Previous Artists of the month
2012
Janew Carew – January 2012
The New Year for Arts Connect Inc's Artists on the Green begins with Janet Carew as Artist of the Month – an artist who loves to discover and start new things.
Janet began her artistic journey at an early age exploring colour and design through fashion. This passion for fashion was her creative anchor throughout her diverse corporate career in Australia and overseas. Being a highly intuitive worker, she would usually produce the finished product from her visual concept without drawing it first.
So, when she started life drawing with a group of other artists some seven years ago, Janet was delighted to discover and develop her talent for drawing and painting.
Having had such a lengthy background working in three dimensions with tactile fabric such as silk, cotton and woollens of various textures and weaves, Janet found that this tactile process became part of her drawing and painting technique. Her work comes from the heart and she loves to work with music and be 'lost in the moment'.
Janet understands the personal nature of paintings of the human form, and offers the opportunity via commissions to selected clients to be a part of the art. She says "why not be the model for the art that you display in your home?" Her work is in private collections throughout Australia.
With such a diverse history, it is easy to see why Janet is described as an eclectic artist. She works in pastel, acrylic, oils and mixed media to produce intuitive and emotive work inspired by beauty in all its forms – human figurative, nature, and abstract. See some examples at her website www.janetcarew.com.
You can meet Janet for a chat and have the opportunity to purchase her art, at her "Art With Heart" pavilion at 'Artists on the Green', Sunday 15 January 2012, on the Village Green, Main Street, Montville 9.00 am – 3.00 pm. Meet all the artists who have created these unique works of art you will find for sale at this art market with a difference. To take home or a one of a kind gift from Montville.
2011
Enid Wilkinson – December 2011
Over the past 10 years ceramic artist Enid Wilkinson has been able to pursue her passion for the arts and has developed a distinctive and imaginative style of hand built figurative works which seduce and delight with their quirkiness and vibrancy.
Her work has been inspired by her childhood spent on a property where peace and stillness prevailed and allowed her imagination to transport her into another world.
Throughout most of Enid’s creations animals appear in many guises. These forms take on their own personality and humour. Enid uses clay as a medium, loves textures surfaces and experimenting with glazes to produce forms that find their niche sitting amongst plants in her garden.
Enid believes the world has enough sadness and if she can inject some laughter and happiness then her work has been a success.
Visit Enid at Artists on the Green, Sunday 18 December 2012, on the Village Green in Montville, 9 am to 3 pm, top of town, under the giant figs.
Sample her quirky sense of humour that shines through her work.
Joanne Burnett – November 2011
Joanne spent much of her young life in the outdoors and traveling throughout this fruitful nation. Always looking for creative entertainment, Joanne would create 'things' found in her surroundings. These experiences developed Joanne's love of naturally found fibres, relishing the textures and the colours.
Art was always the subject at school in which she excelled. Joanne studied ceramics at TAFE, where she developed a fondness for clay sculpting. It was to no-one's surprise that her hands turned to weaving and coiling, using pine needles, silky oak leaves, palm inflorescence, leaves, grasses, vines and other malleable materials to create uniquely beautiful pieces, building a successful business 'Bush Baskets' in northern NSW where she then lived.
Later, travelling the world enabled her to store away many influences which are always there to draw upon in her pursuit of the quirky and the unusual within her creations. Joanne now spends time with her children gathering material from gardens throughout the Hinterland.
Fallen leaves and branches, weeds and vines are bound with patience & precision, into something beautiful and unique. Tiny precious baskets and bowls will compliment any décor while Joanne's larger open woven baskets can be functional and decorative bringing a taste of the forest to an in-door environment.
Joanne's gentle humility comes through in her work.
"It is always a mystery how fibres will behave & what they will become. Natural fibres have a personality of their own, which is why I am & always have been drawn to them."
Joanne will be featured in a segment presented by Tara Dennis in the annual Better Homes and Gardens "Eye on Oz" special which airs Friday 11 November at 7.30 pm on Seven. The episode sees each presenter travel across Australia to find big ideas and inspiration for the home and garden, as well as showcasing some of the more unique attractions this country has to offer.
Visit Joanne on the Montville Village Green, Sunday 20 November, 10.00 am to 3.30 pm.
Len Wilkinson – October 2011
Len has childhood memories of his father tapping with chisels on marble and he yearned to try his hand at a similar art form. Having migrated from England over 40 years ago, he did not get the opportunity to follow that dream until 2001 – when he retired to the Sunshine Coast.
Len chose clay as a medium, and now spends most of his time in his studio – transforming clay into wonderful tactile pieces.
Most of Len's work is designed to be displayed outside, in the garden. They are built on a large scale – they command attention through a physical presence that cannot be ignored.
Len uses a slab building technique to create forms that have been inspired by our environment. These forms are then enhanced by applying different glazes while allowing some of the natural clay to remain exposed.
