Thanks for dropping by. If you would like to learn about more recent projects and aspirations, please visit my updated website at www.kylieeastley.com.au
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Friday, July 6, 2018
Creative Souvenirs
Recently I spoke at the opening of the Bay of Fires Art Prize in St Helens. Surrounded by mostly people that I didn’t know, I made the decision to speak from the heart with only a touch of head in there…but let’s face it, they are mostly intertwined. I had driven up the coast in the morning with my sister. We chatted along the way, laughed hysterically at the silliest of things and had long periods where we drifted off into our own little worlds. It was a good trip. A drive that I have done many times. And a place I have visited since I was a small child.
There is a particular light on the east coast. It’s a combination of a warm golden yellow with a hint of pink. It washes over the Sheoaks and gums and dances between the paddocks and rocks. It’s very different to the light anywhere else in Tasmania.
As a child, the East Coast was my playground. Every school holiday we would visit my Nan and Pop who lived in Beaumaris, Scamander. It was the first house built; high on the hill with two large date palms either side at the front; looking regal. Mum would bundle the four kids and the dog Smithie, the Smithfield, (very original name) into the mission brown Kingswood and we would head to the coast. If they kept me distracted enough by singing and playing games I wouldn’t get sick. But if the brown paper bag came out, it usually meant that we were all sick. A great domino of vomiting children.
The drive from Launceston to Scamander seemed to go on on forever and when we finally did arrive we would be met with darkness, the sound of the ocean and the smell of the salt water. The waves crashed in welcome to us and as we snuggled down into our beds after a cup of cocoa and a biscuit we whispered about what we would do in the morning.
Our days were spent exploring the beach, finding worms for fishing in pop’s compost, playing in the next door block; imagining that the piled up dead trees was a desert island and we were pirates. After early breakfasts we would collect an apple from the kitchen and a handful of boiled lollies, shoving them into our knitted cardigans and racing out the door. We would return at the end of the day or sometimes lunchtime, if we were hungry enough. The only direction from Nan was, be careful crossing the road and don’t stand on the rocks in your gum boots. The fear was that we would fall into the waves, be sucked under the torrent and drowned. We never heeded this warning and as such we all become very strong swimmers.
Our days were spent fishing, mushrooming, reading comics and playing on the beach; pretending to be warriors, mermaids; singing to the waves to make them taller. Trips into St Helens were a treat. Pop would head into the bar while we waited in the car with a raspberry and a comic. The return drive home, in an era without seatbelts or breath testing, was turbulent to say the least; with the occasional prompt from us to stop Pop from driving off the road.
At the end of our holiday we would take one more trip into ‘town’ for the sole purpose of secretly finding a gift of thanks; a perfect memento to express our gratitude. The newsagency and gift shop, one of the few places that remains in the town, had a large selection of hand crafted shell creatures, wooden ornaments branded with local names and cheap imports. Elephants made from shells, apple folk, timer thermometers with Scamander burnt into the side. It was a smorgasbord of crafty cleverness. We would pour over them all, searching for the perfect gift and once selected it would be hidden away until our departure.
Neither Nan or Pop were big on shows of affection, but the ceremony consisted of us handing over our carefully chosen gift, a hug and thanks and then it would be positioned on the bedroom window sill, next to the other fifty they had already received from us.
These keepsakes or mementos were treasures. They represented our time on the coast and with our grandparents. They were more than just trinkets.
The definition of memento is something that serves to warn or remind; a museum filled with war mementos; souvenir, a keepsake, something that reminds us of a person or an event-an experience.
So, if you came to my little 1960s house in the suburbs for tea, what would you see now…forty years on?
On the wall is a small painting by a dear friend and artist, Rafael Saldana. Rafael and his lovely wife Maria introduced me to Sangria and we spent many hours talking art, travel and their bohemian times in Sydney in the 60’s. Our friendship began when I was only 17 and over the years Ralf and I would talk about art, Maria and I would discuss life, relationships and their mulberry trees as we sat in their wonderful garden in Launceston and later spent time at Liffey. It’s a simple painting of two birds in his garden; but I recognise the plants, the light and his style. It’s one of my most prized possessions.
