When I think of November, I think of jacarandas under thunderous skies. It wasn’t the threat of storms, however, that forced the cancellation of my ‘Sunday in the Garden’ at Eryldene last month but the extreme heat and intense wind. Disappointing, yes, but who knows what 2021 might bring.
One thing that did happen last month was the long-awaited send-off of my book, Sophie’s Sister. Having postponed the intended launch in May (thanks Covid), I came to see this event as more of a coming of age for Sophie as, having done all I could this year to push her ‘out there’, I felt the time had come for her to start fending for herself! It was also intended as a thank you to all the people who have supported me throughout what has, at times, been a trying year.
There were 50 of us gathered this Sunday afternoon at one of my favourite places – The Sandstone Café in Terrey Hills. Zoe Walton from Penguin Random House introduced award-winning author Pamela Hart (pictured above, with me), who spoke very warmly about my debut novel and even read a couple of extracts, which was both lovely and unexpected. And then, after I’d said just a few words, I introduced my co-driver from the trip I made across the Nullarbor back in 2007. (Those of you who have read my book will know that this iconic drive across Australia is central to the story.) Kelvyn told a few stories of our trip and then pulled a name from a hat (well, a zip-lock bag) – the winner of a painting I’d done of the Great Australian Bight. And then we ate! Thanks to Vinnie and his team for putting on such a fantastic afternoon tea, and thanks to all those who joined me that day. It was fabulous.
In a year that has had many ups and downs, one of the biggest surprises came recently when I received an email from our local member, Jonathan O’Dea, telling me of the Community Recognition Statement he had just delivered in parliament. He attached his statement to his email and I have copied it here:
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY HANSARD – 17 NOVEMBER 2020
NINA PAINE – AWARD WINNING LOCAL AUTHOR AND ARTIST
Mr JONATHAN O'DEA (Davidson)— My electorate of Davidson is home to many talented people, including Nina Paine of St Ives. With a background in teaching, graphic design and book editing, Nina's career changed direction a decade ago when she decided to become an artist. A number of art lessons proved her decision to be the right one. A recent trip to the outback produced many evocative watercolour paintings of Australia's desert country and her wildlife, still life and city life paintings reflect her artistic talents beautifully. Nina also turned her hand to fiction writing. Her first novel Sophie's Sister, which draws on Nina's experiences of travelling across the Nullarbor, recently won silver in the Popular Fiction category of the 2020 Global eBook Awards. Nina writes and paints in a home studio which was once her father's medical surgery. It is easy to see how the serenity of a quiet suburban setting surrounded by the St Ives bushland might provide Nina with inspiration for her prodigious creativity. I commend Nina on both her artistic and writing skills.
So I’m now in Hansard! Who would’ve thunk!!!
And now it’s almost 2021, and already I have a couple of exhibitions to work towards – one at The Village Kitchen in Kurrajong at the foot of the Blue Mountains, and the other at Marie-France in West Pymble, on Sydney’s north side.
But for now, as 2020 draws to a close, I have works in the following:
‘I Am Woman’ at Be Brave Artspace, Avalon, NSW (to 20 December)
Carlingford Community Art Show (online until 18 December)
Linden Postcard Show (online until 31 January)
Biblio Art Prize, at Blarney Books & Art (online until 31 January)
And coming up:
CASS ‘Art of Sydney’ Awards, 15 January to 28 February 2021 (online)
Until next month.