Len is also a keen gardener, and finds it wonderful to be able to use this space as an outside gallery to display his art work.
His gallery is open most days in Buderim.
Come along to this month's Artists on the Green & have a chat to Len – discover his 'larger than life' personality that is the driving force behind his 'larger then life' sculptures & unique clay works.
Len, as well as our other artists, will be on the Village Green at Montville, Sunday 16 October 10 am to 3 pm. Talk to the artists themselves, find out what drives these creative people & how their works are made. You may catch a demonstration or two & take home something unique from Montville.
Patti Henderson - September 2011
Patti Henderson is a talented painter whom resides in Palmwoods, a beautiful place within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Patti has always had an interest in art, craft, design & decoration. Her first love was pencil, charcoal & water colours. However over the years has become multi skilled having dabbled in spinning, weaving, macramé, has been a screen printer, dress maker & a hair dresser.
“ I am always searching for new ways to create beauty. Discovering the joy of creating art works for the home or office to enhance space & promote a sense of peace, fun & enjoyment for all who see to enjoy.”
Choose from Patti’s soft gentle ‘Dreaming Series’, the happy quirky ‘Dance of Joy Series’, the bold & thought provoking ‘Hidden Focus Series’, as well as the ‘Solar Experience Series’. Or Patti is happy to discuss &create a personalized art piece just for you.
To view Patti’s beautiful paintings, visit her at ‘Artists on the Green’ Sunday 18th of September from 10.00am - 3.30pm. Where the artists themselves are onsite to discuss & sell their works. If you would like to participate in this ‘art market with a difference’ please contact markets@artsconnectinc.com.au
Kaye Gilmore - August 2011
Kaye Gilmore is an intriguing ceramic artist with a passion for exotic masks. Each piece is individually made from robust clay to the finest porcelain. Her use of exotic lines, fine detail & textured finishes has earned her a bevy of admirers on the Sunshine Coast.
Originating from Melbourne, Kaye taught hand building, sculpture & throwing throughout Victoria & has won various awards over her career including the prestigious ‘Herald Outdoor Art Show Award’.
Kaye also has a fondness for the endless flowing lines of the female form & quirky animals. She has created many lovable, memorable characters over her career. With her art works displayed inside your home or mingled into your garden, Kaye creates a piece art for everyone & every place.
Kay an active member of Arts Connect & an exciting & popular exhibitor in their ‘Sculpture on the Edge’ exhibitions held in the beautiful gardens of the hinterland. To experience Kaye’s amazing masks & sculptures, come along to ‘Artists on the Green’ Sunday August 21st 10.00am-3.30pm on the Montville Village Green, top of town, Montville, where you will find a diverse selection of local artists selling individual, unique art work. In conjunction with the Creative Spaces – Open Studios & Sunshine Walks Festival, the Montville Chamber of Commerce will be bringing many local organisations together to Celebrate as 'Montville Day'. The Mayor Bob Abbott will be visiting our artists on the Green at 10.00am. Catch a demonstration, browse Montville & liase with the artists. Take home something special. It is the ‘art market with a difference’.
If you would like to be part of this unique hinterland event supported by Sunshine Coast Council email markets@artsconnectinc.com.au or website www.artsconnectinc.com.au
Lyndai Palai - July 2011
Lynda Palai is a talented textile artist. She has always been an avid spinner & weaver & found herself with an abundance of accumulated fleece. In attempt to use some of this excess wool she decided to try her hand at felting & her passion was unleashed. Her use of vibrant colours & textures is to be admired. Each piece has been individually designed & hand dyed to create fabulous wearable pieces of art.
“Felting can be a long drawn out process but is a wonderful medium to work with especially for those who are tactile people. No two pieces are the same & often which starts out as a mistake turns out to be a beautiful piece of wearable art.”
“I never considered myself an artist until I discovered felting. Working with felt has taught me to let go of the outcome & to let the artist emerge.”
Lynda also knits an array of beautiful garments which are always a flurry of colour. Just the sight of them warms you on a cold winter’s day.
To experience Lynda’s wearable textile art, come along to ‘Artists on the Green’ Sunday 17th of July, 10.00am – 3.30pm, on the Montville Village Green, top of the town, Montville, featuring a diverse selection of local artists selling individual, unique art work. Browse Montville & liase with the artists. Take home something special. After all it is the ‘art market with a difference.’ You will find no imported art here.
If you would like to participate in this unique artistic event on the 3rd Sunday of each month? Email markets@artsconnectinc.com.au or website www.artsconnectinc.com.au
Aileen Kumar - June 2011
Aileen has officially been making jewellery for 30 years, but unofficially all of her life. On leaving school she went to Queensland College of Art and majored in Gold and Silversmithing. After college, worked for a commercial jeweller and spent many years making engagement and wedding rings.
