Murwillumbah

Murwillumbah Railway Station

Tweed River

TWEED RIVER ART GALLERY

Mistral Rd

art factsTWEEDFRIENDS OF THE TWEED

RIVER ART GALLERY INC NEWSLETTER

VOL14 NO4 November 2013

TWEED RIVER ART GALLERY www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/artgalleryCnr Tweed Valley Way and Mistral Road MurwillumbahPO Box 816Murwillumbah 2484

P: 02 6670 2790F: 02 6672 7585E: tweedart@tweed.nsw.gov.auOpen Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in artifacts is obtained from a variety of sources and that the views expressed are not necessarily those of the Friends of the Tweed River Art Gallery or the Tweed River Art Gallery.

Heather McLachlan ~ Editor

Design: Hetti McDonald ~ 6679 3445

THE GALLERY CAFE Enjoy having lunch, morning or afternoon tea in the beautifully situated licensed café with its magnificent views over the Tweed Valley and the Border Ranges. View the artworks and treat yourself to delicious cakes and great coffee or a light meal and a glass of wine.

The café is open from 10am - 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday. For your preferred table, time or group bookings, please phone 02 6672 5088.

THE GALLERY SHOP has a beautiful range of jewellery, handmade pottery and glassware in a wide range of prices. The “View from the Balcony” postcards and bookmarks are ideal for gifts and souvenirs. Purchases at the shop not only boost the Friends’ contributions to the Gallery, but support Australian artists as well.

This page is sponsored by The Murwillumbah Weekly Phone 02 6672 4443 and Print Spot Printing and Design Service Phone 02 6672 8370This page is sponsored by Martine Brinsdon, Optometrist, Murwillumbah Phone: 02 6672 3284

FROM THE DIRECTOR

There is no doubt that the past 12 months have been an extremely busy and exciting year for the Gallery and the Friends. I cannot thank the Friends enough for their enthusiasm and support during this period. It is really quite incredible what we have achieved in the last year, and I know there is no way that the Gallery would be in the enviable position it is without the support of the

Friends. I couldn’t have hoped for a more enthusiastic and spirited response from the Friends to the establishment of the Margaret Olley Art Centre. I think the Friends should be applauded publicly for their incredible fundraising achievements during 2013. Although it has been exhausting at times, I know that the members are proud of your success, and rightly so. To see the enjoyment on the faces of our patrons at special events and functions is an excellent reward in itself. The Gallery is here for the community’s enjoyment, and I feel strongly that we are delivering quality experiences for our visitors.The membership numbers of the Friends remain strong, and are rising due to the success of your achievements. Each time the Gallery is required to increase the print run of our invitations, newsletters and flyers, I am reminded that it is the membership of the Friends who receive our catalogue of exciting and engaging programs. It is indeed an honour that the membership of the Friends and the Foundation continues to grow as we get closer and closer to the opening of the Margaret Olley Art Centre.On that note, I can provide you with a brief update. The building program is only a couple of weeks behind schedule, but there’s no doubt it will be completed before Christmas. Once the building site is ‘handed over’ (technical building term!), we can begin to unpack Margaret’s home studio in earnest. That will be a very exciting time. While boxes are being unpacked in the re-created Duxford St home, the technology will be moved in too, equipping the new Centre with technology toys and interactive devices for our visitors. At the northern end of the building you’ll notice that the Pavilion, the extension to the Gallery Café, is taking shape and is on track to be completed by the end of November. The position of the Pavilion will allow spectacular views across the Tweed Valley to the west. Council recently received excellent news in that a grant is available to upgrade the lighting system in the existing galleries. I am delighted that we will be able to convert to LED systems, providing improved lighting for all artworks on display. In conjunction with the new airlock at the front entrance and a new air conditioning system, the Gallery’s climate control and sustainability levels will be much improved. The refurbishment of the Gallery Shop, office space and Friends’ Meeting Room is almost complete and has resulted in some great improvements. All in all, we are on track for the extensions to open to the public in March 2014.Visitors to the Gallery will have noticed two new exhibitions curated from the permanent collection. In Artists of the region, on display in the Anthony Gallery, we are proud to showcase the diverse talent and creativity of artists residing in the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland regions. The work by Christine Willcocks shown on this page has been purchased for the collection by the Friends. In the Withey Family Gallery, An elemental approach: works from the collection considers historical, theoretical and perhaps puzzling notions explored throughout history relating to the four elements of earth, air, fire and water. In the 5th Century BC the Greek philosopher, scientist and healer Empedocles believed that all matter was comprised of these four elements. This theory was later supported and expanded by Aristotle. The idea that these four elements comprised all matter was the cornerstone of philosophy, science and medicine for two thousand years. Although these theories are now known to be untrue, the elements of earth, air, fire and water remain a source of fascination and the basis of many systems of belief. Utilising the Gallery’s collection of landscapes and portraits, the exhibition includes works in a variety of media by artists such as G.W. Bot, Robert Hannaford, Euan Macleod, John Olsen, Tim Storrier and Hui Hai Xie.I am really looking forward to seeing the touring exhibition Charles Conder: the lithographs to be installed in late November. This show highlights a series

