Ipswich Art Gallery

On Monday I drove out to Lockyer Regional Art Gallery, Gatton, to pick up my exhibition Algalrhythms which had been exhibited for the last six weeks there. I was expecting it all to be off the walls ready to load, but it was still up – they left it so I could see the difference with the new lighting. I’m so glad, but I wish I had taken my proper camera. 

Particularly with the works on the moveable walls in the centre of the gallery, where the lights were focused solely on the work (and apparently only set at 50%) they just glowed. It was the one thing I had been disappointed with at the gallery, which had been a delight to work with in every way otherwise, and they had wanted the lights as much as I did. They were happy to be able to document the difference it made to my exhibition.

On the way home I dropped in to Ipswich Art Gallery to see the three current exhibitions – only to find one was shut on Mondays! A return trip may be in order. It was my first visit to the gallery, which has some impressive wood carvings from the collection in the foyer – you can read more about their creator on this blog I found – very interesting.

On the mid-level was Everyday Sketchbooks by Deb Mostert, an Ipswich artist who uses her sketchbook every day. From detailed studies of statues to records of her work in taxidermy, and beautiful everyday moments like pre-dinner drinks and nibbles, her work felt fresh and lively.

One of the simplest was of bands of colour in watercolour - but what a marvelous and accurate record of these beach views.

Her artist book of the interior of a home was wonderful in the way it took you through each room all at the same time, but you felt as though you had simply turned on the spot to see it all. A very evocative yet simply executed work.

Jane duRand’s large ceramic installations in the main gallery were impressive in both their scale and detail. I was definitely intrigued as to how they had been hung, and a fellow gallery patron suggested it was probably Command strips. She also voiced her opinion on the shiny glaze on the green work, and I had to agree that it took away the ability to see the textures, especially as you tried to look higher up. We also agreed that it should have started a bit lower down, as we felt we were missing out on the top pieces.

I think the black work was my favourite, in both its exploded installation and in the use of largely matt glaze with shiny highlights.

The main gallery is huge, but can be divided into smaller spaces, and I will definitely apply to exhibit there in the future. 

De-stash Market

 I realised I haven’t posted many blogs of late. Part of this is because I write articles for TEXTILE Fibre Forum magazine, so a lot of my material goes there. Part of it is probably because I spend so much time writing applications and submissions for galleries, grants, and competitions. There’s definitely been a lot of that happening recently, so it was nice to have a break this morning and head off to the De-stash Markets at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds (not that my studio really needed re-stocking, but I'd hate to miss out...). It got off to a great start with getting free entry – someone who was leaving passed me an un-used wrist tag. I was more than happy to accept, and get out of the line in the hot sun – I can literally feel my skin begin to crackle after only a short time.

The first stall I hit was well organised, with lengths of material on hangers and clearly priced, gorgeous 60’s/70’s curtains in bags, and some other fairly hideous but wonderful pieces at $2/bundle. I’ve reached a stage where if a fabric speaks to me, I just go with it, and today definitely had a 70’s vibe with orange and brown knit/netting, and a fierce lime upholstery material. Oooh, and a piece of funky faux fur for $4. A brightly patterned velveteen piece also asked to be taken home. The next find was a couple of pieces of lovely silver leather, then some silver sequinned fabric. Then a nice piece of metallic lycra, followed by some gold cord, and a few dark purple bobbles. These strange bits and piece and offcuts are perfect for someone like me who works with cut up and distorted materials.

I got out of there spending less than $40, but I AM sorry I didn’t get the large piece of turquoise velveteen – sometimes it’s nice to have a big bit of fabric.

It was a great market and everyone there seemed to be having a good time – a nice way to start the day.