Art Chat

Recently Red Hill Gallery Director Margaret Campbell-Ryder was asked to add her comments to a selection of questions for a book “Making Your Art Work” by South African artist Ann Gadd. The book has been very successful in Ann’s homeland and has now been taken on by a UK publisher who plan to distribute round the world, so copies of the book should find their way to our shores, with a bit of Aussie input.

So for all those budding artists keep an eye out for it. It has been very well received so far in South Africa by both galleries seeking to educate artists and the artists themselves.

AG: What three things do you look for when considering a new artist?

MCR: Creative unique and marketable artwork. Quality and presentation of work. Passion.

AG: What three things should an artist expect a gallery to do for them?

MCR: Market and promote their work, Sell to the best of their ability. Loyalty.

AG: What three things do you expect an artist to do for a gallery?

MCR: Loyalty and a good rapport with their represented gallery. Continuity of quality artwork. Listen and take advice from the Gallery Curator.

AG: What annoys you most about artists?

MCR: Not researching the gallery when seeking representation. Disloyalty to the gallery that represents the artist. Lack of knowledge of gallery requirements.

Artists stay tuned to Artchat as we plan to do a series of articles especially for artists looking for representation in an Australian Commercial Art Gallery

For Ann’s Books click here.

Recently Red Hill Gallery Director Margaret Campbell-Ryder was asked to add her comments to a selection of questions for a book “Making Your Art Work” by South African artist Ann Gadd.

Welcome to the 3rd article in our Art@Home series, this week featuring the work of John Beeman.

The painting featured in this amazing home is “The Wedding” by John Beeman, and is hanging in the most appropriate setting, a renovated church.  Such a beautiful way to tell the story of this fabulous home, and to celebrate its heritage.

Find out more about John Beeman in our ArtChat interview HERE.

"The Wedding" by John Beeman

Welcome to the 2nd in our series: Unique Gallery Spaces Around the Globe.  This month we take a look at The Dali Museum.   In mid 2008 The Salvador Dali Museum in St Petersburg, Florida, which houses the largest collection of Dali’s work outside of Europe, moved into a new exciting space, on the downtown waterfront, next to the Mahaffey Theatre, the city’s pre-eminent performing arts venue.  This iconic building features a large glass entryway and skylight.

Today, 1/1/11 at 11.11am a new larger and more storm-secure glass atrium, with walls so thick they can withstand a Category 5 hurricane, was opened to the public.  Storm doors shield the vault and galleries, which are located on the 3rd floor, protected from the 30+ foot hurricane storm surges.  The grand scale of this geodesic inspired glass atrium guarantees visitors a truly Dali-esque experience.

THE DALI MUSEUM Images © Moris Moreno

The Museum was inspired by the work of Salvador Dali, as well as Buckminster Fuller, whom Dali himself was influenced by.  Called Enigma, the amazing faceted atrium crawls over the facade of the building and is formed by a 75 foot tall spiraling staircase inside the lobby.

THE DALI MUSEUM Images © Moris Moreno

All the lighting in and around the building is energy efficient, including the LED lighting used on the exterior.  Indoor air quality is maintained by an energy efficient ventilation system and irrigation for the landscape that wraps around the building is provided through reclaimed water making this museum a very green design.

In November we present an insight into the artist Jane Creenaune who is celebrating her 10^th year with Red Hill Gallery with an exhibition of her works.

Jane is an exceptional artist who has been with the gallery since 2001.   During this time we have seen Jane grow from painting part time, whilst still teaching to becoming a full time artist in 2004.  During the entire period Jane’s popularity has continued to grow with our clients and is now a Professional, practicing Visual Artist.

Jane Creenaune | Exhibition Nov 2011 at Red Hill Gallery

Along the way Jane has won many major awards, travelled overseas to further gain experience and knowledge of her passion -art.

We have seen her work progress with her identifiable figurative acrylic paintings, to charcoal and works on paper further study had her producing etchings in her own mode.  Her next foray was into the beautiful Bronze Sculptures that typify her own unique style.  All the time her passion for her craft was obvious both to the gallery but more importantly to our clients.  Jane has a large following in Queensland and now exhibits in other states around Australia and in Italy. We are proud to be her first major official gallery and fully support and encourage her as she continues her artistic journey.

We obtain an intimate look into the artist herself and discover more on this multitalented, yet private, elegant artist who is dedicated to her craft.

AC:     What inspires you to create?
JC:       A reaction to the world around me as I see it or feel it might be.

