In Art Monthly Australia this month, there’s a little write up about my exhibition about Azaria Chamberlain and the horrors that Lindy had to endure. It’s amazing how something as simple as this gives you the impetus to continue to work and go back into the studio. I think all artists are insecure by their very nature, even if it’s hidden deep away under a … Continue reading Baby steps, first real publicity for my work
Thanks to a generous government grant, the local arts group has been able to purchase its very own space for exhibitions, workshops and meetings. Originally two school houses put together and then used for years as a saddlery, the buildings needed a lot of cleaning, painting and rebuilding. After months of hard slog, it finally opened and crowds poured through. It’s exciting for a small … Continue reading Not the painting you expected
It’s the most incredible thing when a friend supports your art. There’s a big difference between saying you like someone’s work and paying money for it. I’m still kind of uncomfortable with the idea of friends giving me money for art, but I guess money between friends is always awkward. After seeing my A Dingo Ate My Baby series, a close friend said, “Make me … Continue reading Can I tackle a horse? My first commission
The local preschool is having a fundraising appeal where locals buy and decorate female torsos and then they’re auctioned at a gala night at the Albion Cafe. I was strong-armed into taking part and I really like them. Not sure who’d want them in their homes though. Death was inspired by Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead and a celebration of all … Continue reading Love & Death for Braidwood Preschool
Over Easter, the Braidwood Regional Arts Group have their annual exhibition in the National Theatre. I created these giant chickens with Kerrie Lester at the National Arts School and thought the chicken theme and the idea of renewal perfect for the Easter period. The exhibition was a lot of fun. In fact, three gallery openings were on the same night in town with a population … Continue reading Easter Exhibition: Giant chickens
This week is a huge week in the art world in Australia. Three huge art prizes are announced and there’s always contention surrounding them. You may remember a few weeks ago, I posted a collage of Ugly Beauty. A collage of a huge eroded gully near where I live. I wasn’t shortlisted but the winner of the Wynne have been announced and I like the … Continue reading The Wynne Winners and me
I love when great work gets shortlisted for an awesome prize and the finalists for the Abstract Showdown are really incredible. I actually think the new voting system has helped here where you vote for a work based on it’s merit, giving it a score, rather than a “hot or not” showdown like in previous showdowns. Abstract is not my thing yet, but I had … Continue reading Check out the amazing Saatchi Online Abstract Finalists
On the weekend I headed south to Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain peak in Australia and climbed to the summit. The great thing about hiking is you have plenty of time to think, plenty of time to observe what’s around you. There’s the grand vistas across the mountains as well as the micro things like tiny galaxia fish in the streams, stunning Billy Button flowers … Continue reading Inspiring trip to the mountains
March and April are a bit of a frenzied time, lots of arts grants have their deadlines this time of year. That takes a lot of preparation. Plus, the big hitting art prizes in Australia; the Sulman, Archibald and Wynne prizes all close this week. The Archibald alone awards $75,000. I’ve sweated out an entry for the Wynne Landscape Prize, you can check it out … Continue reading Ugly Beauty
Normally I create my work on the kitchen table, it’s comforting and easy and close to hot cups of tea. With the rain falling constantly & roads cut due to flood waters, I’ve needed to leave the house and have set up a workshop & studio in the old sheep shearing shed. It’s drafty and dusty but the natural light from the sky lights is … Continue reading When it floods, head to the shearing shed
Ray Monde 