"Dust to water"

The exhibition opening

2011-02-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

Mother Nature, the exhibition opened on Thursday 17th Feb. at The Hotel Richmond First Bar, Level 1.

The atmosphere of relaxation in the private lounge portals of the Hotel Richmond First Bar set the scene for the visual art dislay of paintings and hand coloured etchings reflecting the sun, the earth and the seasons. A hub of a select few enjoyed a few wines and nibbles talking about art and the Fringe. I met with some old and some more frequent friends, a few new and exciting art lovers then afterward set to escape to dine at the restaurants on Gouger St. with my Fringe team, David my husband and wizard's apprentice and Feleena my consultant on everything Adelaide. We were accompanied by friend and relative Tracy Clarke and settled on a quiet but somewhat charming old pub.

From the desert to the sea Mother Nature demands an audience.

Fringe caravan

2011-02-28T15:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to say to get a glimpse of what the Fringe has to offer then head to Rundle Mall and see the performances at the Fringe Caravan.
The Caravan has a 50's/ 60's feel, one of those classic chrome and red caravans and topped up with a polka dotted presenter to intoduce a sample of the delights of the Fringe to the general public. Jugglers, singers, actors and even visual artists like me get to show their wares and entice the public to their events. The Fringe team always there to support you through your stage fright and hand out pamplets to the passerby.
I simply love Rundle Mall with all its atmosphere, not just the chic boutiques (which any woman enjoys0 but the sidewalk performanaces. The violin at one corner, a juggler at another, a mime artist, always there all year round. This month the Mall is full of Art and the Fringe Caravan is the place to stop.

A wash out of Unearthly Delights

2011-02-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

Hi again,

The Adelaide Fringe started wet but the postponing of the street parade did not deter the crowds from the streets from enjoying the Fringe events.

The Garden of Unearthly Delights definately the place to see. A somewhat sideshow setting of amazingly crafted stages of performances, art, craft and lip smacking food.

Set in the picturesce Rundle Park, the Garden of Unearthly Delights set the scene for the excitement that represents what the Fringe is all about. At night the lanterns sent unearthly shadows through the trees, whilst you were surrounded by shopfronted performance tents, artworks in their own right. Artists of all genres hypnotised the passing public offering delights, tempting the artistic taste buds to experience their unearthly performance.

2011-01-22T22:42:00.000-08:00

"Mother Nature" Adelaide Fringe 2011

An exhibition of paintings & etchings.

(above painting "Ochres in the Sand", Mixed Medium - Using Natural Ochres from central SA to Yunta )

(above relief, embossed etching "Nature's Oasis" - An oasis linked by steel, linier to the sea.)

Australia is the "lucky country", a place renowned for its natural beauty spanning from the desert to the sea. The sun, the circle of life and harmony provides us with warmth, light and the vibrant colour that highlights Australia's natural beauty.

The exhibition "Mother Nature" simply touches on the changing seasons and the wonder of nature around us under the harmony of the Australian sun.
Mother Nature has been depicted in her glorious beauty, but her power can be implacable. Our natural world is not always cruel but is incredibly wonderful.

Whether we live in one of our wonderful cities or in the remote inland Mother Nature demands an audience.

Adelaide Fringe - Gearing up, Get ready to go

2011-01-22T22:10:00.000-08:00

Been battling hard with the brush. I'm in the Fringe 2011. All exciting stuff too!

My exhibition "Mother Nature" is placed in the wonderful 1920's building of the Hotel Richmond in the heart of the Rundle Mall. Great place for a wine, a chat or fantastic food. Not just accomodation, the Richmond has that contemporary relaxed feel that is inviting after a busy day in the city. The wonderful refurbished level 1 extends over the balcony and is the place to be to see some "out of the box" art. Julia Crea knows her stuff when it comes to arranging functions etc. so give her a call for your next event.

The Fringe starts on 18th Feb. and wow! Adelaide knows how to party art, music, theatre, dance and you name it under one umbrella. BankSA the fantastic sponsor of Adelaide Fringe has chosen 107 events (out of hundreds) to assist in media exposure and Im priveledged to be one of them.

Marketing your work or event is not forgotten by the Fringe team. They are there to help you anytime, quick respones too. Now Christmas is over the team all have a lot to keep themselves busy leading up to the big day. Thanks team for getting me this far (and all the ongoing assistance).

NAVA cant be forgotten here too. It topped my Chrissy presents to get a marketing grant for my Fringe event. Brochures, posters and a booklet all at the printers.

