Art Melbourne 2011

From the Fire- Christine Atkins 2011

Hi all, I am finally back from Melbourne and have so much to share.  While sales at the show were slow I meet some wonderful people and sold one of my pieces to a hospital art collection.  From the fire will be going to a new mental health hospital in the Dandenongs in Victoria.   This piece was created after the horrific bush fires in Victoria and our own bush fire in Toodjay in Western Australia which also destroyed many homes two years ago.   This piece shows the resilience of humans and of our native plants.  The blackened seed pods represent how our bush needs fire to regenerate, for seeds to grow and sprout and how from this destruction came many stories of hope, heroism and resilience both human and animal.  The resilience shown by the people affected by these fires was amazing and still ongoing today.  I feel that their stories and sense of community hold many lessons for us to learn from. 

As well as my piece going to a place of healing I also met some amazingly talented people and I thought I would introduce you to some of the people I shared my row with.

Oodlies   are a range of fantastically quirky characters created by Joi Murugavell.  Joi and her husband Casper are amazing people.  I am blown away by the following they have created in one short year.  As well as her prints Joi had some hand drawn chairs and shoes at the show.  They were great fun and I loved meeting them both.  Jo's pieces are inspired by some interesting people and experiences.  Go here to read more about the inspiration for image above.  The Cycle of Waking Up.

Sarah Gully- Art Melbourne 2011

Sarah Gully had a range of her miniature oil paintings, acrylic paintings on found board, and water colour pencil drawings.  Sarah's art has a quirky sense of fun and adventure.  Her pieces had great titles, I just wish I could remember what they were to share with you....... 

Sarah Gully - Art Melbourne 2011

Sarah Gully- Art Melbourne 2011

I will post some more finds soon......... 

Ceramic stories- Kathy Ruttenberg

Grounded        32”x56.5”x26”      ceramic-2009

I have been so caught up with getting every thing ready for Melbourne I have not had much time to look for  new works to share with you, however I came across Kathy Ruttneberg's work this week and could not wait to share it with you.

Kathy works in ceramics, watercolours and etching, but my love of sculpture has won out here and I am extremely taken with her ceramic pieces.  I am amazed at how much imagery can be put into one piece and how rich each one is.  I would love to sit and listen to Kathy as she told the stories contained within each piece. 


Role Reversal     26”x23”x18”       ceramic-2010



Tree Hugger   92”x35”x40”  ceramic, bronze, wood-2010



Be sure to also check Kathy's work displayed in Macys window.  It helps us to see the scale of these wonderful pieces.

Art Melbourne Ticket Giveaway

If you are going to be in Melbourne from the 19-22nd of May and would like to come to Art Melbourne I have tickets to giveaway for the opening night, Friday and weekend. Included in each giveaway is for entry for two.

If you would like tickets email me your address and which day you would like to attend. Please include two preferences incase your first choice is taken

info@christineatkins.net

Opening night- Thursday 19th of May 5 -9pm
Friday     20th of May    12 -9pm
Saturday 21st of May    10 -5pm
Sunday   22nd of May   10 -5pm

PS:  Make sure you come by and say hello.  I will be at Stand S22.

Learning Curves

Wow what a few weeks of trials and learning's.

First lesson- Patience.

Second lesson - What can go wrong, will go wrong

Third lesson - Having a tooth pulled out hurts (alot) and no they do not let you keep your tooth







Crating artworks for Art Melbourne

The universe works in mysterious ways.  Why is it that when you are really busy and have alot on with deadlines looming things go wrong.  First a week of being sick, then a week of trips to the dentist with a bad tooth and lastly needing to uncrate all my crated artwork and reshoot the photos.

Lighting is not right.

I have experienced a large learning curve over the last few weeks on how to and how not to photograph artwork.  I quite openly declare that anything to do with photography means my mind automatically shuts down. However one part of being an artist means the documentation and promotion of your work and if you are like me there is no money in the current budget for a professional photographer so it is DIY.  

So two weeks later, one new camera, new lens and new studio lights and I have photos.  I now slightly understand aperture, ISO, white balance,exposure and the importance of getting the lighting correct.    One book I found helpful was Photographing Arts, Crafts & Collectibles: Take Great Digital Photos for Portfolios, Documentation, or Selling on the Web by Steve Meltzer . 

PS I forgot to mention if you decide to photograph your own work look forward to some (alot of ) trial and error. Apparently practice does make perfect. 

My next learning curve ....... how to design promotional materials or find a graphic artist who is willing to help me.  Any offers?

Sneak Peak- Art Melbourne



130 x 32 x 10cm

 This piece is called Anemohory Journeys or Journeys on the wind.

Anemohory is the biological term for the dispersal of plant seeds by the wind. 

 

 

 

Representing the start of a plants life from when the seed journeys to a new place and begins its new life, this piece reminds us of our own journeys to new places and new beginnings.  The need to send down new roots and grow strong in our new place of being. 

Art Melbourne 2011

I am exhibiting my new series Constructing Nature at Art Melbourne in May this year.  I was selected as a stART artist which is a special section for emerging artists.  I will be giving away free tickets closer to the dates so if you are interested sign up for my newsletter and you will get first option.  Tickets will be available for the opening night or general weekend admission.  If you can't make it to Melbourne this year, still join up for my newsletter as I will be posting some freebies over the next few months as well. 

Some sneak peaks of my new series coming up over the next few weeks. 

Sign up to my newsletter

Nature's Photographer- Daniel Sroka

Sting - An abstract macro photograph of the seed pod from a mesquite tree.

I recently came across Daniel Sroka's work and was instantly attracted to his process.  He takes the often overlooked beauty in nature and makes it large and in your face, so there is little chance you can miss it.

"I work like a sculptor who lets the flaws and veins of a stone guide his chisel. As I explore each object, I let its unique characteristics guide my hand and eye, allowing me to discover patterns and forms hidden within the material." Daniel Sroka

Heliotrope II - An abstract macro photograph of a dried desert marigold.

The results are simple, striking and incredibly powerful photographs "of light, texture, and dimension that celebrate the physical and spiritual grace that can be found within the simplest elements of nature"

To see more of Daniel Sroka's work visit his website and blog

Like many artists Daniel also has another business producing Ketubah's
"A ketubah is a work of art that uses images and words to express the love and commitment of your marriage vows. While the ketubah has its roots in the Jewish wedding tradition, its beauty has become embraced by couples from all different religions and cultures. It is signed by the bride and groom in a special ceremony at the wedding, publicly declaring their commitment and love, and symbolizing the traditional start of their married life. After the wedding, the ketubah is usually hung in a place of honor in the home, and serves as a daily reminder of the vows they have made to each other on their wedding".

If you are interested in your own ketubah go to Daniel's other site for a look.  Modern ketubah