of lithographic prints created by the enigmatic English-born artist Charles Conder from the period 1899 - 1906. Conder immigrated to Australia in 1884 at the age of 17. He learned the art of lithography in 1887 when he became lithographic apprentice to Gibbs, Shallard & Co. in Sydney. He embraced the bohemian lifestyle, and reportedly had an eventful social life and was quite fond of costume parties. The lithographs reflect his personal panache and show the imaginative style that made Conder a notable artist of his era. Included in the exhibition are a range of works from the Balzac set, invitation cards, and allegorical bohemian scenes as well as a collection of books, catalogues, exhibition invitations and research material. The lithographs on display are some of Conder’s finest work. It was a tragedy that Conder was incapacitated by illness in 1906, passing away three years later at the very early age of 41. The exhibition is being toured by Maitland Regional Art Gallery, and I am thrilled that our Gallery has been included on the tour itinerary. This exhibition promises to be a must-see.There’s always something for everyone to see at the Gallery. I hope you enjoy your next visit. Until next time. n Susi Muddiman, Director

This has been a very busy year with extra efforts to raise funds for the Margaret Olley Art Centre as well as our ongoing support for our Gallery’s programs and activities. There’s been …12 exhibition openings 2 Teachers’ Preview and Art after School 4 Margaret’s Top Drawer Secret Tours 4 New Friends’ Morning TeasHigh Tea Champagne Auction5 In Conversation events1 concert2 Artisans’ Markets4 bus trips to galleries, both public and private7 mailouts, when volunteer Friends stuff the envelopes you all receive5 raffles.Thank you to all who have worked to make these events happen and to all who participated.

Left: Christine WillcocksBird Skin I 2007etching on hand made Shinano paperGift of the Friends of the Tweed River Art Gallery, 2008Tweed River Art Gallery collection

Below: Hui Hai XieJonathon Aatty 1996oil mixed with synthetic polymer paint on canvasAcquired with the financial assistance of Arts NSW and the Tweed River Art Gallery Foundation, 1997Tweed River Art Gallery collection

We look forward to seeing you out at the Gallery, perhaps at a New Members’ morning tea, at openings, floortalks, concerts or special events. Each mailout you receive will be filled with opportunities to enjoy Gallery and Friends’ activities.

elcome New Friends

The Friends at work and play 2013...

Clockwise from the top: A sample of the Friends catering, Susi introducing a Secret Tour, filling envelopes for a mailout, a visit to

Michael Zavros’ studio, the popular Artisan Markets, and the High Tea Champagne Auction.

Stephen Bowers White Cockatoos 2010

earthenware, under glaze colour, clear earthenware glaze

This page is sponsored by O’Reilly & Sochacki Lawyers Phone 02 6672 2878

Another year has very quickly slipped by and the Management Committee now find ourselves planning a new round of events for 2014 as we celebrate the opening of the much anticipated Margaret Olley Art Centre. Excitement and anticipation abound as we look forward to the

unpacking and installation of the 70,000 items which have been in storage waiting for this event. I thank you for your support of our fund raising events, which have greatly increased our profits this year. Combined with rapidly increasing memberships (we now have 1,882 members) and profits from shop sales, the Committee has been able to contribute over $80,000 to the project on your behalf.