I'm getting excited now! but still more work to do to prep and stage my event.

I'll keep in touch over the next few weeks and keep you up to date with the excitement before 18th feb.

By the way, I'm having an opening night on the Thursday 17th Feb 5pm - 6.30pm. If you are in Adelaide, visiting or live in this wondeerful city come along and say hello, have a wine and join the fun of the Adelaide Fringe 2011.

Wow! Magazine Feature & front page

2010-10-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

great news this month!

S.A. Mining and Energy Journal has printed a 2 page feature about my art and included one of my artworks on the cover.

The 2 page spread has a mixed medium painting of copper earth spread completely across the double page and the feature reflects the copper mining industries.

Great news and really tops off my year coming up to Christmas.

Silly season is creeping up on us all so keep safe, drive carefully, dont over spend on pressys and I will touch base for the festive season.

Great Surprise

2010-09-05T00:25:00.000-07:00

Hi again,
Just recieved great news.. I have just won the Pt Pirie aquisitive art prize.
I was a bit tounge tied and all I could say was "golly".

Makes you feel your hardwork for the year was not wasted.

go to www.djdee.com.au to view more of my paintings and etchings.

Cheers again

2010-09-05T00:03:00.000-07:00

I will say goodbye to my "water" home for the time being. Time to revisit my home in the dust. (or should I say mud, as rain has fallen in the bush and the outback roads are muddy). There is more rain to come. Great to see rain again anyway. The countryside is greener and new colours will appear in my paintings as we head for spring.

Overall a very good exhibition with opportunities arising.

I will begin my next series blog soon so keep me logged into your favourites. The next blog will include my travels in the bush then my artworks to follow. Hope you can come along for the ride.

Cheers

150yrs of Copper continued

2010-08-14T00:20:00.000-07:00

Tutworkers and Tributers exhibition opening was very successful with numbers of locals, visitors and artists enjoying a wine and nibbles talking about Art, life and people.

About 40 people converged on this small rarely full gallery at Moonta which gave a glisten to Pamela's eyes especially when red dots went up.

My varied style of etchings recieved the most interest, people love knowing about the people of our past. The historical canvas artworks raised interest from teachers and arts related visitors who were enthralled with my textured techniques.

Graham Hancock gave an interesting speech about my past exploits and conserving the heritage of Moonta and Burra.

Everyone was delighted to be given a commemorative postcard.

The highlight for me was to see Daryl Parker at the opening. Daryl did all the ground work to enable this wonderful Town Hall building in Moonta to transform into the wonderful gallery it is today.

After an exhausting day, and a sleep in I had a few days break to catch up on the dreaded tax bill etc.

Then back to the drawing board to plan the next venture, catch up on what is happening out there and email friends. I did enjoy a day of whiting fishing, that clears the brain.

I drove to Kadina also to follow my family history again, found out a great uncle was a criminal and also found Jeruselum where my grandmother lived when she first married. Liz Coole at the family history group is a woman after my own heart, she gets the same buzz I do when you find out something new. She knows the history, the people, the living and the dead.

The building School of Mines is a wonderful setting for the group to work from.

Raining, cold and windy. Cuppa time so will post more in a few days.

Paparazzi In Print

2010-08-05T01:22:00.000-07:00

My dust period is near over for a short time. Cant get the dust out of my bones so I will return.
Didnt have time to write a full blog during this project.
Too much to do and too little time to do it in.

Paparazzi In Print, years of notes, ideas, research, sketches all came together as one exhibition and a book.
Women in the past were rarely recognised for their achievments so my dream to contribute to that historical oversight is complete.
After many years travelling the outback and finding, sketching and noting the remnants of settlements littered amongst some of the inhospitable territory ever occupied by man I finally traced the steps and found these families. Always there were items, an old saucpan handle, a piece of crockery or just a few floorboard nails with memories of women who alongside their husbands forged an existance on the land.
Then not to forget those still living I added to my exhibition some women who within the community of Broken hill had never been noticed whilst they silently accomplished what at the time they thought was ordinary but is actually recognised now as extraordinary achievements.

The book still available in softcover was a new venture for me but totally enjoyable. The conversations, laughs and stories with families, including some men has been most enjoyable. The visitors to my exhibition, their inspiring comments, those people now ask their mothers and grandmothers to tell them their stories so they can be recorded for prosperity.