AC:     In Three words describe your art.
JC:       Thoughtful, subtle, reflective

AC:     How do you spend your leisure time?
JC:       Walking with my dog Tully, traveling and looking at artwork. Often I can combine all these activities at once.

AC:     Who is your role model or person you most admire?
JC:       At the moment it is Bartolini and Degas.

AC:     Share something with us about yourself that we don’t know.
JC:       Both sets of my grandparents migrated to Australia in the early 19^th century from England and Sicily respectively and settled in North Queensland.

AC:     What music do you listen to while you create?
JC:       I no longer work to music. My new studio is in a manse set in a lovely garden with a café downstairs. The sounds of people, food cooking and view from my windows are just right.

AC:     What was the last book you enjoyed?
JC:       A book on Lorenzo Bartolini – a nineteenth century Italian sculptor extraordinaire.

AC:     What does your art mean to you?
JC:       A means of expressing my experience of the word and a satisfaction within the activity of making the work in drawing, painting or sculpture.

AC:     You have recently completed a Master of Fine Art by Research at the Faculty of Art & Design, Monash University, Melbourne . Tell us briefly about this.
JC:       This two year research project provided a way for me to connect my academic and personal interest in identity and migration, particularly Italian Australian, with my work as an artist. As I produced much of the work in the faculty sculpture studio, I learnt much about the fundamentals of casting and patination of bronze.

AC:     You recently completed a Residency & Exhibition Project: Italy hosted jointly by Artegiro and The Monash University Centre Prato.Tell us about it.
JC:       My generous and supportive hosts, Artegiro and Monash University Prato Centre, provided this wonderful opportunity in which I could develop new ideas. My project was as much about the process of making new work and forming relationships within the local arts and business communities of Montefiascone and in Toscana as it was about the final product, that is, the exhibition of work. The new sculptures are characterized by a translation of ideas about identify and migration through experimentation with new mediums and approaches.

As a sculptor who exclusively worked in cast bronze to this point, I adapted to the constraints of time and place of a 6 week, multi-sited residency. I turned to new materials – gesso, resin, marble, stone gold leaf as the means through which I might realize my ideas.

Jane Creenaune | Artegiro and Monash University Prato Centre

Jane’s Masters Supervisor, Prof. Bernard Hoffert, offered this critique and insight into Jane’s work in the opening address at her exhibition in Prato, Italy in July 2011:

Jane is a distinguished sculptor known for her small scale bronze work. She continues the tradition of bronzes initiated in the Renaissance by Florentine artists of the 15^th century, asserting the continued importance and relevance of metal casting as the basis of art; through her art she bridged between past and present and offers the definitive example of how visual art in Australia can be enriched by the Prato residency program. Her work explores contemporary themes using a traditional art form, but projecting it into the 21^st century, exploring an expressive and emotionally evocative language of visual imagery which holds meaning for contemporary eyes.

http://www.artdes.monash.edu.au/finearts/staff/bhoffert.html

Buying original art is an everlasting gift

The joy of receiving an original piece of art is a memorable gift that will last a lifetime. Select from a collection of some of the finest Australian art, traditional and contemporary paintings, bronze sculptures, exquisite glass, beautifully designed exclusive jewellery or perhaps a hand crafted ceramic all unique in their own style.

Birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, weddings, retirement, corporate clients and of course Christmas….let’s face it sometimes you need to find an exceptional one-of-a-kind gift that reflects the personality and history of the person receiving it.  There are a few things to consider when making an art purchase, and to assist you we have created a guide to buying art as a gift that will be appreciated for its artistic originality.

1 – Who is it for?

It is most important that you know the person you are buying for particularly if you love to give the perfect gift, the one that inspires an emotional response!  It is probably not advisable to buy a piece of original art for someone you have not known very long as it is best to have a sound knowledge of their tastes.  If it is a group gift, perhaps a special gallery gift voucher would be ideal. The recipient can then chose their own gift, something that has a personal meaning to them, and they can enjoy the discovery of the perfect piece of art!  At Red Hill Gallery we sell many gift vouchers, boxed and wrapped in a flourish of gold tissue and ribbons beautifully presented!

If you know the recipient well then narrow down the type of art they would most appreciate.  What is their personal style? Is their home reflective of that style?  Do they love bright and contemporary pieces or are they more at home with subtle soft colours?

2 – What space do they have?

You do not want your carefully selected gift to never see the light of day because the recipient has no space for it, so consider the size of the piece of original art and if they have the space to accommodate it.

Physical space is not the only consideration.  Many people prefer to have original art that compliments the décor of the room; others want it to contrast and act as a focal point.

