Cath's Art Comments

2012-08-19T22:20:00.001-07:00

HOME PAGE EXHIBITION

2012-08-19T15:41:00.003-07:00

Callemondah Sculptors Exhibition

2012-03-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

May Barrie and friends, David Parker, Robyn Rumf, Jules van de Sande, Jan Shaw and June Bennett and May's daughter Tori de Mestre.

May's place is like visiting an Italian atelier in Tuscany. Situated on a hillside at the end of a country road, at the foot of the Illawarra range, I was transported back in time to a truly inspiring place with a decidedly Continental atmosphere. 5 Sandstone buildings and outhouses, including the main beautifully decorated and furnished homestead are flanked by a magnificent garden setting into which are strategically placed marble and stone sculptures.

May Barrie at 93

May with Robyn

feature garden sculpture

Some of outbuilding studios and gallery. The roundhouse at the centre housed June Bennett's sculptures and feltmaking

Plenty of seating for reflection and rest

Colour and form change in the garden

June's Fire sculpture

David is washing up in the main kitchen

features of the drawing room

Treasures of the dungeon

May's vegetable garden

The use of marble is prevalent in these sculptures. Many curves with recesses, both aesthetic and functional as water catchers in a variety of colours.

more of June's mastery

June's feltmaking

The roundhouse

Inside Tori's studio

The tiles of the homestead are beautiful

A total immersion of environment and purpose was presented at this venue. Guests were encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and sip wine in the gardens where so many intimate and communal spaces could be found for relaxation on a very pleasant Sunday afternoon. The smell of country life (cow manure) and sounds of cows from a nearby dairy farm mooing accented the experience.
I recommend a visit to this exotic and thoroughly enjoyable exhibition which offers both sculpture lovers and artists as well as the inquisitive Sunday driver a rewarding and refreshing experience.

2012-03-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

naked ambition

I feel this hollowness in the pit of my stomach, I can't speak, I can't see, I am alone. Is this grief or just self pity?
I haven't seen you for so long yet these feelings are so intense, more intense than ever. I remember every detail of our relationship and this is causing me an ache which has no relief.......until the grieving passes....I forget why I left and only the joy of existing with you is remembered. Perhaps you have been by my side, with our children,
always. My strength, my conviction in our lifestyle and beliefs, the way we raised our offspring, the way we loved, and cried......Our family welcomed us with so much warmth. I am so overwhelmed.
I want to write everything I feel, I want to build on this moment and create something beautiful. The music is way too strong and the emotion evoked is definitely leading me in a direction I cannot forsee. Take me, Damian, Naima and Jiles on a journey with your spirit by our sides, watching, overseeing, correcting if required.

Music is my mistress

Our fate is in your hands as we are only human, but you are now eternal, ephemeral and free from earthly concerns. You are flying high, like a bird, playing a tune listened to by the universe.

2012-03-18T14:56:00.003-07:00

Just thought readers would like to know about This event at Callemondah Sculptors

Saturday 24/3/2012 to 1/4/2012 10am-4pm
Callemondah is situated at Albion Park at the end of Caulderwood Road, turn off on highway to Moss Vale before Macquarie Pass.
May Barrie started this Gallery in 1950 and shares with friends
Contact information Tori de Mestre 0458566118

Dobell 2011

2011-12-26T00:03:00.000-08:00

Wow what a feast for pencil pushers. The finalists certainly seved up an excellent array and variety of large scale drawings using pastel(featured medium this year) charcoal and graphite. I absolutely loved the offering from winner Anne Judell "Breath". As a follower of her beautifully delicate style, I was thrilled she finally made it to the winner's circle. Her deft and subtle use of pastel and grahite was second to no other and the subject matter was so creative and topical she deserved the meritorious accolades. I was totally inspired and believe the standard achieved this year was absolutely outstanding and definitely moving forward in concept and technique.
http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/dobell-prize-drawing-2011/