I have to say the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery were outstanding in their contribution not only to providing the venue but also the support provided to hang the works, statements, promoting my book and the particular display of one artwork not included in my book. This work was a portfolio of pages, handemade papers from old newspapers, clippings and empheria. An etching miniture of each exhibition work was placed on the pages and the cover made from recent newspaper papers enclosed the pages with a silver chain with lock, courtesy of the Silver City Mint.
A memorable experience for me but now I am to head to country near the sea.

Tutworkers & Tributers/ 150 yrs of Copper

2010-08-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

In Moonta for my new solo:
Hard work, finally finished and fine tuning the last minute details. Wow the cornish are complicated. Whoops! that means me too.

“Tutworkers and Tributers, 150 Years of Copper” at Moonta Gallery of the Arts will be officially opened by Councillor Graham Hancock 2pm on Sunday, 8th August - 29th Aug. 2010.

Artworks are up and a wonderful job done by volunteers Pam and Lyn.

The artworks are grouped in a most unusual way which adds a special creativity to the exhibition.

Moonta has a fantastic community spirit and support artistic pursuits.

Sponsors are; The Copper Coast District Council, Moonta Progress Association, Moonta Gallery of the Arts, Sala Festival, The Professionals Real Estate and Moonta Hotel.

Proffesionals has supplied invitations and flyers, Liz has a committment to the township and was delighted to come on board. Moonta Hotel (a great place to meet for a drink, meal and a chat) has kindly offered wines. Kym is a bright young man who is up front when it comes to community involvement.

The gallery is delightful, housed in the heritage Town Hall on George Street it has exceptionally clear bright light for artworks and a warm welcoming ambience. The rooms have several grand antique chairs placed in strategic positions for the artlover to sit and absorb the atmosphere. To sit in one extra large chair gives you this wonderful childlike experience, let your legs dangle and feel like a child for a few precious moments(before someone comes in and catches you).

I could not forget to add that I finally met Liz Coole yesterday. She works within the Family History Group at Moonta and assisted me with research for the etching works on the pioneering people including my ancestors. The heritage School of Mines building is a cold but the appropriate setting for historical collections of empheria. The staff, all volunteers eagerly assist anyone who wishes to expose the skeletons of the past.

I enjoy being here more often and hope to meet others who have been working in the background to get this exhibition on show to the public. Greg O'Connor the Community officer for Copper City Council has made time to answer questions and assist. His arts related work is an asset to the Moonta Gallery of the Arts.

I again will add Pam Kerr to my blog as she does hours (daylight & after hrs) of probono work to see that the Gallery is seen as a forefront in the Arts of the region. A small but exceptional Gallery Moonta can be proud of. There are so many artists in this region and exposure is of vital importance to a creative practice.

Last minute details tomorrow and I will add to this next week.

2009-09-19T04:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday 13th September 2009

The last day, my flight leaves after lunch.

A slow walk around the garden of eden, a quick drive around Pambula and a visit to the 2 markets to chat to the locals one last time.

Digby knows I am to leave, my suitcases are packed and ready.

I love the bush but will miss this beautiful coastline.

On takeoff I looked back at the saphire coast and shimmering lakes of Pambula and Merimbula. A memory to look forward too on my next trip.

Thank you to the towns of Pambula, Merimbula, Tathra, Bega, Canberra and of course Lorna, Susan, Poppy and Jenn for making this trip possible and Digby for being my companion at The "garden of eden".

2009-09-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Saturday 12th September 2009,
The above image is the "bottom pub" at Pambula, The best spare ribs Ive had for yrs.

Met Merv today, a great guy from the best antique shop I have seen for a long while. Merv is a ex Broken Hill guy and has a sister Helen Grossi in Broken Hill.
The day was hot and a haze settled in over the mountains.
I sketched again last night capturing some small link to these surroundings, but after making more notes and reviewing my pics I had one more place I had to revist, Mrs Macs Emporium.
I was once again privaledged, and be able to enter the shop after hrs. The haberdashery boxes still held garters, cottons and threads ribbons. Origonal reciept and order books, manequins and letters. The needle, still in position on a lace bodice of a blouse placed alongside another completed hand sewen lace garment, a monument to the lady this town is evidently so proud of.
My camera card was full once again.

The afternoon was spent at Lorna's studio. Talking art, life and loves, then a few short movies of the Coast to Desert Artists visit. Lorna , for a beginner is producing some great movies and looks like my visit is in production too.