In a glass cabinet in the lounge room is a carved cuttlefish made by Gay Hawkes, a nationally recognised artist and furniture maker. Her work sits in most major galleries. I met Gay more than 10 years ago, writing an article about her for an arts magazine. We sat in her boatshed studio on the edge of Dunalley, eating freshly made sponge cake and drinking tea out of her mothers best china cups. She played piano as the water lapped against the side of the timber walls and we spent hours talking about each chair or sculpture she unveiled. Along with the sculpted white cuttlefish is a glass dome filled with bouquets of flowers made from painted shells; purple, pink, reds.
On the mantelpiece are three small paintings by Darren Meader. Exquisite works that paint the journey from Launceston along the Midlands Highway as we headed to the East Coast, but also of my many trips to Liffey. Thick painted, paletted pictures of mountains, rivers, paddocks and sheds; light and colour, reflections and movement.
These works sit alongside other original artworks, my own paintings, drawings and sculptures that my daughter has made; artwork that I have saved from tip shops and family photographs. Carefully chosen pieces that are on show, curated, to create a story. They are part of my everyday life; they make my home.
These are not just pieces of art, but mementos, treasures that remind us of a person, a place or time. Even those artworks that at first glance may not seem to fit within this, on closer inspection, tap into something in us; our lives, history, passions that draw us to them. They make us remember, contemplate, celebrate and laugh.
Art has great capacity to evoke nostalgia, memory, time and a sense of place. It’s one of it’s purposes. Surrounding ourselves with it, getting to know the artists and the places, making the effort to dig a little deeper and ask the questions, takes it from just being a collection of objects on a window sill to an environment, a cave of treasures, a home, a gift.
Thank you to the artists who work so hard to present these works before us and thank you to the organisers for making this happen. Support the artists, buy the art and enjoy your treasures.
Apologies for the lack of pics. I am on the road and technology is not as it should be. Will upload some photos when I return in August. Thank you Kelly Renny for organising such a wonderful exhibition and for inviting me to speak xxx
There is a particular light on the east coast. It’s a combination of a warm golden yellow with a hint of pink. It washes over the Sheoaks and gums and dances between the paddocks and rocks. It’s very different to the light anywhere else in Tasmania.
As a child, the East Coast was my playground. Every school holiday we would visit my Nan and Pop who lived in Beaumaris, Scamander. It was the first house built; high on the hill with two large date palms either side at the front; looking regal. Mum would bundle the four kids and the dog Smithie, the Smithfield, (very original name) into the mission brown Kingswood and we would head to the coast. If they kept me distracted enough by singing and playing games I wouldn’t get sick. But if the brown paper bag came out, it usually meant that we were all sick. A great domino of vomiting children.
The drive from Launceston to Scamander seemed to go on on forever and when we finally did arrive we would be met with darkness, the sound of the ocean and the smell of the salt water. The waves crashed in welcome to us and as we snuggled down into our beds after a cup of cocoa and a biscuit we whispered about what we would do in the morning.
Our days were spent exploring the beach, finding worms for fishing in pop’s compost, playing in the next door block; imagining that the piled up dead trees was a desert island and we were pirates. After early breakfasts we would collect an apple from the kitchen and a handful of boiled lollies, shoving them into our knitted cardigans and racing out the door. We would return at the end of the day or sometimes lunchtime, if we were hungry enough. The only direction from Nan was, be careful crossing the road and don’t stand on the rocks in your gum boots. The fear was that we would fall into the waves, be sucked under the torrent and drowned. We never heeded this warning and as such we all become very strong swimmers.