3 – Do they have a favourite artist?

This might seem obvious, however, it may surprise you that many people do know the type of art work they would love in their home or work space, even if they do not own any art at all yet. You could start them on the wonderful journey of collecting and enjoying art so it is important to choose the right artist.

4 – What is your budget?

Always be clear as to how much you are prepared to spend.  The budget is usually the deciding factor in whether you purchase a sculpture, oil painting, water colour, limited edition prints or ceramics.  Advise the Art Consultant what you are looking for, who it is for, what your budget is and allow them help you to find a selection of pieces. Red Hill Gallery takes pride in presenting beautifully wrapped gifts.

It is very important to remember this; the person is far more likely to appreciate a smaller piece of original art that meets all of the previous requirements, rather than a larger cheap piece that you felt made it appear that you had spent more money. Quality is far more important than size when it comes to selecting an original gift of art.

If you are at your wits end, and wish to purchase your friend original art, you always have the option of asking the intended recipient for input.  You could do this discreetly by surfing the net together looking at galleries, or coming in and looking around and seeing what your friend gravitates towards. Or you can be more direct, depending on how important the surprise element is.  Sometimes it is better to check that it is what they want, rather than giving something that is not to their taste.

Enjoy the process of gift buying you may also acquire more knowledge about fine art too and have fun exploring the wondrous world of art in all its forms; you just might surprise yourself too!

Happy gift buying!

We often get comments from visitors to the gallery about our space.  We have a unique gallery space here in Red Hill Brisbane, in our enchanting 3 level building, which has inspired us to explore other unique galleries around the globe.  The first in this series is a fabulous gallery space in Tokyo, Design Festa Gallery.

Situated in Harajuku, this former apartment building has been converted to a gallery space for Tokyo’s freestyle art scene.  Encased in a tangle of red pipinig and vivid murals, some fabulous stencil work in the style of Banksy, and the option of being able to leave your mark on a gallery wall, makes this space truly unique.

Since opening in 1998, this gallery has welcomed the exhibitions of various artists in any genre of work. You can enjoy many different media in various sizes of exhibition area, murals on the building walls, and a lovely garden. Every area is a place of expression!

3-20-18- Jingumae Shibuya, Tokyo Prefecture 150-0001 Japan

Whats Hot on the Walls this month?   Dan Mason!
Contemporary artist Dan Mason’s work is electric and diverse let’s have a quick look at the man behind his art.

"Hot Jazz" "Happy Days" "Dancing with Django" DAN MASON

AC: What inspires you to create?
DM: An insatiable need to bring something to life, that is worthy of the gift of consciousness.

AC: In three words describe your art
DM: Energy on canvas

AC: How do you spend your leisure time?
DM: Building Lego with my five year old boy, Surfing, walking/running through Burleigh Heads national park, playing guitar.

AC: Who is your role model or person you most admire?
DM: Educators and Healthcare workers.

AC: Share something with us about yourself that we don’t know
DM: I can juggle a football on my feet for hundreds of reps without it touching the ground 😎

AC: What music do you listen to while you create?
DM: Currently have these on high rotation; Cold Chisel -‘Swingshift’ 1981. Foofighters – ‘Wasting Light’ 2011. The Rolling Stones – ‘Exile On Main Street’ 1972.

AC: What was the last book you enjoyed?
DM: ‘I Am Ozzy’ by Ozzy Osbourne

AC: What does your art mean to you?
DM: Expressing oneself is imperative for human growth – my art is my ‘soul food’.

“I work on several canvases over a period of time – making a mark, moving to the next, revisiting and responding to their individual energies – essentially allowing them to grow organically, they let me know when they’re resolved with a vibration that I can only compare to looking into the eyes of a loved one.

Dan Mason 2011

"Flying Doctor Dunny Stop" "Backyard Line Dancing" "Flying Doctor, Teach us to Fly"

Calling all Doctors.  Take some time out from your everyday life and explore the comedy of the ‘Flying Doctor’ series by Howard William Steer.  He uses his humour to promote, and bring attention to, the wonderful service of the truly unique Australian icon, The Flying Doctor.

Howard’s ‘Flying Doctor’ features in many of his works, helping to raise the profile, as well as financial support for, the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Howard came up with the proposition that every Broken Hill physician should make his visits from the sky. Flying doctors ought to fly, so he painted them as having wings. Gossamery little things.  Patient care could be given anywhere.

