Writing about art

Jo Angeley's Rainbow Tree

I have just posted an article about the artists involved in the Shadows program, a loose collective of environmental artists who have contributed work to a number of major Tasmanian festivals. Read all about it at WriteResponse

ART; A soft place to land

This Christmas was a reminder to me that on these occasions when so many are gathered with loved ones, friends and family, there are people who are alone and experiencing hardship. For some Christmas is a painfully long day to fill with television watching or other distractions to avoid the whole affair. There is no table laden with food, gifts or people to hug. For some it is a reminder of what is missing in their lives; a partner, children, a family or friends.

For me it was the first Christmas where I wasn't part of my own little family. While incredibly lucky to be with my daughter and part of a larger celebration with beautiful siblings, nieces and nephews the realisation that I was no longer part of a discreet family unit hit me like a punch in the guts. And I am sure I was not alone.

It is at times like this, when days seem long and painful, that I find such solace in the arts and creativity. First I turned to journaling; dumping the toxic, negative and chaotic thoughts onto endless white pages. Pages that will disappear; decay into the days, months and years ahead. Pages that I may, one day, be able to look back at philosophically.

Rainbow Tree by Jo Anglesey
installed at Falls Festival,
Marion Bay

But the arts had more in store for me. I automatically shelved any music with lyrics; choosing instead to opt for classical, operatic or world music (in foreign languages). It provided the perfect soundtrack to my journey, rather than taking me on the angst ridden emotional roller coaster linked to those familiar pop and rock tunes that can send one spiraling into nostalgia, sadness and self pity.

Artist friends of mine encouraged me to draw-just draw anything. Without intention I began with mandala's and from there something wonderful happened. Images, words, colours exploded onto the piles of paper and led me to pull our canvases and continue old works, while creating new ones. It was wonderful.

Sometimes in the depths of your own dark days, serendipity can present wonderful opportunities. I was lucky enough to be part of other people's art. This began on 22nd December with a trip to Marion Bay the site of The Falls Festival in Tasmania. Invited by Ralf Haertel, co-curator of the Shadow Program, this was a wonderful opportunity to meet with Tasmanian environmental artists who have once again produced some beautiful work. What an absolutely privilege to be welcomed so warmly. I cannot express my gratitude. For more details about this visit the WriteResponse reviewing site.

On the 4th of January I traveled to Triabunna on the East Coast of Tasmania to open the Gallery of Small Works Exhibition. Held at Gallery Artspaces and organised by local entrepreneur, Sue Nettlefold, this was a great idea that saw Tasmanian artists responding to the call for small canvas paintings. A small crowd gathered on the night and I walked away with 3 small oil paintings by Launceston based painter Darren Meader. He sold all his works on the night and to be honest I could have bought more. He paints lovely textured oil paintings that are best appreciated 2-3 metres from the work. This is where one can fully appreciate the beauty, technique and sense of light and movement in these works. The paintings are on sale for $100 each with a percentage from the commission contributing towards a new arts space in Triabunna, which is itself a buzzing arts community.

One of the hundreds of girl guides
typing old-school at
the Gorge, Launceston

Back home and more drawing, painting, writing and now I added sewing to my repetoire. But it wasn't long before I was on the road again, this time to Launceston to be part of a collective of artists contributing towards the huge gathering of Girl Guides-FanTAStic 2013. I had sourced 2 old portable typewriters and the plan was for me to run quick sessions with small groups of guides-a little bit of creative writing and some interviewing. It was a great day and I was amazed at the response from the guides. Most had never seen a typewriter before and were looking for the enter and correction keys. I loved it too-sitting under the trees at the Gorge-just beautiful. And let's just say that it has sparked a flurry of activity with me trying to find an old typewriter to write on. Believe me, there is something just fantastic about typing straight onto paper and seeing it there in front of you. Not waiting for the printer and not needing electricity. So fingers crossed, I hope to find a retro typewriter very soon. 

This gathering of artists was inspiring. There was some beautiful work created and I felt incredibly humbled to be included in the activities. Big thanks to Kim Schneiders and the team for making it all happen.

While I have returned home again, the creativity doesn't stop. Today I designed and made a new shirt from some old material lying about, finished a kimono style dressing gown created from recycled op shop clothes and am working on a couple of art reviews I want to finish from the Falls experience. How lucky am I. All this is such a comforting and welcome reminder that no matter what changes in my life, my art and creativity provides a warm, soft place for me to land. It welcomes and supports me, never judges and is always accessible.

With recent bush fires that have destroyed so much, it is a reminder of the importance of art and creativity for the individual and for the broader community. It can be a fantastic tool for debriefing, story telling and healing. At times when we cannot find the words to express how we are feeling, art can accommodate, allowing us to stay quiet on the outside while expressing our grief and trauma. And importantly it doesn't discriminate-art and creativity is available to all of us, if we are willing to be open to it and accept that there is no right or wrong, no good or bad-it just IS.

Although, I can't completely dismiss the chances that I may resort to Bridget Jones's remedy of Chaka Khan and vodka, for the time being I choose creativity as my therapy and welcome each artistic opportunity that presents itself to me. I wish you all well for 2013-it is going to be an amazing year. xxx

Finding New Ways

Guinea Fowl by Rita Case, 2012,
part of the Interweave Arts
Studio Program 

It is great to see courses being offered to assist artists who need a little help with financial management, marketing and product development. Most of this is focused on up-skilling the individual who is making the work. Of course, there is always a need for this, but I have found that there is also a desperate need for coaching artists who do and do not want to go commercial. Making art can be a very isolated experience. Sometimes that is exactly what is needed. But I have found many artists really value talking to someone who isn’t a relative, fellow artist or friend; someone with an objective eye and voice. It is a privilege to be trusted enough to work with such individuals.
 
