November Bulletin 2012 - Artists` Society of Phillip Island Inc.

The Official Newsletter of the Artists’ Society of Phillip Island Inc
The
AOO30311H
PO Box 198
COWES VIC 3922
spi News
November 2012
Including: Ibis Writers, Phillip Island Camera Club & Textile Art Group
President’s Notes:
I’d like to begin by expressing my gratitude on your behalf to the incoming and returning members of the 2012-2013 Committee and our
new newsletter editor, Jan Cheshire for volunteering their time and
skills to ASPI. Many thanks also to retiring committee members Lyn
Young & Elizabeth Shaw for their hard work and dedication over the
last few years.
Since the August AGM, the Committee has: begun negotiations
concerning 2013 and long term accommodation for ASPI members;
collected and stored a swag of (free) furniture for use in this building; designed a new ASPI
flyer; purchased a large road sign (used for the first time to advertise the Cup Weekend Exhibition); engaged some new exhibition sponsors; undertaken a membership drive and assisted in the planning and running of the inaugural Shearwater Festival’s Art Exhibition. The
latter followed hard on the heels of another successful Cup Weekend Exhibition. Thanks to
all entrants and helpers for both of these exhibitions and congratulations to all prize winners. It was particularly encouraging to see so many Shire councillors and members at the
Cup Weekend official opening.
ASPI members John Adam and Peter Walker have starred again this year! Congratulations
to John, the winner of the Bass Coast Acquisitive Award 2012 and to Peter who won the
Bass Coast Art Award at our Cup Weekend Exhibition and is now a finalist for the 2013
Bass Coast Shire Acquisitive Award. We also wish Peter the best of luck for his exhibition
in New York – and hope he doesn’t get wet feet!
Congratulations and a big thank you also to our new Life Member, Josie Kent!
Some of our members have already grasped the wonderful opportunities presented by the
opening of two new Wonthaggi art galleries – the Wonthaggi Art Space, a community gallery which opened in October and the Blue Pig Gallery run by Heather Carroll which opens
on December 2 with a joint exhibition of work by Gippsland artists, including some ASPI
members.
As we approach the summer holiday period, it’s also time to begin planning your entries for our 2013 Easter Exhibition, notably the Figure- It-Now Visual Arts (any medium)
and Writing Awards (short stories) which focus on the human figure/being. There will also
be two new prizes - one for a photograph of an historical building on Phillip Island; the other
for an artwork based on an environmental theme. We’re extremely grateful to the PI Conservation and Historical Societies for sponsoring these new awards.
Finally, a note on ASPI communications with members - those of you who have email
addresses will continue to receive regular updates from me in between newsletters. Please
share these with ASPI members who don’t have email access, if you possibly can.
Happy Creating and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season!
Marian
spi 2012/13 Calendar
MONTHLY CALENDAR
PICC MEETING
1ST Monday
1.30pm
ASPI COMMITTEE MEETING
2nd Tuesday
7.30pm
ASPI APPRAISAL SESSION
4TH Monday
1.00pm
IBIS WRITERS
2nd Monday
1.00pm
TAG WORKSHOP
2nd Wednesday
9.30am
TAG MEETING –
4th Wednesday
9.30am
NB. Groups do not usually meet during the December-January
holiday period. Please confirm meeting dates and venues
with convenors.
ASPI Contacts
ASPI Website: www.aspi-inc.org.au
ASPI Phone: 0418 549236
President:
Marian Quigley
0430274666
[email protected]
Secretary:
Jill Rogers
0416132045
[email protected]
Treasurer & Membership
Secretary
Ken Wilkins
0418318482
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Jan Cheshire
56722835
[email protected]
PICC:
Lyn Young
5956 7027
[email protected]
Ibis Writers:
Carolyn Landon
5672 5939
[email protected]
Textile Arts Group:
Elizabeth Shaw
or Norma Stack-Robinson
5952 1533
0413 488 338
LIFE MEMBERS:
John Adam
Josephine Kent
2012-2013 Committee
(L to R) Rob McKay, Exhibition Coordinator; Jill Rogers, Secretary; Rae Freyse;
Marian Quigley, President; Liz Tayla, Vice President; Peter Walker; Ken Wilkins,
Treasurer & Membership Secretary; Norma Stack-Robinson; Gillian Armstrong
ASPI SPONSORS:
The Artist’s Society of Phillip Island gratefully acknowledge and thank our sponsors:
Christine Caldwell
Lesla Saraghi
Linda & Andrew Marston
Blue Pig Gallery, Wonthaggi
Bendigo Bank, Cowes
Priceline Chemist, Cowes
Clinton and Elizabeth Sceney
Shell Philip Island Motors
Phillip Island Winery
The Bass Coast Shire Council
Turn the Page Bookshop, Cowes
Members are encouraged to consider supporting these businesses
ARTIST DISCOUNTS
The following businesses offer at 10% discount on presentation of your
ASPI membership card:
Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Road, Fish Creek
STOP PRESS!