Having always experimented with use of colour in her jewellery, three years ago Aileen discovered dichroic glass. A wonderful medium to work in as no two pieces are exactly the same.
“Each piece of jewellery is made from the heart and carries a combination of my creativity, soul and determination. This is a continuing journey where I mix the colour of the glass with gold, sterling and fine silver. All pieces are designed and handmade in my studio in Maleny.”
To experience Aileen’s amazing jewellery, come along to ‘Artists on the Green’ Sunday, 19th, 10.00am – 3.30pm, on the Montville Village Green, top of the town, Montville, where you will find a diverse selection of local artists selling individual, unique art work. Browse Montville & liase with the artists. Take something special home. It is the ‘art market with a difference’
Like to be one of our artists on the 3rd Sunday of each month? Email markets@artsconnectinc.com.au or website www.artsconnectinc.com.au
Brian Jones - May 2011
Brian Jones is an intriguing artist who can turn his hand to a variety of art forms.
Initially tutored in water colour, oils became his favourite medium 40 years ago & still continues to be his passion today.
His recent work has expanded in two directions. Firstly to combine oil painting with modelling to produce a series of unique stringed musical instruments, many having a story or two of historical significance. And secondly, a totally different expression combing flotsam, beach found objects & oil painting giving birth to a series of “nature reclaiming man made material.” Producing sculptures & 3D paintings, incorporating both realism & abstraction. “The mystery of things man leaves behind.”
Come & meet Brian, take a step into his world of abstraction at ‘Artists on the Green’. Sunday May 15th, 10.00am - 3.00pm on the Montville Village Green, top of town, Montville.
Dafid Szepesvary - April 2011
Dafid Szepesvary is a jewellery sculptor living in the pristine Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Originating from Hungary & always having a passion for art he migrated to Australia & studied graphic design in Melbourne.
Whilst working in steel fabrication, a hobby of metal sculpting emerged. These techniques learned from the metal trade were then magically applied to his jewellery which has now evolved into the beautiful works of art Dafid designs & creates.
“I like to be referred to as a sculptor rather than a jeweller as I use non-cast and unconventional methods for creating my designs. I am inspired by the diversity of the Australian landscape, the ocean, the mountains and the tranquility of this special part of the world. Each piece is handmade & individual & not cast in multiples as is the way of the world today. Great care is taken when cutting and polishing each stone, creating, welding and shaping your chosen piece of art work.”
With 40 years experience in the metal trade and a passion for art and sculpture Dafid has developed a unique style of sculpting with precious metals, using Australian Opals, South Sea Pearls, precious and semi-precious gems. Each piece of jewellery is accompanied by its own Valuation Certificate.
Dafid’s jewllery is a work of art to be treasured & cherished. To be handed down from generation to generation.
Rae Lloyd-Jones - March 2011
Rae Lloyd-Jones has held a fascination with illuminated lettering & calligraphy all of her life. Each original illuminated calligraphy piece takes up to 20 hours to complete from pencilling, lettering the text, painting the intricate detail, then finishing off with gold scroll & filigree work. This unique age old traditional artwork is then beautifully framed, ready to hang. Her Australian Flora & Fauna series include miniatures of rare & endangered Australian birds, butterflies & other Australian wildlife.
Rae has a passion for collecting antique calligraphy pieces on real vellum & parchment – “not the modern imitation stuff.” The days before PC’s & printers, when everything was done by hand. Gorgeous of beautiful penmanship, elaborately illuminated.
“Words have the power to inspire, to encourage, strengthen & heal, to bring joy & happiness, to convey our concerns, needs, our love & our deepest thoughts & feelings to one another. Illuminating the beautiful words that really speak to my heart is at the core of my work.”
“Many people I quote in my work, just like us today were far from perfect, yet had profound things to say to their own generations. It is my hope that my work will provide another way for these inspiring words to have an impact once again in our own day.”
For more of Rae’s work visit her gallery at www.angelworx.com.au
Clay Playful - February 2011
Three local polymer clay artists, Desley Law, Jan Frost and Cheryle Penrose have pooled their talents to create 'Clay Playful'.
They create a unique range of useable and wearable art featuring polymer clay. Their objective is to bring art into everyday use and have a ton of fun doing it!
Amazing Jack-in-the-Boxes, beautiful up-cycled vases and teapots, exquisite jewellery, buttons, pens, art dolls and sculptures are just part of their eclectic mix of styles.
Polymer clay classes are a large part of their repertoire. These ladies are delighted to spread the joy of creating with polymer clay.
If you are wondering what polymer clay is or how to use it in art, come along and peruse their work on Sunday 12th February, 8.30am - 3pm on the Village Green, Main St, Montville. Demonstrations will be running throughout the day. Come & explore this exciting medium. www.clayplayful.com
Danny Madigan - January 2011
Danny Madigan our man from the bush is January’s ‘Artist of the Month’.
