Barcaldine

I came up with the working title “Full Circle” a while ago and it’s no suprise that covid and border closures have postponed plans. It began with the concept of my journey as a graffiti artist to exhibiting fine art in a gallery. I soon realised the notion of full circle adapts to many meanings and experiences both within ourselves and external elements amongst nature. I began responding full circle literally, the sphere that sustains us and the beauty provided amongst natural environment. For me this is something that puts life into perspective and is a reminder that we’re only here because of a string of events, circumstances in time and space.

Spending so much of my time travelling around painting in towns all over I have been lucky enough to see some epic landscapes and stay at memorable locations. I realised I had quite a few photos that were calling to be painted. Photos are a great way to capture an image however a painting is produced taking in the feeling that made the memory. Using these original photos as reference I produced a new body of work.

I had a venue in mind in Barcaldine, an old pub called The Globe that council had renovated. The buiding has many original heritage features and some cool modern touches, with a great exhibition space and facilities for functions. It was a short time later it clicked that of course Full Circle was destined to take place at the Globe! After working on 14 canvasses towards the show and booking the venue I called in to take another look keen to see if I was on track to fill the main gallery. I was not surprised to see there is exactly 14 perfectly spaced spots to hang work. More recently a circular viewing tower has been added to the building.

Searching beyond a curved horizon we decipher moments in time. exchanging energies. Connected by a sphere orbiting between day and night in an expanding universe. Just the seasons change our experiences often rotate Full Circle. See the gallery or purchase artwork direct from Sauce.

Blackall

One of the reasons I love travelling the Queensland outback is the abundance of inspiration for art. Arid landscapes that chase a never ending horizon, the vibrant colours of sunset, reflections in waterholes are all things of great natural beauty and leave their mark as memories whilst solidifying a connection to the land.

During my most recent trip to the outback I captured a bunch of interesting photos. This setting not far from Blackall may be relatable to many in the bush. A storm brewing afar while the glow of afternoon sun saturates a nearby paddock.  

Since returning to my studio, in between other commissions and side projects Iv’e been working on a series of new fine art. The new body of work is based on original photographs from my travels. I had to postpone my plans for a solo exhibition the past two years because of a global pandemic, maybe next year who knows I’m just enjoying pushing some paints on the canvas in the meantime.

I have entered this oil on canvas titled Tumbar Road Blackall into this years Blackall Annual Art Exhibition. 91.4cm x 45.7cm 

Five Letters

ESCAPE Fine Art Gallery

You are cordially invited to the opening night of the ESCAPE Fine Art Gallery. 

Coming soon: Three Sixty Five

The Sauce Studio says NO to the Pop-Up Paradigm

We’ve all heard of them, and probably even been to one. You might haven even spoken about it with your friends and organised a night out at the latest and trendiest pop-up restaurant/gallery. The premise sounds fine, and all of those who visit usually have a rad time. BUT…

What does the ‘pop-up’ say about the state of business for the creative industries?  Our main contention with this temporary concept, it the lack of longevity given to dedicated professional artists. As makers and creators of quality art, it is disheartening to think artwork is popularly accepted as nothing more than a space filler and light entertainment. Art has a tangible effect on those who consume and enjoy it and for professional artists, art is more than pretty and palatable pictures at some trendy warehouse, it’s an income and a culture. By making art fit into the paradigm of the pop-up shop, it limits and constrains artists and art.

“But wait a minute.” I hear you say. “What about the flexibility and providing a platform for emerging artists?” Sure, there are some positives about the pop-up, otherwise it wouldn’t be popular. What we don’t appreciate at The Sauce Studio is how these pop-ups usually come together. In our experience, it is less about curating quality and more about who is friends with whom and who is cooler than whom. And, if an artist does get the opportunity to showcase their talent, more often than not they’re exploited and expected to work for free, which is not cool. Not cool at all. Just ask any mirco-business owner or emerging artist how many hours they put into their work, and how much profit they actually make. For sustainability and longevity, emerging artists need a hand up, not a hand out.  As far as flexibility is concerned, this is a false assumption. Again, in our experience at The Sauce Studio this has not been the case, especially in relation to the types of art shown in the pop-up environment. The pop-up paradigm is really more about the cool kids wanting to label and control their own expectations of what art is and can be. Trust us, the number of times we’ve been rejected or excluded from these types of events is ridiculous.  

Long story short, pop-up shops and galleries are devaluing art, reinforcing mainstream trends and are based on high school clique. Which is why we decided to open The Sauce Studio. At The Sauce Studio, we don’t rely on grants, funding or donations from the public, we’re an established business with overheads and mortgage payments, just like evey other business owner.