NATURAL FRIENDS

We met when our times overlapped when studying for the Natural History Illustration degree at the University of Newcastle. Since graduating, this wonderful course has provided the groundwork for us to each express our own passions in our own style.

The personal styles of each of us are very different but we all find our inspiration from the natural world around us.

And in each other through our friendship.

JAN CLARK 

My work has been based in the natural world for many decades. As a textile artist the compositions

were more abstract expressionist than representational.

Studying at Newcastle University for the Natural Illustration degree, under the direction of Trevor

Weekes, taught me the skills for scientific illustration. I was stunned that I could do that!

This of course informed my subsequent work on paper.

But, there was an underlying feeling that, even though I loved my portraits of insects, something was lacking. And I was pulled towards painting acrylic abstracts.

Abstract composition is hard. It’s taken a while to understand how to do it and I’m still learning. But I have discovered the Why.

Abstraction is about feelings and the very realistic drawingsI had made did not convey my feelings.

Abstraction does that, and more. It allows the viewer to respond in their own unique way. Or not.

It’s a very personal way of creating for me and not everyone’s cup of tea.

I haven’t finished my explorations and hope this wonderful journey continues for a long time.

FIONA PFENNIGWERTH

I am an Australian artist, based in Newcastle, whose work expresses my love for the natural world and my Christian faith. I love the textures and patterns of the Australian bush, and crafting cameos of them.

I love exploring the Australian bush and national parks; and I love depicting them naturalistically in watercolour. I love studying the Scriptures and responding to them visually.

Combining these loves with skills in layout and theological exploration has filled a large part of the last two decades, and flowed out into the production of my three illuminated books, including The Book of Psalms illuminated, on sale in this show. For a score of psalms presented in this volume, I have illustrated scenes and flora and fauna from around our beloved Hunter region, the originals of which are also on display.

BRONWYN GREIVE

My art is fuelled by my wonder of the natural world and The One who gifts it. Now in the 3rd stage of my life I have finally accepted that making art is integral to who I am – mentally, creatively and spiritually. It’s as much a spiritual journey as an artistic one. Creating helps me pay me closer attention.

Having never met a media I don’t like, (both a blessing and a challenge), I only use some of the many available. My choice is part of my response to the subject. However, I often use textiles, as so much can be done with it: sculpture, printmaking, drawing, mixed media, etc.

In the end my artworks are conversations between the subjects, different media, media, techniques and myself.