Australian Artist - Portraits Pets & People - Tuition - Wall art - Home Decor - Clothing - Art Supplies

 

​​

​

A NOTE FROM THE ARTIST

I am a seeker of beauty. It’s everywhere if you know where to look and in many cases it is hidden behind that which we discard, forget or pay little attention to. It is true that we can all be lured by the shine of something new, mesmerised by the flashy, the modern, the young, The promise of eternal youth. Not many of us take the time to observe the decaying piece of timber as a miraculous work of art, the rusty tin, the dried and fallen leaves of an autumn tree as a vision of creations divinity. In a world where the pursuit of youth is dominant, I propose we start to admire the skin of a person who has lived one hundred years, marvel at the wrinkled eyes of the wise ones and appreciate the slow pace of life that is almost forced upon us as we age. Suddenly there is time to smell the roses, collect the dried petals and truly observe. We can admire the death of a rose. Its golden hues of burnt orange and brown become a wonder, even more beautiful than  the fleshy pale pink of a new bloom.

It’s a saying we hear repeatedly and its truth is more present in my mind with every day I am on this earth. To grow old is a gift.

My mother did not grow old.

 

The lucky ones get to see their hair go white, their skin wrinkle and their body decline and become slower. 

Growing old is a time to find kindness, to give back to the world and to share your stories and the knowledge that life has given.

Like most of us, my life has passed me by with so much speed, I find myself saying, "it was only yesterday I was a child." 

Did I spend enough time admiring all the wonder in the little things, the hidden things? I hope so.

I had an ideal childhood, surrounded by extended family,  a grand array of animals and of course a life on the farm in the country. It was all due to my dads vision of a ‘little House On The Prairie’ existence. I loved it and my dad was, and to this day, remains my hero. He has not only provided his family with a safe place to reside, but a home full of love and acceptance. Something that I endeavour to pass on to my child, my family and  my friends.

This exhibition is a small glimpse into my fantastical childhood which I do believe I have carried on into adulthood. My life is still a blend of reality mixed with dreams and a world  that to me seems just like Disneyland's Fantasia.  The first movie I remember seeing as a child and in particular the profound effect the magical illustrations had on my view of beauty. The animated version of Charlottes Web quickly followed as becoming my all time favourite movie. Not only beautiful to watch, its a story about kindness, friendship and the process of life and death.

These pieces are a thank you to my dad, who gave me the gift of freedom, the imagination to look for my dreams plus the confidence in my beliefs to work hard and to seek them

I hope you enjoy the first series of

​

DAD'S FARM - PART ONE

 

​