Artist of the Week, MATT GOWTY

Until recently Matt had been using charcoal at Roar Drawing.  The change in mediums to 'Chalk Markers' gave a prolific injection of colour, texture and vitality to his work.  Matt creates at quite a frenetic pace, with very powerful, deliberate marks.  His images compel the viewer with an uncompromising, strong presence.

Mystery Artist

This work is a celebration of recovering one's spirit, something that is so easily pushed aside in our busy, scheduled lives.  The simple thought of coming to class or starting a new piece can be quite daunting and uncomfortable if we let our minds get the better of us.  The hardest part is often getting the ball rolling and KEEPING it rolling!  Of course it's so much easier to ignore our fundamental issues, but it's also boring and safe.  Why not feel what its like to be alive?  I think this work speaks for itself. 

Not everyone likes to have the name up in lights for whatever reason, and I completely get that, but thanks 'M' for sharing your work.

Masterclass - Tapping the Creative Well with RIMONA KEDEM

Myself and 7 other lucky people attended Rimona's Masterclass at Qdos Gallery, Lorne recently, supported by her daughter Yasmin.  It was brilliant, particularly to work with someone who shares the same philosophy that everyone can tap into their creativity. You simply need to keep feeding the brain and give yourself permission to play, explore, discover. Rimona has a contagious child like humour and insatiable passion for what she does.  We worked through various approaches of how to trigger new concepts by watching TED talks, referencing Art History books and using various techniques including painting under the influence of 'Listening to a Soldier's Tale' by Stravinsky and even using a stick instead of a brush! 

Beach. Rimona Kedem 2012

Red Riding Hood.  Rimona Kedem 2012

Australian Backyard.  Rimona Kedem 2012

Masterclass: Tapping the Creative Well

Artist of the Week BELINDA EVANS

There is no hesitation in Belinda's work, it is teaming with integrity and emotion. Unfortunately these images do not do justice to Belinda's work, as it does not reflect the grand scale in which she painted them.  So grand in fact that it took me a few moments to decipher the portrait at close range.

Artist of the Week, Angelique Carroll

Angelique has established a consistent drawing practice over the past several months.  Her work reveals an internal kinetic force that cannot be taught, only supported and coaxed. Primarily her focus has been on learning to read her marks without inhibition, and where they might lead her.  The fundamental structures of these intimate documents, derives from the active undercurrent of her work, below the pictorial surface.

Artist of the Week, Stella Smith-Stevens

Placement plays an integral part in any composition.  Stella has articulated her response to this partially costumed model, with great discretion, dramatising the pose even more in a very understated manner.

Artist of the Week, Tamara Clarke

Tarmi has a tenacious attitude to her work, exhausting an idea for months on end. This is an admirable quality necessary for any progressive Artist.  Occasionally our best discoveries happen when least expected, when we dare to try something new. Combining techniques and changing the rules, stirring the pot, creates depth.  The hand drawn face beneath the ink speaks volumes.