Our days were spent fishing, mushrooming, reading comics and playing on the beach; pretending to be warriors, mermaids; singing to the waves to make them taller. Trips into St Helens were a treat. Pop would head into the bar while we waited in the car with a raspberry and a comic. The return drive home, in an era without seatbelts or breath testing, was turbulent to say the least; with the occasional prompt from us to stop Pop from driving off the road.
At the end of our holiday we would take one more trip into ‘town’ for the sole purpose of secretly finding a gift of thanks; a perfect memento to express our gratitude. The newsagency and gift shop, one of the few places that remains in the town, had a large selection of hand crafted shell creatures, wooden ornaments branded with local names and cheap imports. Elephants made from shells, apple folk, timer thermometers with Scamander burnt into the side. It was a smorgasbord of crafty cleverness. We would pour over them all, searching for the perfect gift and once selected it would be hidden away until our departure.
Neither Nan or Pop were big on shows of affection, but the ceremony consisted of us handing over our carefully chosen gift, a hug and thanks and then it would be positioned on the bedroom window sill, next to the other fifty they had already received from us.
These keepsakes or mementos were treasures. They represented our time on the coast and with our grandparents. They were more than just trinkets.
The definition of memento is something that serves to warn or remind; a museum filled with war mementos; souvenir, a keepsake, something that reminds us of a person or an event-an experience.
So, if you came to my little 1960s house in the suburbs for tea, what would you see now…forty years on?
On the wall is a small painting by a dear friend and artist, Rafael Saldana. Rafael and his lovely wife Maria introduced me to Sangria and we spent many hours talking art, travel and their bohemian times in Sydney in the 60’s. Our friendship began when I was only 17 and over the years Ralf and I would talk about art, Maria and I would discuss life, relationships and their mulberry trees as we sat in their wonderful garden in Launceston and later spent time at Liffey. It’s a simple painting of two birds in his garden; but I recognise the plants, the light and his style. It’s one of my most prized possessions.
In a glass cabinet in the lounge room is a carved cuttlefish made by Gay Hawkes, a nationally recognised artist and furniture maker. Her work sits in most major galleries. I met Gay more than 10 years ago, writing an article about her for an arts magazine. We sat in her boatshed studio on the edge of Dunalley, eating freshly made sponge cake and drinking tea out of her mothers best china cups. She played piano as the water lapped against the side of the timber walls and we spent hours talking about each chair or sculpture she unveiled. Along with the sculpted white cuttlefish is a glass dome filled with bouquets of flowers made from painted shells; purple, pink, reds.
On the mantelpiece are three small paintings by Darren Meader. Exquisite works that paint the journey from Launceston along the Midlands Highway as we headed to the East Coast, but also of my many trips to Liffey. Thick painted, paletted pictures of mountains, rivers, paddocks and sheds; light and colour, reflections and movement.
These works sit alongside other original artworks, my own paintings, drawings and sculptures that my daughter has made; artwork that I have saved from tip shops and family photographs. Carefully chosen pieces that are on show, curated, to create a story. They are part of my everyday life; they make my home.
These are not just pieces of art, but mementos, treasures that remind us of a person, a place or time. Even those artworks that at first glance may not seem to fit within this, on closer inspection, tap into something in us; our lives, history, passions that draw us to them. They make us remember, contemplate, celebrate and laugh.
Art has great capacity to evoke nostalgia, memory, time and a sense of place. It’s one of it’s purposes. Surrounding ourselves with it, getting to know the artists and the places, making the effort to dig a little deeper and ask the questions, takes it from just being a collection of objects on a window sill to an environment, a cave of treasures, a home, a gift.
Thank you to the artists who work so hard to present these works before us and thank you to the organisers for making this happen. Support the artists, buy the art and enjoy your treasures.
Apologies for the lack of pics. I am on the road and technology is not as it should be. Will upload some photos when I return in August. Thank you Kelly Renny for organising such a wonderful exhibition and for inviting me to speak xxx
Friday, February 9, 2018
Welcome to the Blog...
Thanks for dropping by.