In October, I was very honoured to be invited as guest speaker to the NSW Regional and Public Galleries Conference. I was asked to speak on the structure of the Friends’ membership programs, Management Committee organisation and the variety of fundraising programs held here at the Tweed Regional Gallery. Director, Susi Muddiman was also invited to speak about the collaboration between the Friends and Gallery staff - both working towards the same goals. The Conference was to be held at the new Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, which features the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery and the World Heritage Interpretive Centre. The Centre is devoted to education about the distinctive environment, history and culture of the Blue Mountains region. Built on the highest point in Katoomba, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre offers panoramic views of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. As you’ll be aware, devastating fires swept through the region during October, which means the Conference has now been rescheduled for February 2014.The Tweed Shire Council has very generously given the previously known Francis Mills Education Workshop to the Friends to be used as an office and meeting room for our members. Gallery Director, Susi Muddiman, has indicated that this is to demonstrate appreciation for the work the Friends undertake in support of the Gallery and its programs. I anticipate that after the refit, we’ll open the room for a couple of hours each day so when you visit you can order your coffee from the café, sit in a comfy chair, and browse through our library of books. Susi Muddiman will also offer regular talks for members on current arts news, selected works from the collection and aspects from Margaret Olley’s life and work, once the new Centre is opened. A calendar of these events will be included in the New Year mail out. The AGM was held in September and all previous members of the Committee who wished to continue have been re-elected. We also welcome our newest member Derek Loader. Although you may not wish to join the Committee, we are always grateful for those who help us prepare and serve during openings and events. Please feel free to phone me (07 5524 8815), or the Gallery (02 6670 2790), if you’d like to be involved in this way.On Friday 1 November, Archibald Prize Winner for 1996, Wendy Sharpe was here to provide background information and answer your questions in relation to the exhibition, Contemporary Australian Drawing: 20 Years of the Dobell Prize for Drawing. This prestigious prize has been awarded annually since 1933 and was initiated by the Art Gallery of NSW and the Trustees of the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation to encourage excellence in drawing and draughtsmanship among Australian artists. On Tuesday 26 November we’ll travel to GOMA to view the sensational Falling Back to Earth exhibition by artist Cai Guo-Qiang: The centerpiece of this exhibition, Heritage 2013, features 99 life-sized replicas of animals from around the world, gathered together to drink from a blue lake. Also on this visit, QAG will feature California Design 1930 - 65: Living in a Modern Way, a major study of modern Californian design from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This exhibition reveals the iconic designs that emerged in mid-20th century California and are now firmly part of contemporary popular culture. The Booking Sheet for all these events is enclosed in this mail out. I hope you can join us for this last event for 2013.

All the best. n Lyn Stewart

This page is sponsored by Tweed River Art Gallery Foundation Ltd. PO Box 816 Murwillumbah 2484

FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE FRIENDS

The Friends’ Committee 2014

Front Row (left to right): Malcolm Reid, Merchandise; Heather McLachlan, artifacts Editor; Lyn Stewart, President; Carol Kemp, Treasurer; Margot Anthony AM, Patron; Helena Duckworth, Secretary; Lorraine Lintern, Memberships.Back Row (left to right): Derek Loader, Karlene Polglase; Annie Simonds, Raffles; Carole Evans, Vice President and Catering; Roger Marks, Membership Secretary. Absent: Josephine Nugent, Public Officer

Private Assembly: a contemporary collection will open on Friday 24 January 2014. The artworks exhibited have been selected from the personal collection of two young Australian businessmen, Alan Conder and Alan Pigott, who have relocated from Sydney and now live in Hong Kong. As a precursor to an In Conversation event to be held at the Gallery, the two Alans have answered some questions about their art interests and collecting.

When and why did you start collecting?We started collecting relatively recently in early 2005 with acquisitions from the then Sherman Gallery in Sydney. I remember the first time we made a “real acquisition”. We went in to buy one artwork by Daniel Crooks and we walked out with four. From then on I don’t think we have stopped.

What do you look for when making acquisitions?That’s a very tough question. We tend to follow particular artists. Typically you will see multiple works by the one artist in our collection, sometimes crossing different media. To answer your question more directly, we look for works that reflect a mix of skill, distinctiveness and that represent the artist’s practice beautifully. There is also that indescribable quality that makes you just want something.

Is there still a thrill in a new acquisition?Always, particularly given we often need to buy sight unseen or based just on images. It’s particularly exciting when you meet the real artwork “in person”.

Do you have a particularly favourite medium?Neon, light and video are really interesting, but I don’t know if we have a favourite medium as such. We do seem to have a lot of photography though.

Is this the first time your collection has been shown publicly?Yes, it is and we are delighted that it’s being shown at Tweed Regional Gallery. It’s a great honour to have our collection shown at Tweed in such a beautiful building and location. We would like to thank all of the Gallery staff for making the show possible, in particular, the Gallery Director, Susi Muddiman.