Yiwarra Kuju The Canning Stock Route

2011-12-22T21:51:00.000-08:00

Colourful, cultural and contemporary, yet the artists involved could not be further from this description. Plucked from isolation and virtual non recognition, their artwork is so innovative and thought provoking. The historical account of torture and capture by white cattlemen of the stock route punctuated by harsh barren landscape and waterholes. This story is only captured by those who have direct experience with these conditions and their resulting artworks are so imaginative and symbolic, vibrant and alive. The pain and hardship, the myths, such as the story of the cannibal spirit that dwells in the river, reminiscent of when the earliest and most remote nomads were cannibals makes for a fascinating exhibition unlike any Indigenous exhibition preceding it. See it until 29/4/2012 at the Australian museum.
www.australianmuseum.net.au

Picasso !

2011-12-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

Finally the wait is over-while people all worldwide are waiting for the arrival of Santa, I was awaitng Picasso posthumously. He seemed quite at home at the Art Gallery of NSW. But the word in the corridors is that there was not enough of him, and the choice of works exhibited.
I was suitably impressed by the clarity and purity of the maestro's presentations, indeed a true innovative experience so imitated and appropriated that to the non art aficionado, this exhibition would just seem like a visit to a Modern School of Art. Something was missing to complete the experience, and I found that in the antitheatre, where I waited in a queue to enter the main arena. Videos and photographs showing the aartist at work and at play, his associations with the women in his life, his friends and his peers, and, of course his beloved family. Picasso the man, needed to be present to add some life and extra pizazz to an exhibition celebrating his life not his death. I really did leave with the impression that I had been to a funeral, and not a celebration of one of the most notable artists and personalities of the 20th century.
P.S. I did purchase Francoise Gilot's book "Life With Picasso" and a book of Picasso's most famous life works by Phiadon Press-the exhibition catalogue was way too heavy......

SADE...

2011-12-10T14:46:00.001-08:00

Sultry, sassy, silken tones and incredibly classy, Sade at the Sydney Entertainment Centre was the first adult concert I have been to for years. Perhaps it was the intimate rapport Sade successfully achieved with the audience and her band. Perhaps it was the rhythmic movement and seamless background/foreground curtain/digital image set changes. Perhaps it was the inner city,'Sin City' style night scape interlude complete with narration that provided the atmosphere for an impeccable concert where special effects, light shows, massed choirs and multitudes of dancers were not required as distractions. The Nigerian diva and her musicians provided pure showmanship and such an enjoyable evening. It was all about Sade, her sensuousness, her youthful grace and her love of life, beautifully presented and a show I will not forget. Colour, empathy, subdued sadness in struggle and life changes...city/country existence

Illawarra Crafts and Arts Network

2011-11-30T15:47:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note recognising ICAN, who advertising, connections and Public liability Insurance to all its members. Joined the group 14/11/2011 . Nice meeting fellow artists and booked exhibition space at ican@7, Redpoint, Port Kembla. Regular updates via monthly newsletter keeps members informed of upcoming exhibitions, workshops, art sales and legalities, studio space for hire and other artistic connections. Membership for students/conscession is only $50.00 per year-now that's an offer with benefits you just cannot refuse.
contact Helen,chair
Kerry, secretary 42854531
Cathy- exhibition co-ordinator (0417 372 129)
Rae, membership and newsletter (0421 529 453 ) at Illawarra Crafts and Arts Network 42854531
info@ican.asn.au attention Rae

Gallery sitting at Art Arena and Black Heart Exhibition

2011-11-30T14:38:00.003-08:00

waiting for punters and sales !

party time....

Catherine, Margaret, and Maureen

Well, I did advertise, so I'll just have to bide my time and see who's interested. Good old Maureen and Reg, great friends and Maureen graduates from Wollongong technical college with an Associate Diploma Fine Art next week...you go girl. We are both lovers of Central Australia, Maureen visits Alice every year since I met her 5 years ago, and changes her painting style with each new development of technique. She is a gallery assistant at Erwin gallery in Sydney and mixes with the best in the industry. I'm proud to have her as a friend and associate. Margaret is a Life model and loyal supporter.