Check out my NEW BUSINESS WEBSITE or you can read on to know more about the many projects I have been fortuitous to deliver or be involved in.
Check out my NEW BUSINESS WEBSITE or you can read on to know more about the many projects I have been fortuitous to deliver or be involved in.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Extreme for more than Ten Days...
When
the environment is pushed to its limits – bushfire, flood, snow and the most
untouched pristine wilderness, we experience intense joy, fear and sorrow.
In
the tradition of masters such as Olegas Truchanas and Peter Dombrovskis, the extreme artists have pushed their own limits to give
voice to the broken, the forgotten, the fragile, the ravaged and the muted.
Extreme
means something different to us all but I have noticed with interest the
extraordinary lengths and drive from photographers to document a moment or
capture a feeling. While early photography was male dominated, over the last 15
years there has been an increase in women taking to remote areas across Tasmania
and bringing a different eye, discussion and focus.
 |
| Peak flood by Rick Eaves |
This
exhibition includes work from a number of accomplished Tasmanian photographers who are constantly pushing
themselves to the limit to capture the extremes in their environment and to bring distant
struggles into sharp focus. Alongside these sit the important photographs by
Peter Dombrovskis. It’s a
wonderful opportunity to experience how the photographer merges with the
environment and what inspires them.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
TIME ON THE MOUNTAIN
The Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery is a very exciting project and I hope to share it with you as we go along. In the meantime, here's a bit of catch up from December and a last chance to see Jon Kudelka's work in the gallery.
It also saw the first residency undertaken by the much loved
cartoonist and author, Jon Kudelka. Jon spent two weeks working on his new book
about Cradle Mountain, producing new work for his current exhibition Kudelka in
the Wild and even had time to design and paint an amazing mural in one of the
children’s galleries.
CURATOR BLOG…
December was a huge month for the Wilderness Gallery with eight
new rooms set up with exhibitions by Arwen Dyer, Barry Smith, Jon Kudelka and
Wendy Edwards.
It also saw the first residency undertaken by the much loved
cartoonist and author, Jon Kudelka. Jon spent two weeks working on his new book
about Cradle Mountain, producing new work for his current exhibition Kudelka in
the Wild and even had time to design and paint an amazing mural in one of the
children’s galleries.
With access to a working space, a gallery and the bush
surrounding the property Jon worked all hours, chatting to visitors and cycling
throughout Cradle to observe the wildlife and visitors.
‘I'm best known as a
political cartoonist for the Australian and the Hobart Mercury, so this is a
bit of a departure for me. Cradle Mountain is
a very special place so I was pleased to be offered an artist's residency here.
The painting of cradle
mountain under stars was from a time I managed to get to Dove Lake on a clear
still night. The number of stars is not an exaggeration!’
The residencies have been introduced as part of the new
direction for the Wilderness Gallery which will also include Tasmanian films,
an annual exhibition program, workshops, a sculpture garden and a room
dedicated to the Tasmanian Tiger.
Artists are applying for residencies to undertake new work and
immerse themselves into this unique environment. Working in a range of mediums,
artists from both within and outside Tasmania will have the opportunity to
exhibit new work, engage with visitors and explore the mountain region.
Jon Kudelka also used the residency to practice Pyrography on
wood, or "poker work or wood burning as its also known. Pyrography is the art of decorating wood or leather by burning a
design on the surface with a heated metallic point.
“It seemed an appropriate way to draw some of the wildlife you
see around this area. It's a very organic way of working and I like the way the
grain of the wood becomes part of the picture. It feels a bit like the way the
plants and animals here are party of the landscape.”
Jon’s work will be on display until the end of March and more
details are available at kudelka.com.au.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery Call Out
After months of research, discussion, consultation and planning we are about to kick off the redevelopment of the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery.
It is a huge project that will include the expansion from photography into all art forms and will encourage artists working in all mediums to play with the idea of Environment, Wilderness & Place.