Some of the most inspiring individuals I have worked with in the last couple of years are the team from Interweave Arts; Kim, James, Jay, Judy and Graham. They have been committed to working with artists who have a disability and have teamed up with the Tasmanian Polytechnic and other organisations to produce some amazing community arts projects including Paiste Your Face, I Stand Corrected and a showcase of work exhibited at Alanvale Campus titled, Counting on Art. This is an organisation that really deserves to be supported. http://www.streetsalive.com.au/about-us/interweave

A Good Week

Ross Honeywell

Last night I was one of around 25 people who gathered to share a drink in celebration of the formation of the Tasmanian Creative Industries Council, a body whose goal it is to raise the profile and importance of the creative industries especially to government and the broader community.
It was a modest gathering, but with reps from many sectors, it represented the beginning of what really needs to happen if collectively arts and creative organisations and businesses are serious about being heard. Ross Honeywell spoke brilliantly about the need to release Art Tasmania and let it be the creative and entrepreneurial organisation that it needs to be, rather than being hamstrung by bureaucracy.

For me it was close to home. With changes to funding through the Australia Council for the Arts, Tasmanian Regional Arts is looking at skeleton staff in the new year, IF it does not manage to attract funding. This is a huge challenge for a 65 year old organisation that is more used to helping others as opposed to asking for help. But it is now that it needs to hear from those artists, organisations and communities who have been assisted or worked with TRA.

Choosing an Art Life

Art is life, life is art...a quote used over and over again. But how true it is, particularly with some. Rather than art sittting as an accessory to my life, like many, I find it weaving between everything in my life. The choices of clothes and jewellery, where I place a beautiful ceramic sculpture, what I hang on my wall, what I read and even what I choose to eat. There is a bubbling passion for all that keeps it all alive.
I have been frustrated of late that due to personal upheavals I have not been able to attend the many shows, exhibitions and events that are either sent via Facebook, emails or I spot in the newspaper. I feel very apologetic almost to the point of sending a note to the artists, performers or organisers explaining my non attendance. I stop myself of course, knowing that I may appear a little disturbed by doing so and console myself with the thought that this is not permanent. I will see shows again, I will experience amazing art again, I will get back out to MONA and enjoy another festival.

I still feel a little dazed from a week in Sydney checking out the Biennale. It was a fantastic experience that brought me in contact with artists from within and outside Australia. Traditional art forms and new innovative approaches; some of which blew my mind. Check out the reviews at WriteResponse.

Lily modelling Origami Warrior

The creativity never stops as I returned to Hobart to prepare 3 recycled garments for the Remade Fashion Show as part of Junction Arts Festival 2012 in Launceston. It was a brilliant event with involvement from students from the Tasmanian Polytechnic, established designers and people like me, who were just keen to make something. It was a great experience to be involved in the event as a maker, as much of my time is supporting makers to do what they do. This was an opportunity to cut, tear, sew and staple. And it was fun! A big thanks to Interweave Arts and the organisers. And a huge thank you to the model, Lily Churchill. I am already thinking about designs for next year.

Now slightly exhausted from my trip up North, I am back in the TRA office talking with Sue Nettlefold about the upcoming Gallery of Small Works. I love this idea. Artists are invited to contribute small artworks for the exhibition which will be held at Gallery Art Spaces in Triabunna. It's an opportunity to tap into the thousands of visitors who travel the East Coast of Tasmania over the Christmas and New Year period. And I am already thinking about a painting I can contribute. If you are interested contact Sue at sue@galleryartspaces.com.au A percentage of money raised through the sale of the works will go towards an arts hub based in Triabunna that will support regional artists, workshops and the region.

Sue is not only an accomplished painter and project developer, but she is about to launch a new book Tasmanian Paintings. It is a beautiful collection of her thoughts and artworks and is available for $10 as an ebook or will be available soon for $20 at great book shops.

Creative Wandering

Reflecting on a great weekend with so many creative opportunities.  Early Saturday morning I headed to Somercotes Cherry Farm on the Southern side of Ross to meet other writers who all contribute to WriteResponse. It was a great workshop with Jane Deeth joining us to share her knowledge and insight into reviewing and reflecting on contemporary art. What an amazing wealth of knowledge she has.
The location was stunning and one that we are sure to revisit. Perfect for writing or painting and I am already thinking of ways to get back there.

The workshop was about preparing the team for a trip to Sydney to write about the Sydney Biennale. The last part of Saturday was about planning for Sydney and it looks like two small teams of writers will be heading off in early and late August.

That evening I headed off to see Dean Stevenson in The Unsuitable Case of Me. Written by Finnegan Kruckemeyer with spaces left for Dean to insert his very clever and beautiful songs, this was a lovely experience. I won't share anymore as the review will soon be up on the WriteResponse.

Sunday I headed South with the aim of spending a few days trying to finish a report about my work with Tasmanian Regional Arts. The drive was stunning and I took the time to drop in on a few of my favourite people. First was a quick detour to Gay Hawkes studio in Dunalley. She wasn't around but I took some time to enjoy the incredible blue bay and jetty filled with fishing boats. Gorgeous blues and greens.



Onto Sommers Bay to catch up with Naomi Howard. A pie, cuppa tea and was lucky enough to see some of her new works. Just gorgeous and I can't wait to see what she produces over the coming weeks.

That curving drive down into Eaglehawk Neck is stupendous and it never disappoints. The shack was fantastic, but I found myself wishing I could relax and do more creative writing. Perhaps next time.