Natural Abstractions - an exhibition
Settle in, make yourself comfortable and get ready to see some amazing textile art.
High Country Lupins #3 by Brenda Gael Smith |
The big day finally arrived - The opening of Natural Abstractions , a solo exhibition by Brenda Gael Smith.
Let's start with the opening ceremony:
Here we are getting ready for speeches (and the best photo of my dress for the dress spotters out there ). For those of you who haven't read my previous posts I had the huge honour of being invited to do the opening speech.
I think my speech went well. People were kind enough to say they enjoyed it and Mr Daisy said it was excellent but then I guess he's a little biased. Everyone clapped and nobody threw tomatoes at me, so that's always a good sign :)
Then it was over to Brenda to say a few words about her work and many thank yous.
Brenda will be going more in depth about her art works in a lecture on the 23rd January. I'll be there for that one. If you're interested RSVP to the Gosford Regional Gallery Ph 02 4304 7550
And now for the art!!
Abundance, the large Native Fuschia textile painting is such a wonderful welcome to the exhibition, positioned perfectly to catch your eye as you walk into the art gallery. It positively glows.
Then just around the corner the Copa Abstraction sketches draw you in and delight with their details.
I love the way the frames give the appearance of a sculptural wall installation.
Copa Abstractions are the product of a year long art project in which Brenda created a sketch each week based on inspiration sourced on her daily walks in the area of Copacabana.
It's fun looking at the sketches and guessing what they represent. There is a handy guide to cross check.
There is also a catalogue...
...that shows all 52 sketches and a photo of the inspiration subject.
Brenda took ideas from her sketches to create larger works. These textile paintings filled the other walls.
I'll use some excerpts from my opening speech, in no particular order, just parts that suit the photos.
"...Brenda has been developing and working with these shapes and lines for many years, growing with them, perfecting and refining them. In effect Brenda has created her own language to convey the beauty of the natural world.
That is a special gift. And one that we are lucky she shares with us through her art.".
Clockwise from top left: Karkalla, Flourish, Bloom! (bottlebrush), Persist (Banksia) |
"...I can attest to the way Brenda understands and conveys, not just the shape and colour of her subject but also the essence of its character.
A brilliant example of this is the textile painting of the Blue Mallee Ringneck. Rather than create a pictorial quilt of a bird, Brenda has gathered the colours and produced just the right mix and pattern to conjure up the feeling of the bird flying by, that flash of colour that swoops past and you know a blue ringneck has just visited."
Flying Colours - Budgies Uncaged |
"... Brenda creates technical magic with fabric. From dying her own material, which is an impressive feat and area of expertise in itself, to her masterful use of colours and seemingly simple but sophisticated and innovative designs. "
Kelp pods, Kelp Forest, Neptunes Necklace #2 |
"So it’s my hope that, in turn, you all take inspiration from this exhibition with you as you go into the outside world. When you next go for a walk and or stop to admire a flower or a beautiful scene, think for a moment 'how would Brenda see it?' "
Thrive! Bromeliads |
Colour, colour every where!! Brenda out did herself with these wonderful colourful
gingerbread cookies and rainbow jellies! There were almost too pretty to eat... almost... yes, they were as delicious as they looked!
Quilt husbands chatting.
I haven't shown all the art works, It's nice to save a few surprises for those who will be able to see the exhibition in person. I can always post more photos at a later date.
Natural Abstractions is on until 14th February ( easy to remember because it's Valentines Day, I'm such a romantic) at the Gosford Regional Gallery, Gosford, NSW.
The Gallery is the perfect venue for a day trip with it's popular cafe and the beautiful Edogawa Commemorative Garden.
And a quote that I found on Brendas website when I was admiring her gallery of artworks.
"To dare to dream is to dare to live."
16 Comments
Wonderful post! I was wondering exactly what was in those frames and now I know. That’s an interesting year-long project! Budgies uncaged is my favorite! I imagine that’s exactly the color impression I’d get!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing her wonderful work. your dress looked great and those garden photos are amazing. With the snow and ice here they were particularly welcome.
ReplyDeleteWhat a breath-taking exhibit & the color explosions SO NEEDED in our bleak snowy landscape in New England. You knocked it out of the park with your dress!!! Love it. Thank you-Susan
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what was better Both of your happy faces or the vibrant color of the art works. BOTH*!*!*! Glad it was a good day for everyone.
ReplyDeleteYou both look amazing in your colourful dresses. The artworks all look so bright and summery. The perfect time of year for the exhibition. I love the way Brenda shares the inspiration for each work. It makes me realise just how clever she is.
ReplyDeleteOooooo Ooooo I so tried to get there..but the flights were full again and you know I have five colorful canes.. Turns out I did not need to aggravate myself as you posted the best of the best...to share with folks like me...and still and always you are so beautiful and classy. I can say that I knew you when....
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing these pics. It was like being there for those of us who can't make.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased your speech/introduction went well. And the photo of you both together is lovely.
Well done.
What a treat of sheer delight. A wonderful exhibition, thank you so much for sharing it. Words fail me, for a change. Loved it, and loved seeing the lovely pic of the two of you.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a wonderful exhibit! Your dress fabric looks as if Brenda designed it herself--perfect for your speech!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful works! These, and the bits of your speech are very inspiring! What a great idea, to make a small thing each week, and then develop on some for larger works. Thank you for sharing her work with us. An you look beautiful, as always.
ReplyDeleteFabulous post! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic exhibition! I surely wish I could attend this one. You and your dress are sensational! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteStunning post Rachael and thanks so much for sharing photos of some of the beautiful pieces in the exhibition - love the speech excerpts!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all these pictures with us ! And I loooove your dress ! It fits you lovely !
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm late but I'm very busy those days !! ;)
Lovely quilts!
ReplyDeleteLovely quilts!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for leaving me a comment. Your kind words encourage me to keep sharing my work and stories.