Learning new techniques Daniel Butterworth Workshop

I spent a wonderful weekend doing Daniel Butterworths's workshop in Brisbane held at Bienarte. Daniel is such an inspirational artist and such an honest and humble man. His workshop was outstanding. He was very generous in sharing his tips and techniques and gave incredible demonstrations. I learnt many things and now need to implement them in my practice.
 

Nature and Nurture

 

                                                                I love Ghost gums 

Top of the sandblow. Wasn't sure i would make it to the top. It was such a hard climb in such soft sand but we did it.

I have been very fortunate to spend the last three days on K'gari (Fraser Island). It was so wonderful to unplug from the busyness of daily life and take sometime to reconnect to nature and nurture myself. I have come back feeling less stressed and rejuvenated. Such an amazing place to visit.

Angus McDonalds painting of Behrouz Boochani a Kurdish Iranian writer, poet, filmmaker and journalist. This painting was the winner of the peoples choice 2020

Julie Fragar has painted artist and friend Richard Bell.

My husband and I had a wonderful day visiting the Tweed heads Art Gallery to see the visiting exhibition of Archibald paintings. The works were truly amazing. These were two of my favourites.

Breathing space

This year I have decided my new work will be about Breathing Space. Time to recover, respite, rest , a break and time to think. I am worthy of rest. 
 

Wonders of wood

I have been making lots of small wood works at the moment. It gives me so much joy to give them to friends. I really enjoy making them, they are certainly not perfect but they are made with love and my time. It has been such a hard year for so many this year. I have been so grateful for my family and friends. I hope 2021 holds good health and happiness for us all.
 

Whittling adventures

Using a very special Japanese axe Carol purchased in Kyoto. Really beautiful to use on the timber. 

 I have really been loving going to a class in whittling with the amazing Carol Russell.  Carol is an outstanding teacher, her knowledge and expertise is incredible. Such a genuine, generous, kind talented person. I feel fortunate to be in her class. It has been so good for me in so many ways. I am totally calm and relaxed when there, it is like a meditation as I am totally focussed on what I am doing and thinking of nothing else. I truly love the stillness of it. The wood is beautiful to work with , I feel it re-connects me to nature. I have been trying different techniques and finishes.

The joy of friendship

Very blessed today to be able to catch up ( covid safely) with very dear friends after many months of separation due to the covid pandemic. We still had phone connection but such a joy to be able to see one another in person. We all met studying art together ten years ago and have continued to support and care about one another over the years. It is always  wonderful to be able to share our thoughts and art inspirations. It has been a very difficult year for so many this year, you certainly work out what is important to you and what you truly appreciate. I really value my friendship with these ladies so much. Connection is so important to us all. 
 

Out and about

 I love visiting the Qld Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. Such incredible pieces of work like  "Boomerang "by Ai Weiwei and Mavis Ngallametta exhibition "Show me the way to go home." Such inspiring work. So fortunate to have access to these exhibitions. I have been spending lots of time walking and enjoying nature, planning my new work.