Above: Julie RrapStepping Out 2012Bronze and metallic paintEdition 1/3

Left: Chris LeviineLightness of Being 2007Giclee printArtist Proof, edition 3/4

With a pencil in my pocket Rosemary Upton is a local artist whose works will appear in the Macnaughton Focus Gallery from Friday 29 November 2013 until Sunday 19 January 2014. Here, Rosemary writes about herself and her art.Art was always an important focus in my childhood. At a very early age I was selected on Scholarship to be tutored by Vida Lahey at the old Queensland Museum and Art Gallery, Bowen Hills. I furthered my artistic studies at the Brisbane Technical Art College when I completed my schooling.At the age of 16 years, I was employed as a Cadet Artist for the Courier Mail newspaper, Brisbane. While I was still a Cadet, I was assigned by the Social Editor to attend theatre openings, race meetings and other notable and social events to sketch people and their fashion trends. On one occasion I interviewed and sketched a well-known actress, who proudly paraded her mink coat, which was extremely fashionable and hugely expensive in those days. I was very young and nervous (without the assistance of a journalist) and she had to point out to me several times that the coat was mink! That fact did not concern me, as I was busy concentrating on the urgency of completing my sketches which were due for publication in the next morning’s edition of the newspaper.I moved to Sydney and became an Illustrative Artist for the Sydney Morning Herald, a short story Illustrator for the Sun Herald and Woman’s Day magazine. My childhood dream was realised when I was asked to illustrate the prestigious colour double page spread of fashion in Woman’s Day.I considered myself fortunate that my career was in an era that embraced fashion illustrations rather than photography. I enjoyed great popularity and demand for my works in the 1960s and 70s with my drawings appearing in journals, including Woman’s Day, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Sun Herald, Woman’s Weekly, Vogue magazine and others. It was a natural progression that I branched into illustrating childrens’ books and short stories for various publishers, including Jacaranda Press in Brisbane. Creating portraits including miniatures, for private collections and tutoring children was an enjoyable period of my career.

The renowned JamFactory is a product of the vibrancy that prevailed in South Australia in the 1970s and its longevity a testament to the quality of both its concept and the many individuals who have kept it strong and relevant. As a not-for-profit initiative of the South Australian Craft Authority, the JamFactory was established in 1973. Its function is to support and promote contemporary craft and design, which it does through its training programs, studios, galleries and shops. Many of the artists whose careers have been nurtured by the JamFactory are now recognised leaders in their fields, nationally and internationally. JamFactory has two exhibition spaces, GalleryOne and GalleryTwo in Adelaide and this month has expanded into the Barossa Valley with the opening of art studios and retail spaces in a 1850s stable building at Seppeltsfield.Designing Craft/Crafting Design: 40 Years of JamFactory (29 November 2013 – 19 January 2014) brings together works by 40 contemporary artists, designers and craftspeople all of whom have worked or trained in JamFactory studios. This intriguing and eclectic selection has been chosen to demonstrate the diversity of ideas, styles and use of media for which the JamFactory is known.

Stephen Bowers White Cockatoos 2010earthenware, under glaze colour, clear earthenware glaze

Designing Craft/Crafting Design: 40 Years of JamFactory

Top left: Rosemary UptonTrees and Water 2012

acrylic

Above: Rosemary Uptondouble page spread

Woman’s Day, 31 July 1961original the property of the artist

Right: Rosemary Uptoncover, The Emperor and the Nightingale,

a traditional story retold by Elizabeth Ballypublished by Jacaranda Wiley 1982

Re-printed with permission of Wiley

I continue to be motivated as I paint in my studio overlooking the treetops to Wollumbin (Mt Warning). The choice of colour in my paintings becomes important in my quest to interpret the perspective and illusion of reality in my work. I use an exciting fusion of colour, rich and organic, but completely contemporary with spontaneity as part of the rhythm. My paintings capture the vibrancy of colour through the richness of my imagination and passion and love of nature.David Malouf said in Remembering Babylon, ‘What is known and expected dulls our sensitivity to other forms even with the most obvious. We must rub our eyes and look again, clear our minds of what we are looking for, to see what is there’. I believe this relates to my decisive method of painting.I have spent many years travelling with my husband, sketching, photographing and memorising every corner of our wonderfully diverse country. My work encompasses the ever-changing landscape, where most of my paintings and drawings are focused. My current exhibition has taken me on a journey, a natural path from my early illustrative years. The fine, intricate detail I was obsessed with in those times has again exposed itself. It has taken many months to complete each of the large works and I hope my exhibition of drawings gives you as much pleasure to view as it has given me to accomplish. n Rosemary Upton