The One Stop Shop, Thompson Ave, Cowes
is offering a 10% discount on all Montmartre art products to ASPI members
on the presentation of an ASPI membership card.
They will order in any Montmartre products listed in the catalogue on request.
‘I don’t know much about art but I know
what I like’
What a fantastic show this was again this year. We had 194 entries and over 850 visitors. This
demonstrates how our society is growing into an active and progressive organization.
Di Bannister’s expertise in curating the show was appreciated by all members. Thank you Di for
your work and thank you to the hanging team.
The opening night was abuzz with discussion. We were delighted to welcome the Bass
Coast Shire CEO Alan Bawden, Cr Phil Wright, Cr Neil Rankine, Cr Jordan Crugnale, Cr Andrew
Phillips and Cr Kimberley Brown whose presence demonstrated their serious commitment to furthering the arts on Phillip Island. Miranda Sage opened the exhibition and acknowledged indigenous land heritage. Miranda then awarded Josie Kent a life membership in recognition of her ten
years exceptional service to ASPI and also noted her service to the local arts community. ASPI
President, Dr Marian Quigley expressed appreciation to our many local sponsors and introduced
the Judge.
Overheard was the comment “I don’t know much about art but I know what I like.”Therein
lies the crux – art is so subjective and in spite of what is classed as commendable art by academics and art critics, the work either strikes a chord with the viewer or it doesn’t.
The Judge this year was Rodney Forbes, Director, Gippsland Centre for Art and Design,
Monash University. He congratulated the society on the high standard of the show and expressed appreciation for the thorough paperwork and the organisation of the display, which
helped simplify a difficult selection task. A contemporary artist in his own right, Rodney’s background is academic and educational. Accordingly and refreshingly, Rodney’s lean was directed
towards contemporary works that visually captured a conceptual element as well as a skill based
application in all forms.
Taking this into account, it was not surprising that the winner of the Bass Coast Art Acquisitive Award was “Fox on the Run” by Peter Walker. The hunted fox was painted in his rapid
fire drawing style. It is almost as though the work was done in a hurry before the horses, figures
and fox along with his creative idea, literally ran off the canvas. Peter’s narrative approach combined with mixed media of gesso, pastel and acrylic, blurs the distinction between painting and
drawing. Allegorical, perhaps autobiographical and richly symbolic, his painting appeared unfinished, leaving the viewer to mentally adjust completion. This deserving work was also granted the
Best 2D Award and to clarify any misunderstanding, has not been acquired by the Bass Coast
Shire. Peter has now been invited to submit work for judging in the Bass Coast Acquisitive Award
show, to be held around September 2013. We now anticipate the body of work that he will create.
Love the pressure.
The exhibition this year was of a high standard once again. The variation in style and approach ensured that all viewing tastes were accommodated. Tom Tyrrell’s excellent watercolour
“Sofala NSW” was a quietly dignified classic in composition and harmony. Some really beautiful
floral works were featured. Dorothy Field’s application of watercolour and ink were restfully contemplative, as was Di Spencer’s “Lily pond” and “Poppies”. Terry Rush’s Lily ponds series,
painted in abstract expression caught the Judge’s eye and her “Lily Pond 1” was highly commended in the 2D section. Sandra Peeters received a high commendation for her cubist
“Horses”.
Again, the photographic section demonstrated a high standard of the mastery of chance
with that tricky lens. Jenny Skewes’ “Berry’s Rainbow” drew a lot of attention, with her focus on
fore, mid and background. Her startling focal point was a rainbow, encased in a stormy cloud, as
it arched and pierced the ocean. This photo also caught the Judge’s attention and he awarded the
work 1st prize in the photographic section. Highly commended was a wispy cloud, “Blythe Spirit”
by Val Polmear.
3D 1st place was awarded to Andrew Smith for his “Steps to Freedom 2”a conceptual message visually entrapped in a cement fondue. Andrew also received a High Commendation award
for his carved wood piece “Growth”.
