Upcoming Show: Country Down

Lemon Tree Sky

Bitumen and oil on board, epoxy resin

50cm

Artist Statement

Over the past few years, I have developed a practice of going on hikes in local national parks and returning home to my studio to capture the feeling of being in the local landscape. The way the bush provides inspiration, solace, romance, delight, awe, and peace leads me and so many others to a greater sense of self and a greater ability to connect with others.

Time and time again I find myself returning to Cathedral Rock National Park to climb to the highest peak in the New England and return to Armidale with a comforting sense of both exhaustion and rejuvenation.

I begin each work by laying down the composition in bitumen as well as some expressive mark making to represent bits and pieces of flora that have stood out to me – often banksia’s, ferns or small wildflowers. The thick sap-like consistency of bitumen makes it the perfect medium for painting gum tree’s. Once dry I paint over several layers of oil and fill in details using oil sticks and oil pastels.

I love the way painting in a tondo format allows you to present windows into a landscape. I hope viewers are reminded of how they feel themselves when out in the bush.

Country Down is on show 28th October - 25th November 2023

Armidale Art Gallery, 149 Beardy St, Armidale.