Why you want to bite into Ben Quilty’s work, just mind the nipples

I was lucky enough to stop by Ben Quilty‘s exhibition at the National Art School. Ben was the offical war artist in Afghanistan, commissioned by the Australian War Memorial. His works are staggering in scale and paintwork. It looks like he’s taken great slabs of paint and smeared them across the canvas. It makes the paint very meaty, very chunky and made me want to … Continue reading Why you want to bite into Ben Quilty’s work, just mind the nipples

Day 4: Mixed media at National Arts School

I like the sense of accomplishment you get from learning new skills, even though it can be extraordinarily frustrating until you find some comfort and confidence in your new found skills. After four days under the direction of Kerrie Lester I’m finding that I am trying new stuff and enjoying it. Although I will certainly be glad to see the back of the chickens! Continue reading Day 4: Mixed media at National Arts School

Day 3 Mixed Media Art Class: Evil black chicken

The things I love about going to refresher courses is it challenges you. It makes you rethink what you’ve been doing and it calls upon you to push yourself in areas that you’re not comfortable with. Kerrie Lester has been a good tutor, pushing us and giving hands on advice and tuition – and calls everyone “Doll” which is very endearing, even though she pulls … Continue reading Day 3 Mixed Media Art Class: Evil black chicken

Day 2: Mixed Media course at National Arts School

Today was criminal and frustrating. Trying and learning new techniques made me feel like I was in kindergarten again but the results turned out okay, despiteĀ  lots of swearing under my breath. Number 2 in the giant chickens. I kept going back to what I’m comfortable with – detailed collage, but it was important to try other things. You can judge for yourself. Continue reading Day 2: Mixed Media course at National Arts School