February Newsletter  

I used to get a bit hung up on the feeling I had to paint a certain way, try to zero in on one subject or have a recognisable style that is ‘marketable’ but to be honest, I just can't do that to myself.  There is so much out there that inspires me to paint.  I think, for me, the fact that I paint all of these different things is enough of a link.  That’s what my paintings have in common with each other.  I have worked in many different jobs, lived in different houses and have changed in myself quite a bit over the years.  I think that is reflected in my art.  RMIT taught me to draw technically and recognise tone and form.  I had  to make models in my course of what I was designing, so it was a junction of art and engineering.  So sometimes I draw objects, cars and tools.  I studied Interior decorating so I love painting a little room or pattern, fabric and wallpaper.  I worked in picture framing so I have an eye for what is going to work and how much it adds to the art (My husband Martin also worked in Framing and makes my beautiful frames now). We had a greeting card business and I would draw from my imagination so sometimes I paint something quite whimsical which tells a story or conveys an emotion. I love my garden and flowers and my family were orchardists, so I always come back to flowers and fruit.   So I feel it has all added to everything I am now as an artist.  Many things are nostalgic as I was blessed with a happy childhood and memories of growing up in Melbourne in the 70’s and 80’s.  I revisit all of these things through my art.  I used to think something was wrong with me moving through different jobs etc but now I understand nothing is wasted, not one thing, when I can put that feeling, memory, skill, into what I paint. I’m very grateful. 

Thanks for reading, Kathryn