Artist Statement
I was born into a family of artists in South West France.
I feel fortunate to have a background bearing such history of creativity and craftsmanship. This history has played a significant role in the way I see the world, retrieve my sense of belonging, and carry forward my family’s tradition, allowing cultural continuity.
My work tells the importance textures, patterns and colors have in my perception of the world, people, and environments.
The technique used in my painting and decorative panels is a labor intensive process involving the manipulation and outlay of elements such as textiles, plants and the creation of their imprints, traces. It was passed on to me by my father.
A composition, template is created by assembling such objects and pressing them into a paste that will capture the different textures of all materials.
I use the color of enamel paint to reveal the textured surfaces obtained by the imprints and play with the interaction of color over these various textures.
In so doing I attempt to establish a connection with the way, we, as human beings retain traces of events, experiences, significant objects holding personal meanings, and the traces left printed into our inner imagery and memory, and their impact on the colors and textures of our lives.
These paintings have been created over the last 9 years.
The objects I choose to work with are mostly taken from two sources:
- the natural environment in which I live, my garden, the surrounding bush and trees present in my community in South East Queensland, Australia.
- textiles such as laces, or domestic linen (serviettes, handkerchiefs, tea towels, sheets, tablecloths) retrieved from my family and flea markets in and around myhome town in South West France.
My work is also a way of telling the importance textures, patterns and colors have in my perception of the world, people, and environments. Some of the laces and linens I use are not only very old but have become rare. They are reminiscent of a time and a culture where craftsmanship was nurtured and time had a different value. One was not preoccupied as much by how long it took to make, weave or ornate but by the aesthetic of the end product, itself an expression of dedication to beauty. Their quality held time accountable for their value and its tarns generational skills of craftsmanship.
My other equally significant interest in life is working in support and care services to people. I work as a Domiciliary Care worker, and a Divertional Therapist, I also teach art to people with Disabilities.
These two interests go hand in hand in my learning journey and development of skills.
Exhibitions:
September 2010:
5 paintings selected for Toowoomba Biennial Emerging Artists Award Exhibition “Future Nurture”. 3 purchased for the “Crates on Wheel” tour 2010 by the Toowoomba Regional Gallery
July 2010:
Awarded RADF grant, Category 4 Cultural Tourism for Professional Development, Sunshine Coast Regional Council – July 2010
From March 2010:
Paintings on display at Art on Cairncross, Maleny QLD
February 2010:
Solo exhibition “My grandmother’s handkerchiefs”, Upfront Club, Maleny QLD
September 2008:
4 paintings selected for Toowoomba Biennial Emerging Artists Award Exhibition “Art Quirks” 3 purchased for the “Crates on Wheel” tour 2008 by the Toowoomba Regional Gallery
August 2008:
2nd Prize in Contemporary, Nundah Village Festival Art Competition and Exhibition
June 2008:
Group Exhibition 20/20, Art Factory, Brisbane QLD
June 2003:
Champagne box and lid Auction Exhibition, Access Art, Brisbane Power House
May 2003:
Provincial Spirit Project (“Aprons”), Sampcheompo Arts Festival, Korea & Warwick Regional Gallery
December 2001:
Solo Exhibition, Foyer of Maleny and District Credit Union, Maleny, QLD
1996\97:
Paintings and Cards on Display at Tony gill Galleries, Montville, QLD
September 1995:
Caloundra Annual Art Awards
June 1995:
Maleny Art Award and Exhibition, judged by Frank Wesley
First Prize in Religious Theme Section, Highly Commended in Local Artist Section
May 1995:
19th Annual Art Exhibition, de Vere Gallery, Maroochydore
April 1995:
Solo Exhibition in foyer of Maleny and District Credit Union