Black Heart Exhibition

2011-11-23T17:09:00.001-08:00

Cannot believe how good it feels to have friends minding my exhibition for me. I must say i am impressed with the way it all looks, but I need some visitors. I chose not to have an official opening but to keep it informal but will be providing nibbles and drinks on Saturday 26/11/2011 for those "in the know" or "part of the loop".
Art Arena is a small Independently run gallery manned by dedicated struggling artists and needs exhibitors for the coming year, 2012. Fees are the cheapest around for central Wollongong location. It's quiet and has a basement feel. parking at rear. Kitchen and toilet facilities. I'm donating a bar fridge.

Come on down.....

Black Heart Exhibition at Art Arena

2011-11-21T13:37:00.001-08:00

"Bumped in" my exhibition works at Art Arena with the help of my sister, Margaret.4 hours of exacting, fiddling with wires and chains and no lunch, but we did it- now for the price list and more printing of flyers- exhausted and knee is hurting. I'll have to get the projector charged and photographs on hard drive ready for my adoring public. Back again tomorrow to sit and wait for viewers. Who...hoo...to be continued...

Gerroa Stay 'n Play

2011-11-21T13:21:00.001-08:00

Spent 3 nights House and dogsitting down at Gerroa on the South Coast. Situated overlooking Seven Mile Beach, and a popular surfing and fishing spot, not to say Schoolies haunt, Gerroa is a great spot for landscape/beachscape photograhy. I managed a few great shots, from misty dawns to spectacular sunsets, I explored the possibilities whilst walking the aged but strenuous and manic Ridgeback. Thank God I did not have to administer the yellow pills in the bag upon instruction preceding storms or fireworks.
I also managed a couple of watercolour scenes, aquamarine with shots of colour to represent the numerous paragliding surfers and sailboards shooting across the choppy waters in 20 knot winds.

I returned home wrecked as usual, with a knee the size of a football- I'll have to put some ice on that and get it checked out. Relaxing yet energetic and windblown, I will return as there are so many places to visit such as Coolangatta winery, Shoalhaven Heads and country roads to nowhere. The accommodation was first class and the junk food in abundance !

Anita Larkin

2011-11-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Anita at work

Anita Larkin, local resident and sculptor has been represented at every major art award in the last 10 year as well as having gained success internationall for her feltmaking and quirky scultures. I went down to Shellharbour Village's new exhibition Centre to
re aquaint myself with her and view her beautiful handiwork. Whether you like her work or not, you can not doubt the superb workmanship that goes into each piece which has its own story. Every piece would be a welcome addition to any modern decor or fine art collector's cache. having attended one of Anita's feltmaking workshops, I have some insight into the process and possibilities of the craft and will certainly being attempting to create another piece in the near future.
www.anitalarkin.com

Bloodland at the Wharf

2011-11-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.bloodland.com.au

The Wharf causeway is a great place to meet up and watch the fantastic boats

View from the theatre

Indigenous theatre at it's emotional best- Bloodland protrays a genre of drama which typifies Indigenous symbolism and spiritualty as the underlying rhyme and reason for daily life and ritual in outback settlements While the family clan attempts to assimilate 20th century western civilisation anachronisms, the universal themes of teenage love, angst and rebellion against the known traditions and directives of the elders, and thefrustration in balancing the polar extremes of enculturalisation with generational development, suicide and interracial bickering are showcased. The tragic resolution is a communal funeral dirge where tradition and cleansing of the mourners overcomes all modernity. This is powerful drama, reality in an environment within our culture yet far removed from the urban environmental platform on which the play is performed..

Life Art

2011-10-28T16:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.virginiamiller.com/exhibitions/1990s/AnaMendieta.html
http://youtu.be/35Wf4VIll1Y

http://youtu.be/pRj1dmaCslI

Green Poppy Art Summit

2011-10-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Some news from a Life Drawing group meeting

at Shellharbour Village.

The venue was Julie Core's "Green Poppy" fine

foods and winery cafe.

