The Exhibition opening

 

Sue and I arrived at Trevor’s house in the late morning.  He had kindly offered to accommodate us  for the night.

His house is  a gem of a cottage down near the river. On arrival we found its enclosed veranda, latticed securely shut giving the cottage an air of mystery and self-containment.  Suddenly the door burst open presenting our friendly and welcoming host.

Venturing inside one finds that the cottage’s interior is resplendent with beautiful old timber cupboards and sideboards . Patterned and Persian rugs cover the floor in a unique abstraction. 

The walls are richly decorated with an array of interesting paintings,  collected over many years. From children's paintings to very accomplished artist’s works.

A filtered light gently seeps into the home bathing its chambers  with a secret  promise.

In all,  this beautiful old home, full of character and charm,  evokes  a sense of  the best  of times past  and the surety of blessed tomorrows.

Then spell is broken.  We are off to the gallery to set up the digital projection and to fix the lighting.

This done, it’s home to get ready for the evening. Time to relax a while. The exhibition is installed.

I am done! I am about to be released from the past and to  be propelled into a new and exciting tomorrow.

Back to the Gatakers Artspace we go, to help prepare food for the people who will attend the two openings, that are on tonight.

Ben Gerdsen is exhibiting a vast display of  colourful paintings in downstairs. His wife Sarah is preparing food

Beautiful red roses arrive  from my sons and their families. They make me cry.

A small but ardent group gather for the opening. Marj (Director of Hervey Bay gallery) has kindly offered to MC the proceedings. Allison Bateman has travelled from the bay also and it is great to see her. Ben speaks about his work and then his show is officially opened by a very vivacious girl…..a local councillor. 

Carol Seeger generously speaks for me, opening my show, then its upstairs for my floor talk. 

I tell the story of the journey of a self taught artist. The story of an art practice that has sustained me through good times and bad, enriching my life in countless ways.

It is truly a privilege to be an artist.

 

C   xx