Ironically, since they were freed from the ties that formerly bound them, they’ve spent most of their existence under lock and key, like fairy tale princesses of old. It seems they simply cannot escape their fate, no matter how hard they try.

Throughout the history of art, most notably in the works of German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich, the Rückenfigur, or back figure, has gamely turned to face an unknown destination. She invites the viewer to empathetically share her perspective and ultimately, her journey. This time it appears to be a journey back into lockdown, at least for now.

Since I wrote the above, my much-disrupted show, BACKSTORIES, has been granted yet another stay of execution, this time to September 5. For that, I thank Stephen McLaughlan from the bottom of my heart. Nobody could have done more to keep my show alive. Based on recent experience, however, Delta may have other plans. As originally rescheduled, the show should have gone ahead and run its course completely uninterrupted. A couple of days before it was due to open, however, along came the infamous furniture removalists… 

At least I had an Opening Event to remember (see HERE and HERE). I have Stephen to thank for that too, not to mention the wonderful people who came along to help me celebrate. Heartfelt thanks also to those who have acquired works from BACKSTORIES. Despite its convoluted run, the show has had an overwhelmingly positive response. All of this has meant the world. It was my decision to have the show now and I firmly believe it was the right way to go. I’ve previously outlined why, and have absolutely no regrets. 

When the current lockdown ends, hopefully BACKSTORIES will have a few more days to shine and those still keen to see it will get a chance to do so. At this point, I can’t offer any more than that, not at a time when there’s so little to be sure of, and certainly not in the face of the rampant stupidity of the relative few whose selfish actions affect so many.

Pictured top: Emergent English Rose, 2019, acrylic on linen, 40.5 x 30.5 cm, stoically waiting for lockdown to end. Photo credit: the artist.

Installation views of BACKSTORIES at Stephen McLaughlan Gallery are by Tim Gresham. Click on individual images for a clearer view.

BOOKISH

BOOKISH, the Print Council of Australia’s inaugural artist book exhibition, is now live. The online show features 94 works, including my one-of-a-kind concertina book, Cat’s Cradle, 2019. 

To see inside the book, visit Moth Woman Press HERE.

Due to the current outbreak of COVID-19 in NSW, the PCA is no longer able to exhibit BOOKISH at Sydney Contemporary Art Fair as originally planned, but hopes to hold an exhibition in Melbourne during October. The venue and dates will be announced shortly. 

BOOKISH celebrates 55 years of the Print Council of Australia. The link to the exhibition is HERE.

Memories of MIFFS Past

Yesterday this photo (shared via Instagram) came up as a Facebook memory. Two years and one day ago I was based in a small hotel room in Melbourne for the duration of the 2019 Melbourne International Film Festival. In between screenings I worked on several of the drawings that are now part of BACKSTORIES, my show at Stephen McLaughlan Gallery (currently in lockdown). Somewhere along the way, Scribe, the drawing on the worktable, was renamed Feather Tattoo. I think I prefer its former title. 

This is the original post (minus the hashtags):

Scribe, the drawing currently on my worktable, anticipated one of yesterday’s MIFF 2019  films, THE JUNIPER TREE (Dir. Nietzchka Keene, 1986), a dark medieval fantasy based on a tale collected by the Brothers Grimm. In the guise of a raven, the dead mother of a boy, Jónas, brings him a magical feather. The recently restored film is graced by a luminous central performance from Björk, as the boy’s stepsister, Margit. 

MIFF 2021 Ballarat Style

This year’s Melbourne International Film Festival is another scaled-down affair. Sadly, for the second year running, we won’t get to hang out in Melbourne with our special MIFF friends.

Sadder still, I won’t be turning heads with my snazzy new footwear (the result of a torn ligament, an old injury that has only recently been diagnosed), nor can I make it up the stairs to our cinema room. Instead, Shane and I must content ourselves with Miffing it in our downstairs living room under the watchful gaze of the Moth Women.

At least we’ll be well-caffeinated for streaming MIFF 69, thanks to our trusty MIFF mugs. So far we’ve clocked up ten films and still going strong. I’ve already fallen completely in love with one film. Looking forward to comparing notes on our favourites and not-so-favourites with MIFF buds, if only by text, email and social media. Hopefully this time next year it will be over coffee and cake or a glass of wine. 

BACKSTORIES extended to August 28

 

Everything’s coming up roses.🌹 

Thanks to the astonishingly resourceful Stephen McLaughlan, BACKSTORIES will reopen for viewing once the current lockdown ends. 

The flyer is for all the kind folk who asked if the show could be extended.🌹The Sondheim quote is for Stephen.

