Exhibition photos

The exhibition opening night was fantastic. I know I said I was going to write about it the next day but.....

I will keep the words to a minimum and let the pics speak for themselves. The most exciting thing I'd have to say was meeting other artists who were interested in using eco materials and working with the environment instead of against it. This week there will be two sessions at the GAFFA organised by The Hemp Gallery in partnership with Jaspers Village. This is an exciting project with a vision for a sustainable future. Contact the GAFFA gallery for more info.

And now for some photos!

My wall, I set up my Hemp paintings on one side and all my commercial work on the right.

Daisy Prowse

Wearbeattie

Steve Woods

Steve Woods

Stop being busy

Here are some very wise words from a blog I follow regularly. It is called Zen Habits and Leo Babauta writes many inspirational and very practical things about life. Here is something from his post today. As a result of reading it I have been NOT BUSY making apple and pear pies :) Please visit his blog it is well worth it.

“Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.”

~Lao Tzu

Stop being busy and your job is half done.

Think about how busy we are, and how it has become a way of bragging: I’m so busy, I must be important.

“I have a million things to do! I never have time for anything! I can’t slow down — I’m too busy.” This is thought to be a good thing in a society where we must be productive, active, occupied.
But it’s a fool’s game. Busy is simply noise, action without meaning, lots of little unimportant things rather than a few important ones.

Stop being busy. Just decide to stop, today.

Now you’re halfway done. You’ve decided to slow down, and to focus on what’s important. All of a sudden, your schedule clears up, and

your to-to list shrinks down to almost nothing.
Now you just have one or two things to do, instead of a million. You clear distractions, and focus. Get all the goodness »

A new design

The other night I did three drawings. One of a face, one of a womans body and one of feet. I loved the results. The drawings came out of me effortlessly and it was very relaxing and a joy to do them. I have just transferred the design of the face onto some hemp and painted it with some colours. I love it. Her face looks joyous and makes me smile when I look at it :) I will be doing more of these in different colour ranges. I can't wait!

Some recent work...

I have been busy painting again and have enjoyed the process very much. I have noticed that without consciously attempting to do so Ihave been focusing on colour and form. In a very graphic way. Big shapes sitting firmly on the fabric. Painting these three pieces has felt a bit like I'm stomping and letting out frustration. I certainly felt better afterwards. Art helps!

I have decided to upload these images only in black and white and will show them in full colour when I'm sure I will do no more to them. Also seeing them in black and white helps me notice the heavy forms and graphic elements better. What do you think?

Beautiful photography by Beata English

I want to share with all my visitors a link to a wonderful photographer from Canberra. I have always loved photography and do all my own product shots, but I visit lots of photography sites and blogs for inspiration. Beata English, a Canberra Photographer specialises in childhood photography. Here are a few of her stunning images. Visit her (also beautiful looking!) website and blog. Beata also stocks my Once-A-Year books and has a fantastic special on offer at the moment. Click here to read about it.

Beez images and design

Beez images and design

Inspiration from Colette Calascione

I absolutely love looking at the work of Colette Calascione. All her paintings are awe inspiring and I could stare at each one for hours. Please look at her work here. It's awesome.

All images from Colette Calascione

Visiting Betty the Florist...

The Most Beautiful Florist

In Lane Cove there is a most beautiful florist shop. I go past nearly every day and never has it failed to take my breath away. The shop is called Indulge and you can also order flowers online here. Betty Tane (the owner) also stocks my greeting card range as well as many unique garden and interior pieces. You can see some in the photos.

There is always something amazing to look at inside. The display of flowers out the front is always stunning. Betty says she displays the flowers depending on how she feels. Knowing this I like to guess what's on her mind :) Yesterday I took some photos of the shop inside and outside. I just love it.

Work in progress

I have been photographing this piece while I paint it and it's interesting how it is evolving. I started with no particular concept in mind other than I wanted it to be long and vertical. It is still being worked on. I will post the final image when I decide it's done :) I am very happy seeing the evolution of it in photos.

Inspiration from 'Dear Ada'

Here is a fantastic blog that I have recently discovered. I visit often to get visually nourished by the work of so many amazing artists. Here is one I found recently on Dear Ada. It is the work of Alyoisus. Isn't it beautiful?

Alyoisus, originally found on Dear Ada

Alyoisus, originally found on Dear Ada

Alyoisus

It reminded me of one february evening when I decided to decorate parts of my body inbetween painting eggs for Easter. Here are the results.