‘Elemental: Conversations with Nature’ is the title of a forthcoming exhibition featuring eight established and midcareer artists working across painting, drawing, weaving, ceramics, and textiles.
Inspired by the natural world, each artist explores the forms, patterns, materials, and forces found in nature.
The show will be happening at Coorabell Hall from Wednesday 22 July to Sunday 26 July, featuring the artists Sharon Whittle, Rina Genis, Zimmi Forest, Carolyn Delzoppo, Jennifer Muller, Susan Fell, Karyn Fendley, Anthea Amore.
Each of these artists has a clearly developed expression of the natural world, whether drawing, landscape painting, 3D ceramic and woven fibre forms or textile works.
Some have been working quite quietly for many years, with occasional group shows, others have held solo exhibitions and some have international recognition – for one artist, it is her very first exhibition.
Artists
Rina Genis is an octogenarian who uses delicate watercolour to create harmony and restfulness in her beautiful works. This is the first time Rina has shown her art to the public and she invites people to ponder and enjoy.
Anthea Amore makes ceramic sculpture in porcelain and stoneware that draw on seedpods and oceanic forms.
She said, ‘My work investigates what it means to stay present with nature in a busy, changeable world, and how intimate observation can shift our relationship to the environments we move through’.
Karyn Fendley is a contemporary landscape artist based in Mullumbimby, working in acrylic painting and digital media. Her practice has developed over more than three decades and is deeply connected to the natural environment.
Her recent work draws on the lakes, estuaries, and forests of nearby coastal national parks, exploring how places are remembered and expressed through simple imagery.
Sharon Whittle’s inspiration is nature and flowers. With careful observation, she creates detailed, yet abstract, colourful paintings, using acrylic on wooden panel.
Susan Fell is a contemporary textile artist from Mullumbimby. She creates shibori and very distinctive botanical contact printed art shawls. Along with drawing and watercolour paintings, she is passionate about ancient textiles techniques.
She uses her art to communicate her appreciation for the natural environment, sharing knowledge of plant dyes and sustainable art practice.
Zimmi Forest has been weaving, working and exhibiting with the plant kingdom for over 30 years, creating everything from baskets to coffins. ‘My passion is for the environment and transforming fibre into beautiful objects.’
Carolyn Delzoppo says, ‘My drawing practice is about looking and noticing, and the quiet contemplation of being present in the moment.
‘I am inspired by observations of plant forms and the interaction and interdependence of life forms. I am attracted to the simplicity and immediacy of pencil on paper. No frills no fuss.’
Jennifer Muller says she’s drawn to earthy colours and strong design in here ceramic practice. ‘Inspired by walks in the bush and along the beach, I create forms and surface designs that reflect the quiet colours and patterns in nature.
‘For me, creativity offers mental stimulation, without over stimulation, making clay a refuge and a source of calm. I hope my work conveys to the viewer, the peaceful joy I feel when creating.’
The official launch of ‘Elemental: Conversations with Nature’ on Friday 24 July coincides with Coorabell Curry night. Organisers say the exhibition will be a real visual treat.
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