This will enable artists to reflect on their relationship with the places around them, whether they are urban, suburban, rural or wilderness.
It's an exciting time and we have a wonderful team on board who are developing installations, creating environments, preparing rooms and helping to get our ducks in a row.
We look forward to unveiling the changes as the project unfolds.
In the meantime, if you are interested in being part of an exhibition at the gallery please get in touch at K.Eastley@cradlemountainhotel.com.au or call 0439 262 344
http://www.cradlemountainhotel.com.au/wilderness_gallery_expressions_of_interest
 |
| Stillness at Dusk by Arwen Dyer |
This will enable artists to reflect on their relationship with the places around them, whether they are urban, suburban, rural or wilderness.
It's an exciting time and we have a wonderful team on board who are developing installations, creating environments, preparing rooms and helping to get our ducks in a row.
We look forward to unveiling the changes as the project unfolds.
In the meantime, if you are interested in being part of an exhibition at the gallery please get in touch at K.Eastley@cradlemountainhotel.com.au or call 0439 262 344
http://www.cradlemountainhotel.com.au/wilderness_gallery_expressions_of_interest
Monday, September 7, 2015
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Producer Course in Tasmania
Salamanca Arts Centre is offering the SPACE Producer's Course in partnership with the Institute for Project Management and supported by Skills Tasmania, this exciting course is perfect for those wishing to enter the creative sector or practitioners who wish to be recognised and build on existing skills.
The course will include a bootcamp and year long classes which will include both practical elements and theory. I have been so pleased to be part of developing the components of the course and look forward to delivering it to our first intake of students.
More course information
The course will include a bootcamp and year long classes which will include both practical elements and theory. I have been so pleased to be part of developing the components of the course and look forward to delivering it to our first intake of students.
More course information
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Changes to Australia's Arts Funding
The recent inquiry into the changes to arts funding that has seen millions pulled from the Australia Council for the Arts and the proposed establishment of a National Program for Excellence in the Arts (NPEA), attracted more than 2 600 submissions from across the country. It was a fantastic response...this was mine, and to view others click here.
At the recent public hearing held in Melbourne, accomplished contemporary artist, David Pledger very eloquently outlined the problem with the newly proposed NPEA. Well, worth watching this Video of David Pledger
 |
| David Pledger speaking at the Melbourne public inquiry |
I am writing this submission in response to the funding changes to the
Australia Council for the Arts and the proposal to establish a National Program
for Excellence in the Arts.
My response is based on more than 20 years working with community, the
arts, government and business in Tasmania. It stems from my first hand
experience as a producer, arts manager, writer and coach; having worked with
Big hART Inc, Tasmanian Regional Arts, Tasmanian Writers Centre, Tasmanian
International Arts Festival (Ten Days on the Island), Screen Tasmania, the
University of Tasmania and currently curate the Tasmanian Portraiture Prize
among other projects. I have worked with artists and companies to deliver art
projects, build organizational capacity and also explored alternative models,
such as social enterprise. This research has identified the importance of
supporting the creative development of art content in the state and that in
fact arts sector investment reaps much greater return than most other
industries.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Bringing the Tarkine to Hobart
Ashamedly I must admit to having never been to the Tarkine. That mythical, mystical part of NorthWest Tasmania that is attracting more and more attention for both it's beauty and the threat of logging and mining.
One of the fantastic things about having worked in the arts for a while, is that you often get invited to be part of extraordinary projects. Tarkine in Motion is such a project and I am lucky to be joining the troupe as Creative Producer; drawing together a show that includes a diverse range of song writers, actors, performers and musicians. Tarkine in Motion began as an idea to send creative makers and thinkers into the forests. It was a project realised through passionate individuals and the Bob Brown Foundation who supported 70 artists, musicians, performers, dancers & creatives to live amongst the lush forests and rugged coastlines. This included well known actor, Simon Westaway, who will join us in performing on Wednesday night at the Peacock Theatre.