Now to try out the fishing. With John's old dusty rod, weather beaten reel and brittle line I proceeded with my trusty companion Digby and a bag of schrimp to the end of the little wharf below the house. My hubby david taught me well, after feeding the hungry sea creatures for half an hr and no way to tighten the line, I hooked a good sized flathead.
Happy with catch and release after a pic of course I sat and watched my last sunset in the "garden of Eden" of Pambula Lake.

I sketched again that night in Susan's studio with only one morning left before flying home.

2009-09-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

11th september 2009,
First up a visit to Poppy Benton and Esential Objects Gallery. Poppy is young, "matter of fact", confident and talented. Her little gallery holds some wonderful work by the local art scene but her pottery work shines above the rest. After buying a few items we left Poppy and off the Jen Mallinson's for lunch and a studio visit. Jen has commenced some works inspired by her Broken Hill visit and although modest she is more talented than she realises.

A little relax time was much needed and a sit back to absorb my visit so far. I retraced a few steps around Pambula and visited Pambula beach where the river meets the sea again in the sunlight. The colours of the rocks once again capturing my eye. A few sketches done and a cuppa.

Later in the evening a visit with Jen and Poppy to Spiral Gallery in Bega was enjoyed. The Spiral Gallery is like a co-op and artists do workshops and exhibit mthly. Again lovely friendly people who welcome you with open arms.

No time to fish today, hopefully tomorrow.

The National Gallery

2009-09-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

It is evident that "Lulu" (alias lorna) is "at home" in Canberra.
Lulu even has dreams of one day being a tea lady.

After being privalidged to a coffee in the members lounge and a visit to McCubbins exhibition I wandered freely though the many galleries within the National Gallery.

I found some "out of the ordinary" artworks; an assemblage by Picasso, a beach semi-nude called "Hot Wind" by Charles Conder, the controversial Blue Poles (which I love in the flesh) and a wonderful sculpture garden.
The highlight though was when Lorna dragged me all excited into a large open space gallery. Here were the works by Anslem Keifer. A book standing at least 2.4m high with pages of lead, a large artwork on one wall which connected with my inner self and also reminded me of home.
Lorna and I have a kinship with Keifer which will leave a lasting impression.

The drive home was overwhelming for Lulu as I believe I talked all the way. We stopped at a small one street town for a drink and I could not resist takeing pics of the origonal rustic weatherboard buildings. There was one in particular that had not been signposted by man with commercial advertising. One the side of the building still had an origonal "flour"sign covering the whole wall. I lent over the fence line to get a good pic straining to fit it all in. Then along came Duncan, a tall, wiry man who instantly took me back to the movie Babe. He was a dinky di country man who was appreciative of me asking permission to photograph the signage. I forgot Lulu whilst we had a great chat about the Hill and my visit & alarm bells were ring in her ears. No doubt I was reminded every time we stopped after that.

After an exhausting but inspiring trip we settled into the "bottom" pub in Pambula with John(lorna's hubby), and some family for a great pub meal.

I then planned to find a some time tomorrow to throw a line into the lake, rewind a little and hopefully catch a fish.

Canberra arts & the National Gallery

2009-09-11T06:07:00.000-07:00

9th September, 2009.

Off to Canberra with host Lorna Crane. It was a beautiful sunny day and the drive picturesque.

First stop was a morning cuppa with Artists Wendy Teakel at ANU, who recently held a workshop with the art group. We were privelidged to get a glimse of the sculpture students at work which was awesome as these young minds are really working out of the box.

The whole day following was indeed inspiring. We met with Artist Maryann Mussared & Micheal Winters at Strathnairn Homestead Gallery and Arts Association. This arts precint is situated in the outskirts of Canberra amoungst rolling green pastures. The community of "huts" are artists run spaces with a large gallery on site. A fantastic concept with a multitude of possibilities for the Artists amongst grounds with sculpture and landscape to inspire.

Then like a kid in a lolly shop I entered one of the best art shops ever. Much to Lornas dissapointment she had 2 trips to the parking meter.

The next arts spaces I visited were Ancor, a Studio gallery Co-op and Megalo Access Arts.

Megalo was particularly interesting as it was a facility that allowed artists to hire out large arts equipment. We were given a great tour and I was particularly intriqued with an exhibition useing books.

Ancor is a similar, but smaller than Strathnairn, city based studio space combination gallery. This space allowed students / artists to work in a private space of their own, also not necessarily live there with options for exhibition space.

