Life in Sydney is looking significantly brighter now than it was at the start of the year, so the word I deliberately omitted from January’s header is making an appearance this month!
One piece of good news is that (at least at the time of writing) the Easter Show is going ahead. Entering the Easter Show is something new for me this year, and the picture above is one of five paintings I’m submitting – it’s called ‘Up the Rhododendron Path’, and was inspired by a visit to the beautiful Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath, in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, last spring.
And the paintings I’m working on at the moment will be heading for another lovely part of the Blue Mountains – Kurrajong – in early April. ‘Gone West’ is a series of work inspired by not only the Blue Mountains, but also west of the mountains (in some cases, way west!). It started as a series of postcard-sized pieces, which I was calling ‘Postcards from the Blue Mountains and beyond’, because I’ve always loved sending and receiving postcards. Sadly, and even without the travel bans caused by Covid, postcards are few and far between these days and I have to admit, I lament their gradual disappearance, along with handwritten letters, and manuscripts (both literary and musical). There’s something very special, and personal, about receiving something someone has taken the time, and made the effort, to write and then post themselves, with pen and paper, and seeing their unique handwriting. (It’s fair to say that the increase in postage and the unreliable postal service we now have has not helped in this regard.)
But back to this current series! Although my work is never large, there will be a few larger than postcard-sized pieces at The Village Kitchen in Kurrajong during April and into May, hence the series’ name change! I hope you might head to see ‘Gone West’ while it’s out there, and enjoy a bite to eat or a coffee while you’re there. For more details, see my ‘Coming Up’ page.
Also happening …
Biblio Art Prize, which has been extended to 28 February (online)
CASS ‘Art of Sydney’ Awards, also on until 28 February (online)
KAS Autumn Exhibition at the St Ives Shopping Village from Monday 15 to Sunday 28 March
Sydney Royal Easter Show from Thursday 1 to Monday 12 April
ASMA (Tas) National Awards Exhibition ‘Inspiration in Miniature’, Thursday 1 to Sunday 25 April
Until next month.