Take a peek – and be captivated

Eve Jeffery

Established New Zealand/Australian artist Gabrielle Pool has been exhibiting her painting and mixed media work for 27 years across the globe from New Zealand and Australia to Japan, China, the USA, the UK, Greece and the Bahamas. Partially schooled in Japan, Gabrielle’s early inspiration from her teacher, Mori Sensei, led to a powerful oriental influence, with her first solo exhibition in Chiba-Ken at the age of 16.

These days she has settled just outside Byron, beside a river, with her art studio under a 400-year-old Fig Tree. The opportunity came up when local photographer Craig Parry had moved to Jonson St to expand his business owing to the success of his photographic gallery in Fletcher Street – that meant his previous gallery was available. ‘Sometimes when a door opens you just have to walk through it – the space felt right, so Peek Gallery was born.’ Says Gabrielle. ‘The name came about from just the idea of taking a peek in as you walk by. Our goal is to make everyone who walks through the door feel welcome.’

Gabrielle explained that there are currently two permanent artists – herself and Bill Undery. ‘Rather than selling through an art broker or dealer, I get to meet the new owners of the work I have created. As the gallerist, as well as [being] an artist, I get to engage with the buyers and explain the unwritten story behind the work they are interested in – their purchase is the next part of the canvas’s story.’

Peek gallery is very fortunate to be a neighbour of Karkalla Cafe who did the incredible catering for the inaugural opening of the gallery on Friday.

‘Mindy Woods has been a great support as a fellow local business owner. Peek Gallery is looking forward to many collaborations with Mindy; food and art go well together – add in some Cester Camillo and Italian Prosecco – I have struck gold!’

You can visit Peek Gallery at 7/8 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay, or visit them online at: www.peekgallery.com.