Danny is a master timber craftsman. He creates amazing indoor & outdoor wooden sculptures including saddles, violins & furniture. His talent evolves with each piece, working with stumps, hollow logs & old bits of timber lying around the scrub.
Having had to endure many health problems from a young age, Danny first turned to wood working for therapeutic purposes, restoring furniture & wood turning, but found this very limiting. He then discovered a carving attachment for his grinder & his groove was found. His first bowl was made from a Cyprus stump which in his words was “rubbish”
Now he has exhibits in galleries, council chambers, homes & gardens all around Qld. His love of timber clearly shines in his work.
“Working with timber & wandering the bush is very therapeutic & helps the mind.” He says. “I especially enjoy mixing with the artists in Arts Connect.”
2010
Peter Evans - December 2010
Peter Evans is an Artist and Art Teacher, living on Kawana Island with his wife and two small children. He moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2005 after living and working in London, and travelling through Europe. Before that, he grew up, studied and taught Art in country South Australia.
His paintings are predominantly abstract and semi-abstract, and stem from improvisations and stylizations of the world around him.
His work is an exploration of colour, texture, form and dramatic use of line. He draws inspiration from his travels throughout the world, the landscape around him, and from spontaneous sketches. In some works, he stylises forms into flat shapes and simplifies them.
"Painting is a creative outlet for me. I love the freedom that painting provides and enjoy the interplay of overlapping and blending of colours, textures and the dramatic effect that the lines can create. The lines are often the emphasis that brings life to my work, and are usually one of the last touches I do, so it can be daunting."
Peter utilises both acrylic and oil paints to create the desired effects, producing his work on stretched canvas.
Peter also sells his artwork direct through his website.
Kaye Gilmour - November 2010
Kaye Gilmour is a charismatic ceramic artist who calls Palmwoods home. She has a love of sculpting animals, children, the female form & is a master of ceramic masks. These hold a constant fascination for Kaye with each mask evolving into their own personality. Each piece is an absolute individual made from robust raku clay to the finest porcelain. With the use of exotic lines, colours & texture, Kaye's work is to be admired.
Originating from Melbourne, Kaye taught hand building, sculpture & throwing throughout Victoria from where she met many varied & talented artists. She has won various awards over the years including the prestigious 'Herald Outdoor Art Show Award'.
Being an active member of Arts Connect, she is an exciting & popular exhibitor in 'Sculpture on the Edge' exhibitions held in the beautiful gardens of the hinterland. There is always a place in your home or garden for Kaye's artworks.
Come & meet Kaye & be privy to this talented artist at 'Artists on the Green' at Montville Village Green, Saturday 13th of November 8.30am - 3.00pm.
Norm Lewis - October 2010
Norm Lewis is a man with a big personality & a story or two to tell. Residing in Maleny, Norm is not only a fire fighter, a talented artist but also an engraver by trade. This last talent & a nautical background of living & sailing on his own ketch has led Norm into the art of 'scrimshaw'. Using very fine & delicate tools Norm lovingly carves recycled ivory piano keys with a unique nautical influence. From pieces to be worn or simply admired Norm does it all. Born in England with no formal art training Norm did win a scholarship to the Liverpool School of Art however declined, feeling the need to follow his own instincts. Having spent the last 30years firstly in New Zealand then with wife Donna sailed & lived on board their historic sailing ketch Lady Pat. Norm is a talented artist whose scrimshaw, paintings, sketches & drawings all reflect his love of the ocean & anything nautical.
Come & meet Norm at 'Artists on the Green' held on the Montville Village Green on October 9th at 8.30am - 3.00pm. Watch Norm demonstrate this ancient craft. You may even hear a story or two.
Jim Cox - September 2010
Montville artist Jim Cox is a founding member of Arts Connect Inc. and his hand is seen everywhere in their activities. From designing logos to hanging exhibitions; painting signs to creating artist sketches, Jim is the man with the skills and the creativity.
He is a favourite with Montville children for his zany children's books, cards and drawings, and having hosted weekly life drawing sessions in his studio for 6 years he is also friend and mentor to many local artists.
Jim will be featured as 'Artist of the Month' on September 11th when 'Artists on the Green' comes back to Montville Village.
Jim has a wide range of skills and interests. Passionate about natural history, his artwork can be studies of birds or animals in acrylic or gouache; pen and ink landscapes; the figure in colourful oil pastels; clay sculptures .. are all part of his repertoire.
On September 11th, Jim will have some of his work for sale on the Green and will be demonstrating portraiture in oil pastels. Come and watch Jim work and perhaps you'll want to take home an original artwork, pose for your portrait or commission one for later.
Jim will soon have his website up and running for you to find out more.
This project has been supported