One of the fantastic things about having worked in the arts for a while, is that you often get invited to be part of extraordinary projects. Tarkine in Motion is such a project and I am lucky to be joining the troupe as Creative Producer; drawing together a show that includes a diverse range of song writers, actors, performers and musicians. Tarkine in Motion began as an idea to send creative makers and thinkers into the forests. It was a project realised through passionate individuals and the Bob Brown Foundation who supported 70 artists, musicians, performers, dancers & creatives to live amongst the lush forests and rugged coastlines. This included well known actor, Simon Westaway, who will join us in performing on Wednesday night at the Peacock Theatre.
Of course I am biased, but with only one opportunity to hear these new works, this is a show worth experiencing, whether you have visited the Tarkine or not. The singing is exquisite and varied and it is beautifully matched by the intoxicating visuals that have been curated by the fabulous Geraldina Dijkstra.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Entrepreneur began with the creative
Social Enterprise is a natural fit for creative individuals. It's where intuition meets logic in a heady mix of creativity, passion, ingenuity, business sense and hard work. But it certainly isn't an easy path.
I was lucky enough to be involved in the founding of the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Network; an ego-less industry led group that was all about raising awareness of social enterprise and both the benefits and challenges. This coupled with my work studying the Tasmanian social enterprise sector as a Research Associate with the Institute for Regional Development provided me with a great opportunity to explore my own ideas and those of many other passionate individuals. It also resulted in the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study and was followed a year later by the publication Stories of Social Enterprises.
With a change of government and massive shift in support for social enterprise over the last few years, the focus has moved away from the social enterprise model. Although, it is a challenge for anyone wanting any financial assistance, it actually leaves those who are absolutely committed to the idea of matching a social mission with entrepreneurial practices to make change.
Last week I was thrilled to deliver an Introduction to Social Enterprise Workshop to a group of individuals working on major projects funded via Tasmanian Medicare Local.
It reminded me of the opportunities in exploring social enterprise and thinking outside the square and I like that.
The aim is to provide future workshops, so drop me a line if you or your organisation are interested.
I was lucky enough to be involved in the founding of the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Network; an ego-less industry led group that was all about raising awareness of social enterprise and both the benefits and challenges. This coupled with my work studying the Tasmanian social enterprise sector as a Research Associate with the Institute for Regional Development provided me with a great opportunity to explore my own ideas and those of many other passionate individuals. It also resulted in the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study and was followed a year later by the publication Stories of Social Enterprises. With a change of government and massive shift in support for social enterprise over the last few years, the focus has moved away from the social enterprise model. Although, it is a challenge for anyone wanting any financial assistance, it actually leaves those who are absolutely committed to the idea of matching a social mission with entrepreneurial practices to make change.
Last week I was thrilled to deliver an Introduction to Social Enterprise Workshop to a group of individuals working on major projects funded via Tasmanian Medicare Local.
It reminded me of the opportunities in exploring social enterprise and thinking outside the square and I like that.
The aim is to provide future workshops, so drop me a line if you or your organisation are interested.
Perfectly Imperfect
My background is as a journalist. I started naively at The Examiner in Launceston with little life experience and it really was a baptism of fire. With uncles successfully working in the media business I felt the pressure to remain in mainstream media, but it wasn't long before I escaped. Initially I was devastated as I thought my lifelong dream was over and that I had failed.
With time I realised my passion for capturing people's stories hadn't waned. I also realised that writers write; irrelevant of the place or platform and that just as there are many types of writers there are just as many types of readers. Which means that there is a place for us all. And finally I realised that I didn't have to be perfect. Everybody needs an editor and that the idea of immediate perfection by one individual is a nonsense.
This passion has led me to writing a number of publications and articles over the last 20 years. Particularly gratifying is when I can combine my love of the arts and people, with my passion for story telling.