Norma Stack-Robinson received a High Commendation for her “Rockclimbers” which reminded the judge of achievement levels. A personal reminder that Norma is studying for her Visual Arts Degree! Also, Highly Commended in textiles went to Joan Everest for “Desert Scene’,
whilst 1st place went to Susan Ferres for her “Earth Tone Weaving”.
Did you see the juniors ‘entries? How sensational were they! Andrew Ouranios aged 9
was highly commended for his “Early Settlers Cottage” and keeping it in the family, his brother
James aged 6, received a High Commendation for his mixed media entry “I Spy”. Well done boys,
we can’t wait to see next year’s creative efforts.
The Wayne Caldwell Memorial Prize, Youth Encouragement Award went to (Junior) Isabella
Caldwell “A Lady”. The judge commented on her intuitive use of a limited palette. The Senior under 18 award went to Tiggy Chester, for her Dada inspired installation “Steam Punk Violin”.
The winners of the raffle were:
1st: BBQ Supplemented by Mitre 10 Cowes – Isabel Garrick
2nd: 3 Course Dinner for Two at Silverwater Resort - Karen Coghlan
3rd Gold Membership Island Healing Health Spa Newhaven – Neil Rankine
4th 1 hour Bowen Therapy Island Healing Health Spa – Sue Vivian
Consolation vouchersBakers Delight – Joyce Ball, Bob& E. Stewart
Josie Kent
APPRAISAL DAYS
Appraisal days are held on the 4th Monday of the month from 1pm till 3pm or until we
have finished having fun. Afternoon tea is provided. Sessions are presently held in the
Heritage Room next to the library, park at the back of the library for easy access.
This reminds me of when I used to take my mother-in-law for her regular colonoscopies.
As we drove up to the clinic car park, printed on a very large sign was ENTRY AT THE
REAR.
What a lively group this is turning out to be, and the varied works brought along provide
discussion and information. It constantly amazes me that a simple comment can get us
thinking about our creative approach. I think we all get so involved with our work that it
is almost impossible to step back with an objective eye. Our art is so perfidious. We
may finish a work and be totally in love with it only to think after a short time - “oh
really?” As one member dryly said, just like a husband!!
How about some feedback from members who are unable/unwilling to attend. Is the day
or time not suitable? Do you have transport concerns? Do you feel like your work will be
criticized? Maybe it will be, but in the most positive way, and you will come away with
ideas bursting from your brain. We need to get our work “out there” in the public eye,
and what better confidence booster is there than to share with positive peers.
Unfortunately the Heritage Room is not the permanent home for ASPI and we are required to pay rent to the council for its use. But just wait until we get our own home, we
will then feel a sense of belonging. We will be able to hold workshops and tutorials etc.
Our Accommodation sub-committee is hard at work and we will keep you informed.
Maybe the TAG members would like to come again, I know your numbers have diminished a little but to have varied work represented would be great. Textiles are such a
tactile medium.
Hey 3D artists, where are you? Come and tell us about your arts practice, come inspire
us.
Come and talk about your special photo, the difficulty in capturing the moment.
Next year we will have some guest demos and speakers. Ash from Purple X framers in
Wonthaggi will give an information session regarding framing. Our camera club gurus
will give instructions on the set up and successful photographing of work. Watch the
newsletters for information.
Jill Rogers
Secretary
EXHIBITIONS AT THE NGV
Two exhibitions to be held at NGV International in the coming months will be of interest to all members who enjoy the best of French Art.
1.. Radiance: The Neo Impressionists - 16th Nov.2012 - 17th March 2013.
2. Monet's Garden: 10th May - 25th August 2013.
The Neo-Impressionists, notably Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, believed that Impressionism, with its emphasis on painting fleeting effects of light, was too limited in
its objectives. Seurat, in particular, desired a more rigorous formal structure, and a
scientific approach to colour.
Monet, on the other hand, remained dedicated to the popular Impressionist technique, and as Monet's Garden will show, created and then painted a fabulous garden. Included in the exhibition will be a suite of Waterlily Paintings, painted between
1900 and 1919.
Whatever, their ideological and technical differences, both Monet's Paintings and
those of the Neo-Impressionists are a visual delight, a feast of radiant colour, indeed
a rare treat for Australian Art - Lovers.
Seurat died at 32, according to his friend Signac "He killed himself by overwork".
Monet, born 19 years before Seurat, outlived him by 35 years. Although his eyesight
was failing, Monet continued painting until the end, creating a series of large Waterlily Paintings which he donated to the nation
John Adam
FOR SALE
Canon 40D in excellent condition. Comes with original box and all manuals,
leads, two batteries and shutter release cable. No camera strap. $400
Lowepro Mini Trekker All Weather Camera Backpack. Padded straps. Black.