Image on invitation: Rambling Rose, 2019, acrylic on linen, 40.5 x 30.5 cm

Mercy dash

When I switched on the news early yesterday afternoon, it soon became clear where things were heading. With another lockdown imminent, Shane and I decided to do a mercy dash to Melbourne and have one last look at my solo show, BACKSTORIES. (1)

I’m so glad we did, because we bumped into our old friends, Lesley Duxbury and Michael Young. Lesley has exhibited with Stephen McLaughlan Gallery for many years and once upon a time was my boss when I taught in the Printmaking Department at RMIT University. (Pictured top: Stephen McLaughlan, Lesley Duxbury, myself and Michael Young. Photo credit: Shane Jones).

We also spent some quality time hanging out with Stephen. His knowledge of Melbourne’s architecture, including the heritage-listed Nicholas Building, his gallery’s home for the past 27 years, is astounding. As many of you know, this iconic building is on the market and the future of its many creative tenants has been in doubt. It was heartening to hear Stephen is optimistic that a positive outcome can ultimately be achieved.

L-R: Stephen McLaughlan and Shane Jones

Swanston Street entrance to the Nicholas Building

8th floor directory of tenants, Nicholas Building  

Above and below: Flinders Lane entrance to the Nicholas Building 

I won’t pretend I’m not sad and disappointed to have lost the last three days of my show, but in every other way, it has been one of my happiest exhibiting experiences. (2)

Technically, BACKSTORIES is still on until Sunday - it’s just that no one can visit the gallery. In an effort to bring the exhibition to you, I’ve made a little film. Unfortunately my handheld camera work leaves a lot to be desired. Seasick pills are highly recommended - it appears to have been photographed during a storm at sea. I love film and have friends who are talented filmmakers, but clearly none of it has rubbed off on me. It’s proved impossible to download the footage on this blog, but you can view it on my Instagram Artist Page HERE.

Fortunately photographer Tim Gresham took some installation views on Wednesday, which I’ll post as soon as they become available.

(1) A seven-day lockdown from 8 pm yesterday evening was later announced.

(2) Since writing the above, I’ve received an update about BACKSTORIES. Stay tuned for further announcements.

BACKSTORIES Artist Celebration Part 2

The BACKSTORIES Artist Celebration at Stephen McLaughlan Gallery last Saturday is something I’ll long remember. Since publishing my own photos of the event, I’ve been sent additional photographs. I’m thrilled to have them because they contain images of people who slipped through the net in the first round. 

As Stephen McLaughlan, who took the first three shots below, remarked, the photos are a useful record of attendees. But more than that, they hold precious memories of a very special day. 

Huge thanks to Julie Keating for sending through the remaining photographs. That’s Julie herself in the red and white spotted mask in Stephen’s photo second from the top and with Loris Button in the very last picture below.

L-R: Christine Hickson, Lucy Sussex, Heather Barker, Graeme Williams, Paul Logsdon, 

Ewan Barker, Tim Gresham, Sonja Hansen Dean Varndell, Tim Jones

L-R: Julie Keating, Louise Jennison, Gracia Haby, Vicki Fowler, Alistair Fowler, Peter and Iga Bajer

L-R: Shane Jones, Linda Gibbs, Vanessa Taylor, John Waller, Anna Maria Plescia and myself 

Photo credit for the above three views: Stephen McLaughlan

 From foreground, left: Dan Kellett, John Ryrie, Shane Jones, Lucy Sussex, 

Ewan and Heather Barker, Christine Hickson 

Stephen McLaughlan

L-R: Tim Gresham, Sonja Hansen, Gaye Britt, Dean Varndell, Gracia Haby,

Vicki Fowler, Louise Jennison 

L-R: Dean Varndell, Lucy Sussex, Alistair Fowler, 

Gracia Haby, Louise Jennison 

L-R: Tim Gresham, Christine Hickson, Loris Button,Peter and Iga Bajer

Dean Varndell 

Vanessa Taylor 

L-R: myself, Sonya Suares, Shane Jones, Lucy Sussex, Sonja Hansen, Gaye Britt,

Dean Varndell, Alistair Fowler, Gracia Haby, Vicki Fowler

L-R: Christine Hickson, Libby Drew and Scott, Euan and Catherine Heng, 

myself and Michael Vale

L-R: Ewan Barker, John Ryrie, Dan Kellett, Gaye Britt

Kathryn Ryan and Paul Logsdon 

L-R: Paul Logsdon, Kathryn Ryan, Graeme Williams, Leigh Hobbs

L-R: myself, Catherine Heng and Donna McRae

L-R: Lucy Sussex, Dean Varndell, Gracia Haby, Vicki Fowler, Louise Jennison 

L: Sonya Suares, myself, Tim Gresham; off-centre: Dan Kellett, John Ryrie, Shane Jones