After a meeting with the friendly staff of Belconen Arts Centre and a great sites tour of wonderful Canberra we were exhausted. Canberra was much more than I had expected.

There is a lot to learn from these thriving arts spaces and there also seem to a thriving cafe / arts culture evolving in Canberra. There are cafes such as Tillys who have arts entertainment like poets, singers and just to add to the flavour nearby there is a artists coffee lounge, decked with sofas(not tables), an exhibtion in an additional room and artists all conversing about arts, writing, painting, books.

Broken Hill eat your heart out.

Tomorrow, I could not leave Canberra without a visit to the National gallery.

But for now sleep, sleep boy I needed sleep.

Watch for more news soon.

Cheers

Dee

2009-09-08T05:02:00.000-07:00

7th September 2009,

Woke up to see kangaroos grazing beside my room and water birds paddleing in the shallows of the lake.

Digger the dog has become my companion on short walks to the lakes edge.
Oyster beds raise their heads out of the depths and misty rain covers the mountains.

Rain, glorious rain. The locals say the landscape here is really suffering but it is lush in comparison to the desert landscape to which I am accustomed to.

Susan is up doing chores so off to Lorna's for a cuppa (and a warm muffin just out of the oven, yummy too)and to plan our itinery.

Getting my bearings so I dont get lost was first on the agenda, then meet some locals and of course the Tourist information Centre at Merimbula.
Wonderful friendly down to earth people in Pambula.
Merimbula is showing signs of suburbia but the beaches and the cliffs dotted with glass fronted houses still holds speck of hope that common sense will prevail.
The inlet and sandbar seems to embrace the bay, the boats moored, bobbing in the breeze.
The sandbar has the most gorgeous row of weatherboard boat sheds, which show that history is maybe not forgotten here in Merimbula.
It rained all day, I did not mind a bit and even the colours of the rocks captured my urge to snap the camera.
Tucked away near Pambula is a delightful beach nestled between cliff faces. I intend to return when the sun shines.

The highlight of my day though, was when I walked into a dress shop in Pambula.
It was like I had gone back in time with Dr Who in the tardis.
Origonal boxes of cottons, ribbons, and all sorts of haberdashery sitting on sturdy solid timber shelves as if it was where they should always have been and always will be. Origonal furniture and objects of days gone by and maniquins standing alongside in designer regala as if guarding the past but appeasing the commercial appeal of the present woman.
And as if to confirm my impression just to the right of the entrance there stood this glass cabinet.
Inside the cabinet, the life story of the oldest tax payer in Australia, Mrs Mac.
Outside the cabinet you could sense her approval and Mrs Mac's Emporium did not leave my mind for the rest of the day. I shall return.

Strange things seem to happen in Pambula. On my sightseeing drive I noticed the cemetry on the side of a mountain range with large timber forests in the background, with its wonderful old carved headstones covered in moist green moss. But one unusual thought stuck in my mind. All the gravestones face up the hill! I stopped and drove in, took a walk. Not one grave actually faces the town, they all face the forest. No one has been able to say why? as yet.

The food here is great, tucked away behind the RSL in Merimbula sits this little Thai lady, evidently a Dr's wife and what a lucky Dr he is. The chicken and mushroom soup is to die for.
The curries superb and the price beats cheap as chips any day.
I am yet to find a way to take some soup home with me.

Keep posted.
Dee

Dust to Water: North West meets South East

2009-09-08T03:11:00.000-07:00

6th september, 2009

Left Broken Hill dust bellowing below me, dreading the flight.

Arrived to breathe the moist cool air of Merimbula.

My hosts Susan and John live in the garden of eden on the border of a lake just outside Pambula, a small village that seems to held in time.

The first evening despite ominious clouds surrounding me I fell in love with the

cool vertical timbers against mountains of green foliage standing in contrast to the saphire coloured ocean.

From my bedroom full length window, the moonlight attempted to break the storm clouds and shed a few spotlights over the lake as if to boast about its beauty.

I could not sleep, the peaceful tranquility seduced me.

So I wrote down my feelings.

Peace, quiet, an eerie solitude,

Broken by a distant storm birds' cry,

An echo of belonging,

Swallowed by the tranquility of the moons glow,

Through the dark formations spread like black satin across the waters.

Through my writings I hope to capture this beauty, its people and history with my paint brush but so far it has captured me.

Keep watching for updates.

Deirdre

(Dee)