Last year I was invited to write an article for IMPRINT about Paper Garments for the Grave, an amazing collection of work by mostly Tasmanian artists. It's one in a series of art stories that I have captured with hopefully many more to come.
With time I realised my passion for capturing people's stories hadn't waned. I also realised that writers write; irrelevant of the place or platform and that just as there are many types of writers there are just as many types of readers. Which means that there is a place for us all. And finally I realised that I didn't have to be perfect. Everybody needs an editor and that the idea of immediate perfection by one individual is a nonsense.
This passion has led me to writing a number of publications and articles over the last 20 years. Particularly gratifying is when I can combine my love of the arts and people, with my passion for story telling.
Last year I was invited to write an article for IMPRINT about Paper Garments for the Grave, an amazing collection of work by mostly Tasmanian artists. It's one in a series of art stories that I have captured with hopefully many more to come.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
The Journey of the Argonauts
'In spite of the minuscule chance of anyone surviving to lay eyes upon the Golden Fleece, let alone get past the guarding dragon and return with the prize, large numbers of heroes (the Argonauts) were ready to run the risk.'
A courageous group of Flinders Island artists embarked on a 12 month adventure to explore their own art practice and what possibilities could lie ahead. How could they extend themselves and where could they take their art?
It was a diverse group with painters, photographers, a film maker, sculptors and a textile artist. At times it was challenging and confronting, but all nine of them prevailed. The Journey of the Argonauts captures some of this adventure and the shared connection to Flinders Island.
I was lucky enough work with the group and together we faced challenges and hurdles. But all were overcome and we were able to bring together a group exhibition that has amazing cohesion in essence and form.
It was fantastic to curate the exhibition with Principal Curator of TMAG, Jane Stewart. This is the first gallery outcome, with the hope that there will be future destinations for this beautiful collection of new works. The exhibition is up at the Straits Gallery for a couple of week, so if you are heading to Flinders, check it out.
The wonderful artists involved included: Rachel Dallas, Sandro Donati, Sammi Gowthorp, Annabel Apps, Bronwen Grutzner, Dale Williams, Helen Haines, Jaga Lipska and Lila Tresemer.
This project was funded by the Regional Arts Fund, the Flinders Island Council and Flinders Island Regional Arts. For more information about this or other projects via
Kylie Eastley Consultancy please email kylieeastley@gmail.com or call 0439 262 344.
 |
| Rachel Dallas with They Washed in on the Tide |
 |
| The artists and curators |
 |
| A still from Sammi Gowthorp's Mercury Retrograde short film |
It was a diverse group with painters, photographers, a film maker, sculptors and a textile artist. At times it was challenging and confronting, but all nine of them prevailed. The Journey of the Argonauts captures some of this adventure and the shared connection to Flinders Island.
 |
| Dale Williams watercolour, View from my mind |
 |
| Engaging Elements by Lila Tresemer |
I was lucky enough work with the group and together we faced challenges and hurdles. But all were overcome and we were able to bring together a group exhibition that has amazing cohesion in essence and form.
 |
| Sandro Donati with his work Island Icon V |
 |
| Traveling Box of Bones by Rachel Dallas |
 |
| Yakka Orres by Helen Haines |
 |
| Jaga Lipska's Cosmic Bounce |
 |
| Bronwen Grutzner's pastels from an earlier exhibiti |
 |
| Annabel Apps work, Dissolved into a deep Lassitude |
This project was funded by the Regional Arts Fund, the Flinders Island Council and Flinders Island Regional Arts. For more information about this or other projects via
Kylie Eastley Consultancy please email kylieeastley@gmail.com or call 0439 262 344.
All photographs by photographer and film maker, Sammi Gowthorp
Monday, September 29, 2014
Feeling like an Imposter?