Fits a huge amount of gear EC $100
Lowepro Camera Backpack. Fits camera and two lenses with pockets and
zipped compartments for cards etc. Top compartment for lunch/jumper. EC.
$50
Mat/Mount Cutter: $130. EC and includes large box of mattboard and foamcore offcuts (some full sheets)
CONTACT: Hayley Justice 0439 376 904
PHILLIP ISLAND CAMERA CLUB
November 2012 Report
.
2012 is certainly ending on a high for photographers wishing to participate in the rash of Exhibitions on offer at this busy end of the year. The annual ASPI Cup Weekend Exhibition was followed very closely by the inaugural ‘Shearwater Festival,’ being held at The Nobbies (PINP) 24 &
25th November. Hot on the heels of this, is an invitation to participate in the official opening of our
new Town Square on the 27th Nov.
Early next year we have been asked to stage a PICC display and sales at PINP Churchill
Island, to coincide with the MSO performance on a very musical weekend in February over the
weekend of the 2nd & 3rd. Next year San Remo will also host the return of their Biennial National
Art Show. There’s certainly no dearth of opportunities for artists of all forms to publicise their work
locally.
Three awards from the recent ASPI Melbourne Cup Exhibition were presented to PICC
members: Jenny Skewes - 1st Prize for the Photography section, sponsored by Bendigo Bank for
$200; a Highly Commended to Malcolm White and Val Polmear; and a VAPS Bronze to Rhonda
Buitenhuis. This medal is offered by the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies to a chosen image from PICC member entries only.
PICC 2013 Calendar Sales are progressing well. Do let us know if your Community Group
would like to take advantage of our special group price, aimed to share benefits of our major
fundraiser around the numerous interest groups in our local community.
New member Darren Callesen demonstrated at this month’s meeting, how to clean filters
and lenses using a specialized cloth & brush pen (which sits in graphite, secured with a screw
cap) . Fog the lens/filter first with your warm breath, then using a brush move in fine circles, overlapping by ½ all the way over the surface. Wipe off any residue with the cloth & repeat the process on the other side, after re-loading the brush with graphite. NEVER use a tissue as it leaves
fine fibres which can work their way inside the lens!
Alfred Zommers, from Knox Photographic Society was our judge for the October’s set topic
- ‘Weather’. After delivering his feedback to members, Alfred shared his knowledge re maximizing image potential via Photoshop (PS), showing us both ‘before’ and ‘after’ using the PS editing
tools. It was amazing what a difference strengthening ‘Contrast’ and ‘Saturation’ made to the final
image. Some ‘Wow’ responses were heard !
He recommended that we minimize editing time by ‘getting it right in the camera’ and only
shoot in RAW when familiar with editing, as this takes time. RAW files always need sharpening
and adjustment of white balance. JPEGS are fine as they produce quite vivid images. Other
thoughts: increase saturation (beware of noise) to achieve the vitality of colour that our eyes actually ‘saw’; be selective about what you choose to enhance; make a decision about where you
want the eye to go; shoot down low as this changes perspective and increases size/impact, grabbing attention; people respond more to warm tones rather than cool; to make a sun star, set up
your tripod, when the sun is hidden behind an object and make a prediction about when it’s about
to move out; experiment with both portrait and landscape formats – shoot both and choose what
works best; leave.
Lyn Young, Convenor PI CC
What fun we have had over the past few months with all members contributing their
artistic skills in our fortnightly workshops and meetings. With Spring and the warmer
weather, our creative juices were again flowing. Starting with Joan Everest’s workshop
of creating handbags made of paper bags or wallpaper inspired us all. A new technique
was learnt by all in preparing paper bags to paint, embellish, glue, and sew. Better still,
when finished, they look like leather handbags.
Barbara Pratt then took the reins and showed us the technique of preparing a large
cushion. Barbara is renowned for her wonderful large, painted, colourful cushions As
we all sat around her dining room table, painting our individual designs on fabric, it
was astonishing how the fabric came to ‘life’ . Each member was delighted with the end product and rushed home to complete the sewing of their new ‘Barbara Pratt’ cushion .
The 2012 ASPI November Art Exhibition acknowledged two TAG members with Susan Ferres winning the Textile award and Norma Stack-Robinson presented with a Highly Commended award for her ‘Rock Climbing’ 3D textile entry. Congratulations to all the textile
members whose excellent work was displayed and recognised by the viewers as being outstanding.