Alyssa chaired the meet which was attended by

myself, Jo Mannisto and her mum, Nikki, Monique,

Freda"Banksey", and tailed by Karen.

What is to become of our

drawing group which

has completed its tenancy at

Shellcove Community Centre ?

We discussed alternative venues

and future proposals for class content

and organisation. We need a free venue so that we can

keep costs down and pay our models. Any suggestions

out there in Cyber space ?

In the meantime we are going to meet

AT FRIEND'S HOMES,

the first will be Freda "Banksey" on

Melbourne Cup evening.

Still Life is the program and not Freda's

husband as was suggested.

After checking his photo, I think

he would be a great "still life"....so on

with the show.

Then the subject of the new Exhibition space

at Shellharbour which is accepting proposals

for future gallery showings.

We are still not decided about that, but I

am going to put in a proposal anyway,

as I need an

annual venue for my exhibitions.

rustic yet contemporary setting

Nikki

Monique and Freda

Jo and her mum

eclectic gifts and jewelry

coffee, and bar

great meeting space and cafe style dining

Julie is such a lovely host, and the tea, juice

and raisin toast and great personal service

worked a treat in massaging

both our egos and our enthusiasm to forge ahead.

Thanks Julie and staff. Public acknowlegdement of

our group is vital if we are to continue on, and

Shellharbour Village provides the perfect backdrop.

The atmosphere is very conducive to artistic

development at the moment with the Exhibition

Centre opening, finally, on the 27th October.

Bravo...bravo...bravo...!

Black Heart Exhibition

2011-10-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

My annual solo show

Pete Murray

2011-10-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday 15/10/2011 at Waves nightclub....so out of my comfort zone, but the show was great. Pete would have to be the hottest Aussie "oldie" on tour right now. Forget the younger support acts, their sound was shocking and they were so boring and unprofessional that they only made Pete sound so good, what a voice. His new album is a knockout and I would have purchased a signed copy if it were not for millions of screaming cashed up youngsters in the way . I really wanted a tour photo for my blog experience and portraiture development. Oh well, next time. If I was 10 years younger........so hot.....oh stop...behave.....

Marg's birthday

entry to VIP bar

waiting in line to get into the venue

we were so far back this was all we could see

light show snchronised with music

and we're climaxing

beautiful Pete, voice of an angel

Marg's birthday bash was the reason for the occasion, she loved it but agreed the venue was not suited to the calibre of the act. Sound checks please.

Meat Free Mondays

2011-10-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

Production and farming of livestock has a significant impact on resources. For example 150g of steak consumes 200L of water in production. Adopt Meatless Monday and reduce your meat consumption by 15%.

A constructive breakfast

2011-10-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

Just chowing down breakfast at the Mercure Little Bourke Street Melbourne Thursday morning in the Louden and looked out the huge windows to a demolition scene worth documenting. The weather was gloomy, cold and rainy as per usual in this town, so the little workers were diligent and active trying to stay warm and enthused on such a bleak day. I felt very Much like I was in Tokyo, must be because of some photos I've seen of demolition over there. Any way...

Australia's answer to French performance artist Orlan

2011-10-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Here at last, a performance artist extraordinaire at Shellharbour Private Hospital. This appearance was so private that it had to be staged when the whole of the country was watching Sam Stosur defeat the mighty Serena at the US Open. Fortunately for my readers, I was there for the scoop, all captured on my iPhone as I was pretending to watch the tennis acting as driver and hospital personnel. We slipped in at 7.00am fpr op preparation and briefing. Before the match had concluded, Margaret,(alias Aussie Orlan) was wheeled prepped, papped and apped down the green corridor to the pink palttes of the operating theatre. I was there documenting the whole event. but as Sam Stosur was on top, I ditched art/medico journalism for sport spectating and watched the completion of the match. So glad I did, I hate the smell of chloroform and the sight of cutting, suturing and expulsion of bodily fluids, blood and plasma in particular, is not appealing. Plus the sound of the respirator....OMG>>OMG>>>OMG....
But one phone call, and I was back on the scene to document recovery and wailing. Ready to administer pain relief, and feed patient with disabled hand... which thanks to fellow tennis player Janelle(nurse, old schoolfriend) .I was not required to do. Janelle even fixed up toileting...yeah Janelle.Well without further ado the pics you have been waiting to see....