Right: Lucy Sussex, Ewan and Heather Barker

L-R: Vanessa Taylor, Alistair Fowler, Vicki Fowler, Louise Jennison, Gracia Haby,

Sonja Hansen and Dean Varndell

L-R: Vicki Bellas, her friend Queenie and Mary Bellas

L-R: Gaye Britt, myself and Tim Gresham 

Photo credit for all but the photo below and the top three views: Julie Keating 

L-R: Loris Button, Julie Keating, Leigh Hobbs

Photo credit: Kathryn Ryan

The First Mrs de Winter

The First Mrs de Winter (2019, acrylic on linen, 40.5 x 30.5 cm, pictured above), is named after, but not based on, the title character, Rebecca, in the gothic novel by Daphne du Maurier (1938). Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 film adaptation is arguably better known, although the novel has never been out of print.

I gave the work its title after a fellow artist noted an uncanny resemblance between the two women. Despite it being unintended, I was even inclined to agree with him. Ironically, however, in Hitchcock’s film, apart from her image glimpsed in a portrait, we never actually see Rebecca, even in flashback. The first Mrs de Winter has died before the story even begins, yet she dominates every scene. 

The First Mrs de Winter is part of my solo show, BACKSTORIES at Stephen McLaughlan Gallery, current to Sunday, August 8. 

BACKSTORIES Artist Celebration

Above and below are a selection of photos snapped at Saturday afternoon’s lively opening of BACKSTORIES, my solo show at Stephen McLaughlan Gallery. (That’s Stephen pictured with me above). It was a marvellous turnout, although despite our best efforts, not everyone was captured on camera. Several people remarked that the event reminded them of how exhibition openings used to be before our lives changed so dramatically in 2020. For me, what meant the most was to see so many people from so many facets of my life all gathered together in one room. I still can’t believe the pictures are up on the walls. Stephen’s gorgeous hang allows the works to breathe and the response to the work itself was hugely gratifying. No artist could wish for more. Thanks again, Stephen and everyone who came and made the day so special. 

Click on each group for a clearer view. 

Pictured above, top left: Linda Gibbs; top right: John Ryrie, Des Cowley, Susan Millard, Vanessa Taylor;

Bottom left: Des Cowley, Susan Millard; bottom right: John Ryrie

Pictured above, top left: Priscilla Ambrosini, James Harrison; top right: Dmetri Kakmi, 

James Harrison, Ellen Jaye Benson, Sonya Suares, Dean Varndell, Sonja Hansen;

Bottom left: Loris Button, Julie Keating, Sonja Hansen, Tim Gresham; 

bottom right: John Ryrie, Danny

 Pictured above, top left: Tim Gresham, Dean Varndell, Gaye Britt; 

top right: myself, Sonya Suares, Vanessa Taylor;

Bottom left: Shane Jones and I; bottom right: myself and Graeme Williams 

  Pictured above, top left: Gracia Haby, Alistair Fowler, Vicki Fowler, Louise Jennison;

top right: Mary Bellas, Kathryn Ryan, Graeme Williams, Nathan Moshinsky,

  Sonya Suares, Julie Keating, myself; 

Bottom left: Peter and Iga Bajer; bottom right: Sonja Hansen, Dean Varndell, Oenone Oxelade 

 Pictured above, top left: Julie Keating, Shane Jones; top right: myself, Euan Heng, 

Jennifer Jones O’Neil, Catherine Heng;

Bottom left: Ellen Jaye Benson, Paul Compton, myself, Priscilla Ambrosini, Christine Hickson;

bottom right: Kathryn Ryan, Paul Logsdon, Shane Jones, myself, Sara Lindsay  

Pictured above, top left: Peter and Iga Bajer, Tim Gresham, Alistair Fowler, 

Dean Varndell, Gaye Britt; top right: myself and Sonya Suares

Bottom left: Installation view: Tomorrow, Tracker and Enisled, ink and gouache;

bottom right: Installation view: Three Women, triptych, acrylic on canvas 

BACKSTORIES - extended opening hours and some thank yous

Some snapshots of the memorable Artist Celebration of my solo show BACKSTORIES at Stephen McLaughlan Gallery will follow soon, but first this -

Warmest thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday afternoon, including those who traveled considerable distances, and a special mention to Stephen McLaughlan for making it happen, despite every curveball that was hurled at us.  

📷Photo credit second view: Stephen McLaughlan. Pictured L-R: myself, Sonya Suares, Vanessa Taylor, Kathryn Ryan, Julie Keating, Leigh Hobbs, Christine Hickson and Loris Button.

As the show enters its final week, please note the specially extended gallery hours: Monday-Friday 1 - 5 pm; Saturday 11am - 5pm; Sunday (August 8) 1 - 5 pm.