How would you describe your art?
I like to capture the essence of a time and place.
Does your studio reflect any personal traits?
My studio must be light and airy and easily open to the outside so I can hear the birds and weather. It must be full of found objects and sketchbooks and reference sketches and photos. For the last 15 years, I’ve lived near the shores of Port Phillip, which means I spend a lot of time staring at the sea and sky. I also relish the expansiveness and solace it affords.
Did you study fine arts, or are you self-taught?
Self-taught in technique with a background in science from school, so I’m curious about how things work.
I have BA Dip Ed in humanities, including philosophy, so I like thinking and pondering, and my subsequent diploma in graphic design encouraged a simplification of design within the canvas and an enthusiasm for and confidence with colour.
What does a typical day in the studio involve?
I love a cup of tea in the morning in bed before my day begins to think about my works and how I might progress them during the day. I love a beach walk at some stage to steady and clear my mind. And it’s not just the spaciousness – it’s the sound of the wavelets. Then, in the afternoons, I do most of my work.
What draws you to your subject matter?
I am a naturist, a nature lover. I grew up in the country and spent most of my childhood outside. I fell in love with Australia at a young age and have a love of contrasts: of sea and sky, land and sky, wind and water. Recently, I have been entranced with trying to capture light on the surface of water. I also love the patterns in the landscape and am looking at trees and leaf litter.
Something people may not know about your tools?
I’ve developed a layering technique where I produce a first textural layer with a gel medium that mixes with oil. Norfolk pine needles are perfect for this. When that’s dry, I can glaze this layer of oil using the texture to trap colour. Perhaps a few times. Finally, an impasto layer on the ridges of the texture for the sunlight sparkles on water or sunlit treetops. During Covid I was making my own charcoal from vine cuttings and inks by immersing iron objects and copper in vinegar (rust and aqua coloured inks respectively) or boiling up acorn caps for a silvery grey.
Is there anything you’re currently working on?
A body of work for an upcoming show titled Light, to be held at a new gallery space near Portarlington – Hat Rock Contemporary – in December and January.
What is your dream artistic project?
Artist in residence in the outback to create a body of work along the lines of Fred Williams’ Pilbara series. Or to be commissioned to paint about 20 of Australia’s iconic beaches.
Above: Artist Jane Flowers. Photo: Grace Newnham. Courtesy: the artist.