Why not join us? We welcome those who become excited about textile art and the outcomes
that are achieved. TAG members are friendly, supportive and encouraging. For enquiries,
please telephone Elizabeth 5952 1533, Joan 5952 1442, or Norma 0413 488 338.
Blue Pig Gallery
Gecko Studio Gallery
The Blue Pig Gallery is located on the Bass
Highway in Wonthaggi. We are adjacent to Soto
Restaurant and a short stroll from the CBD. The
Gallery is housed in one of Wonthaggi’s oldest
houses, built during the town’s mining heyday.
The cottage’s heritage exterior has been preserved and the interior has been developed to
create a compact well presented exhibition
space.
We welcome visitors to view our collection
which will be open Wednesday through Sunday
from 11a.m.until 5 p.m. However we will happily show you through the collection at other
times if you phone.
Framing - original art works and prints ● Exhibition Framing
● Memorabilia & 3D Objects ●
Canvases ● Conservation Framing
● Repairs ●
Specialised Creative Framing ● Corporate Work
Art Supplies - Papers - printmaking, watercolour, drawing, Japanese papers, Nepalese papers,
oil sketch paper pastel paper, sketch books, pads.
Colours - Matisse acrylics & background colours,
Art Spectrum oil colours, watercolours & gouache.
Printmaking materials & tools. Mediums, brushes,
easels etc.
Our range always expanding. ● Gecko Studio Gallery
offers regular art workshops. ● 10% discount on
framing & art materials for members of Artist Society of Phillip Island.
Artists who are interested in exhibiting are
invited to contact Heather by email
[email protected]
www.bluepiggallery.com.au
15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek 3959.
Ph 5683 2481. Open Thursday to Monday, 10am
to 5pm
www.geckostudiogallery.com.au
[email protected]
Having difficulty finding a gift for a special friend?
Are they interested in birds, quiet places and reflective thought?
Perhaps you could consider buying a copy of
A Feather in My Hair
a collection of poems
by
Heather Murray Tobias
Heather's work has been published in anthologies and
journals for over 2O years
The book's Designer/Illustrator, Wayne Rankin,
has an international reputation in the field of design.
In 2001, his Kakadu Wetlands $10 Stamp, (Australia Post)
was awarded first prize at the 6th Stamp World Cup in Paris.
The book is available at: Turn the Page Bookshop, Cowes
and
Big Twig Florist and Gifts, Wonthaggi
Contact Heather:
OR
[email protected]
RRP: $25
Every book sold donates a pledge to
Bird Life Australia
The book is a limited, signed edition
THE BEAUTY OF
PHILLIP ISLAND
2013 CALENDAR
Featuring:
Photos of Phillip Island taken by
Members of Phillip Island Camera Club
$15.00
Available From Ken Wilkins Phillip Island Camera Club
Tel: 0418318482
Or from the following outlets:
Turn The Page Book Shop, Cowes; Cowes Newsagency;
Rhyll General Store;
Anchorage General Store, Ventnor; Phillip Island RSL;
Newhaven News Agency;
Surf Beach Store;
Wooli General Store, Cape Woolamai;
Silk Purse Café, Ventnor;
Silverleaves Store, Silverleaves; Pinos Trattoria, Cowes.
Inc No. AOO30311H
ABN 68 047 883 345
P.O. Box 198 COWES 3922
Mob: 0418 549 236
The ASPI Newsletter November 2012
PHILLIP ISLAND CAMERA CLUB
(& DIGITAL DISCUSSIONS)
Contact
Lyn Young 5956 7027 email:
[email protected].
for upcoming activities
LEESON ST GALLERY
38 Leeson Street (formerly
Alexander Street), Cowes.
Peter Walker 5952 6492.
Mob: 0400 864 325.
PHILLIP ISLAND ARTS AND
CULTURAL COMMITTEE
Contact
Anne Davie 595 68216
PHILLIP ISLAND COMMUNITY
ART & CRAFT GALLERY
OPEN 7 DAYS
Cowes Cultural Centre
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
Phone 5952 5252
ROSEHILL STUDIO & GALLERY
*from original Porcelain Art designs
to flowing blends in the Silk Scarves
*including local scenes &
creative photography
*complemented by watercolour, pastel
and oil.
Marilyn Forrest
OPEN: By appointment only
PHONE: 5952 2457
1950 Phillip Island Road, Cowes. 3922
IBIS WRITERS
An informal group of writers
within the Bass Coast Shire
Contact
Carolyn Landon 5672 5939
BASS COAST ARTISTS
SOCIETY
Contact The Secretary
Hazel Billington 56742892