Imposter Syndrome has been acknowledged as a 'real' condition and in this recent article it states that more than 70% of people at some time will feel it.You know the feeling. You are at an event, or part of a project or in a meeting and you have that uncomfortable feeling that at any minute someone is going to tap you on the shoulder. The effects of it can be have an impact on your confidence, self-esteem and progression of your work and ideas. Here are some practical tips from Fast Company, to help you get through those moments and to let you enjoy what you do.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Tasmanian Portraiture Prize
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Then it is winding it's way north to Sawtooth Ari and then the Burnie Regional Gallery. See details at the TPP website and in the meantime check out our newly released film produced by HYPE TV that captures the work that goes into the prize along with the finished exhibition. Congratulations to all the artists involved and our wonderful judges; Robert Hannaford, Jane Stewart and Alex Davern.
View the TPP Film here...
View the TPP Film here...
No Artist is an Island
Whether you are an artist, performer, musician or writer it is often a struggle to nurture and establish a sustainable career in your chosen art form. Over the last 5 years I have worked with a range of individuals who are seeking to make a living from their work. Like many ventures this is not always easy and more and more I am convinced that it is about delegation and investment rather than going it alone.
Of course there are examples of individuals who have hit the big time and often this is put down to timing, the environment and pure luck...the right place at the right time. Although, I am not really a believer in luck. I tend to think that by focusing on a clear direction and putting steps in place, it can lead you to your own luck.
In a recent article in Cut Common Magazine, James Morrison wrote of the challenges of having and maintaining a career as a musician. In response to the question...Do you feel musicians are very business minded?, he responded with...
Of course there are examples of individuals who have hit the big time and often this is put down to timing, the environment and pure luck...the right place at the right time. Although, I am not really a believer in luck. I tend to think that by focusing on a clear direction and putting steps in place, it can lead you to your own luck.
In a recent article in Cut Common Magazine, James Morrison wrote of the challenges of having and maintaining a career as a musician. In response to the question...Do you feel musicians are very business minded?, he responded with...
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Being fed
There is much discussion
about the meagre incomes that we earn in the arts sector. Whether you are a
musician, performer or manager, it is often difficult to scrape together a
decent annual income. A couple of years ago I was speaking with a friend and
mentor about this and conveying my frustration at just how challenging it was. Not
just the money, but managing how I think as someone who stands with a foot in
each camp; the creative maker and the manager/producer.
 |
| Dale Williams, a painter |
In response she calming
stated...‘Well I guess it is challenging when you decide to live a creative
life.’
In that moment my mind
exploded with the realization that that is exactly what I was doing…choosing to
live a creative life. You might be reading this and smacking your forehead with
a doh! But so often when we are in the thick of projects, management, media and
people, it is difficult to have the space and luxury to enjoy and acknowledge
what is going on and how amazing it truly is. The forest for the trees
scenario.
In a world that often diminishes
the importance of creative thought and expression, it can be difficult to stay
steadfast in your resolve to…Just do it! It’s what you do. Now can we just get
on with it ….
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Understanding the Unsexy
It was great to be able to talk about the arts with Louise Saunders and Leo Schofield. It's always a topical and interesting subject. Read some of what was said here
Thursday, February 6, 2014
A great start to 2014
So, it’s 2014. Phew! What a relief.
2013 brought many challenges and to be
honest I was quite relieved to read that last page and close the book.
2014 has began and it’s looking like a
rippa.
I have started as Communications Manager (2 days per week) with the Tasmanian Writers Centre and what a wonderful team I have joined. Marion (pictured with me), Chris, Sarah and the Board. I am really looking forward to learning more about Tasmanian Writers and working to raise the profile of writing in and outside of the state. Drop by and see us at the centre Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm. www.tasmanianwriters.org
This year I have the absolute pleasure to
be working with a fantastic group of artists on Flinders Island. These are
visual artists, musicians and a film maker. We have invited Jane Stewart from
TMAG on board as the curator of what will be an eclectic and intriguing group
exhibition to be hosted at Strait Works in Whitemark, Flinders Island. You are
all invited of course. http://www.flindersislandregionalarts.org/strait-works-gallery-whitemark.html
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