This work is from the first solo show I staged in Melbourne after leaving my ‘newly established career as an art therapist.

The exhibition included 20 paintings and 8 sculptures. Each piece was full of symbolism that told a story; some were even inspired by autobiographical themes.

At that stage of my art career I was still a little reluctant to delve too deep into the story behind the imagery. I wanted people to connect with what was relevant for them and instead create their own meaning form the artworks. I now realise I was a little stubborn. My work as an art therapist had instilled in me a high regard for art as a powerful agent for change, and self expression.  I refrained from interpreting my client’s artwork in favour of a more respectful and open minded stance. As an artist I became interested in how my art could serve others and have very personal significance to them.

OLIVE GROVE SONG depicts  a spiritual union in balance. I wanted to conjure the sound of birds singing and the feeling of vibration, those sensations that a still picture maybe thought to be out of reach from. Lovers of poetry and art know better than that…

Collage of paper and fabric in my earlier work featured so strongly but used more as a painting medium substitute not merely as a textured effect. When i am painting, especially larger scale3 works I generate a lot of energy and flow. my studio would be covered in paper and peices of patterned fabric and in the midst of my dynamic pace. A glimpse of colour or a pattern would be cut by hand or scissors and added quicker than a twist of a paint tube lid.

The patterns of a clever designed paper or fabric helped to germinate new shapes into my painting. From there I would repeat in painting the motifs. Soon a beautiful interwoven dance between the two mediums would seal the layers of color and form making up the atmosphere around and withing my subject matter (figures).

In this painting you can see this play out very clearly, from bodies to earth representing the interconnectedness of all that is.

I am reminded that a life changing trip to India had preceded this exhibition and work. I was ‘clear as day’ processing the experience and new found awareness through my creations.