The tennis match

decompression stockings so hard to put on my slender pins

I'll just give you the once over

The green road to perdition

If you get the munchies at midnight

I'm alive ! I'm alive but gee my hand hurts

How do I get to the toilet ?

Orlan is so yesterday

at least Marg's bits are real

her compression stockings are black and she took Jesus with her

Just in case you cut the in wrong place OR even think of making me look ugly !

http://www.orlan.net

http://www.digibodies.org/online/orlan.htm

Tutankhamun/Vienna Art & Design Melbourne

2011-10-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

the neon signs are colourful, especially at night

eastern gateway

Chinatown

on of the festival activities in the Arts Centre impromptu ink drawing

An expedition to Melbourne mid week was great with good food, accommodation at Mecure inner city Chinatown and 2 exhibitions that were well worth the trip. After being ejected from my booked window seat by a young mum and her obstropulous 12 month old, I thought demon babies were banned fron Melbourne. The highlight of the Festival of Melbourne were the exhibits of giant demonic baby figures appearing at various prominent sites around the city arts precinct. The theme was Angels and Demons, and think I will leave any discussion on their significance at that along withthe significance of Meatloaf, who also made an appearance.

Vienna Art and Design at the National Gallery of Victoria featured furniture , architecture, ornaments and artworks from the 1900's with artists Schiele, Klimt, Kokoschtka, Mahler, and others.There were not many paintings but the murals from Klimt were spectacular, presented on plaster blocks resembling sandstone and presented up high on the walls. Replica architectural models of theatres, museums and arthouses decorated with gold that were typical of the enclosed city of Vienna were on display. The designs showed an easy preview of what was to come in the 20's and 30's when Art Deco began to emerge. White and gold featured in all art and design and a distinct elongation of figures and architectural models added a style of elegance and refinement to the era http://www.expo-klimt.com Gustav-Klimt-The-Three-Ages-of-Woman-51150.jpg

klimt.love.jpg klimt_228x245.jpg 1211555828203.jpg

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/vienna/painting/egon-schiele

Tutankhamun exhibit at the Melbourne Museum was my next stop.

Despite the high volume of visitors and children present, the exhibition was monitored and flowed smoothly so that all the beautiful artifacts could be easily accessible for viewing. The wonderful soundtrack and some narration provided an awesome atmosphere and amazingly the apparent silence and appreciation of sacredness of the ancient exhibits was experienced by all patrons. The highlight of the show was the golden sarcophagus which encased 4 other golden caskets holding the remains of the young king Tutankhamen. I had a digitally enhanced photograph taken with the golden casket in the foreground. http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show
http://www.akhet.co.uk/tutankh.htm

The fascination with the discovery of ancient ruins is still incredibly prevalent amongst all ages and theeducational side of this is why the exhibition is so popular. I spent a couple of hours here but could easily return for an encore visit, it was so intriguing

Just before leaving Melbourne, I arranged to be picked up from the Carlton Hotel in the city and what a find that was. I w ent upstairs to get a drink and to my surprise, I found a jungle wonderland with stuffed wild animals hiding amongst palms, foliage, urns, lamps and maroon velvet booths, wallpaper and carpet. What an eclectic wine bar reminiscent of the 60's SoI sat with my animalia friends had a couple of drinks and said goodbye to Melbourne ,probably for the last time

Max and the Where the willd things are on the way down and Rumble in the Jungle at the Carlton on the way back up...oh , and I forgot the Demon Babies.....I'll be having nightmares for months...

The roof

peacocks

that's a green spotted Rhino

ostrich with pearl neck

velvet and velour

maroon,yellow,blue

2011-10-01T15:41:00.001-07:00

Decided to try Wordpress blog publishing my address is
http://cathsartcomments.wordpress.com