An online art show to be presented by the Bouddi Society from October 2-12 will feature works inspired by nature from over 20 artists.
Artist Meg Lewer of Wagstaffe looks to Bouddi National Park for inspiration for her artworks, which are always paired with an inspirational poem, song or quote.
She will be one of the contributing artists in the online exhibition.
“I do not paint the landscape; the sensation and experience of applying the mediums become the landscape,” Lewer said.
“After many years of painting and drawing, I felt I could not express an emotional response to my vision using conventional methods and began experimenting with Spirit Based Inks.
“Acid free, fast drying and translucent, they hum with a creative energy of their own.
“I love colour, its subtlety, boldness, restfulness and cheekiness and these inks swirl and move of their own accord, but they need manipulation and control to reign in their playfulness and allow me to echo the spirit and aura of the subject.
“Adding other mediums within the body of the painting allows the viewer his own interpretation of the work, a place he can escape to, and the creation of his own story.”
Lewer’s artworks aim to capture the beauty of nature with whimsical romanticism.
“I find great inspiration in the beautiful Bouddi National Park, which is at my back door, and the sound of the Brisbane Water,” she said.
Also exhibiting will be Leah Bennetts of Pretty Beach.
With a focus on printmaking, painting and textile arts, Bennetts draws much inspiration for her art from the deep connection she feels to the “vast natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, flora and fauna, along with the people who reside here, past and present”.
A graduate of Newcastle Art School where she completed an Advanced Diploma of Visual Art, majoring in printmaking and painting, Bennetts has been a finalist in the Gosford Art Prize and the Newcastle Emerging Artist Prize and received a Highly Commended in Art In The Open.
Before concentrating entirely on her art making she had a successful career in the fashion industry and in the performing arts working in costume for film, television and theatre.
She is also a graduate of Dress Design at the National Art School (East Sydney Tech) and a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Costume) from NIDA.
An active member of The Makers Studio Inc, Bennetts is a regular participant in The Bouddi Art Trail and the Bouddi Society exhibitions and is involved with Art In The Open (5 Lands Walk).
“I am very happy to be part of this fundraiser art show,” she said.
“It is wonderful to be able to contribute to this worthy foundation which does so much to support upcoming visual and performing artists on the Central Coast.”
The customary Art Show at Wagstaffe, held each year on the October long weekend, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the online show to be held in its place.
The theme of the show is Bouddi Life and all artwork will be to that theme, with the show open to all artists who reside on the Bouddi Peninsula or have close ties with it.
More than 20 artists will exhibit, ranging from professionals to hobbyists, with art forms including traditional paintings in oils and acrylics, limited edition prints, ceramics and wood sculptures.
Art work will be for sale and can be purchased directly from the artist.
The show will be hosted on the Bouddi Society Website in the Artshow folder; www.bouddisociety.org.au/artshow.
Terry Collins