Decades ago I went to see a show at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music – Barry Humphries was playing Sandy Stone, probably the least celebrated of his three main characters. I remember thinking, as I was leaving after those wonderful couple of hours, what a loss to Australia it would be when Humphries was no longer with us.
Humphries died last month, and the feelings I had all those years ago about the time of his eventual passing were certainly reflected in the memories expressed by so many (the world over) subsequent to his death.
I have always loved the theatre, but the idea of being such a public figure has never held any appeal to me at all, which is just as well as I have no talent in that area! But in my own very small and quiet way, I do engage in the art world by way of my painting, and recently I’ve had a couple of miniatures in the inaugural Anderson Art Award at ‘Galleries in the Gardens’ up at Tea Gardens.
Ian Morphett, who coordinated the Anderson Art Award, emailed a copy of what he said was an ‘amazingly uplifting short speech’ by Lee Anderson (Vice President and Patron of the award) on opening night. That speech was, in part, as follows:
‘Art contributes to a community in many ways whether it’s through painting, sculpting, photography or writing. All of these art forms are represented in our gallery, and our family see this local gallery as an opportunity to bring the community together.
‘Art reflects our environmental, creative and cultural landscape. It gives us a voice. It awakens us. It stimulates emotions. It helps us appreciate the fragile and wondrous beauty around us. Art can create debate, raise awareness, energise, influence, and seduce. Art is in every corner of the world, as ancient as the stone age itself. It captures us at the most unexpected moments. Art is a never ending journey …’
And so this month my own journey continues! Right now I’m getting things ready for my next exhibition, which is coming up at The Cottage in Brooklyn, on the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney. (The picture above is of one of the paintings I will have there, with the entire series - Life on the Hawkesbury - now on the ‘Gallery’ page here on my website.) I hope you might be able to come and have a look while it’s on. Details below, as well as on my ‘Coming up’ page.
Also coming up …
‘The Cottage’, 10 Dangar Street, Brooklyn, NSW, Saturday 27 May to Sunday 2 July
ASMA (Australian Society of Miniature Art) National Awards Exhibition, Willoughby Arts Centre, Ewart Gallery, 33 Laurel St, Willoughby, NSW, Friday 2 to Sunday 18 June
Art in the Mountains, Gallery One88, 188 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW, Thursday 29 June to Monday 17 July
Singleton Art Prize, Singleton Civic Centre (cnr Queen St and Civic Ave), Singleton, NSW, Saturday 22 to Tuesday 25 July
Until next month.