Howard William Steer has lived all his life in Broken Hill.  As well as supporting the Flying Doctor through his art, Howard paints subjects of the people and animals of the outback. He captures the early miners’ struggle to get reasonable working conditions and humorous (and sometimes satiric) views of our Australian icons, the result being a host of powerful stories-in-art.  Red Hill Gallery  has just received a selection of Howard’s paintings; we all had a quiet chuckle at his latest humour.

"Let Me Put You in the Picture" "Flying Doctors Clinic"

Brisbane has one of the finest art galleries and art programs in Australia. 

Definitely worthy of regular visits, but be sure to take your children with you when you plan to visit; you will be amazed at how much they will love it.  The Gallery Of Modern Art – GOMA has a fantastic Children’s Art Centre.  Enjoy Toddler Tuesday (from 18 months to 4 years) while playing specially designed games and fantastic art related activities.

What a wonderful idea, a place where children of all ages can interact and experience the sensory benefits of the arts and learn about art at such an early age.

Red Hill Gallery curator Margaret Campbell-Ryder is a firm advocate of educating the young about the arts and its place in vibrant cities like Brisbane.

Margaret remembers well her own first visit to an art gallery when she was just a child. Her grandmother introduced her to art at the Bendigo Art Gallery; knowing Margaret,  we suspect it was a bribe, as the Gallery  was across the road from the dolls hospital  (her doll was sick).  But she says that first visit has stayed with her all her life and started her on a journey of the love of art, thanks to her Nana and her own love of the arts

Foot note:  Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art Gallery – Doug Hall former gallery Director and Tony Ellwood current Director both spent time working at the Bendigo Art Gallery.

Queensland Schools both State and Private all have art programs; these programs nurtures self esteem and self expression. The art world is ever changing and children are encouraged to further let their creative minds roam thanks to many wonderful and dedicated art teachers assisting with independent problem solving with group dynamics.

Representatives of Red Hill Gallery were privileged to be invited this year to judge the students work at St Joseph’s Nudgee College and were very impressed by the high standard of what these young minds produced.

Hands On Art is another fabulous organisation dedicated to the creative development of individuals and their communities.

"Feelix" by Glenys Lindsay - Art kids can touch, and in the case of this Echidna's quills, also art that becomes musical by running your nails over his spikes!

Art should not be defined as just works hanging on the wall, there are many sensory ways to show art. Red Hill Gallery has played host to many school students including the visually impaired and special needs children. A particularly memorable moment with the visually impaired children was to see how much interest they had in the bronze animal sculptures by Glenys Lindsay.  Did you know that the Echidna has poor eye sight?  Vision Australia has the Echidna, called “Feelix” as its symbol for their children’s library.

Encourage your children to create; put their works up on the fridge, frame them, put them in your home or office. Be just as proud of their art achievements as you are of their academic and sporting prowess.

When you next visit a commercial art gallery take your children with you, they might surprise you as to how well they behave.  If the gallery is not welcoming of your children take them to one that is, after all, art is for everyone, no matter what age.

Starr - Available at Red Hill Gallery

Welcome to the second in our series of blog interviews.  This month we chat to master artist John Beeman whose next exhibition will be at Red Hill Gallery in May 2012.  A  John Beeman exhibition creates an atmosphere charged with excitement, Beeman collectors wait patiently for his next exhibition, wanting regular updates from gallery staff, there is a fear they will miss out!  This popularity of John’s work has lead to sell out exhibitions and those lucky enough to own a Beeman, tend to keep his work forever refusing to part with it.  Johns work is admired by art lovers and collectors everywhere, each and every piece unique and  depicts scenes from everyday life. His work is so skillfully mastered one has to wonder how long it takes to complete a painting, each brush stroke purposefully placed,  the subjects although every day demand to be noticed and understood. A snap shot in the life. Here is a peek into the man who creates these unique paintings.

This work is part of the upcoming John Beeman Exhibition at Red Hill Gallery in 2012 "The Band" 72 x 62 & "Duo" 44 x 82

AC:  What inspires you to create?

JB:  A situation between people that embodies communication, the quality of light, beautiful and  interesting people and to quote William Blake:-

“To see the world in a grain of sand,
Heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
Eternity in an hour.”

AC:  In three words describe your art

JB:  Traditional figurative painting.

AC:  How do you spend your leisure time?

JB:  Painting or low level exisitence.

AC:  Share something with us about yourself that we don’t know

JB:  At the age of eighteen and nineteen I spent many long hours in the isolation of a gun turret of a B24 Liberator Bomber.  Life expectancy of an air gunner was short and this precarious future led me to engage in some serious self-examination.  I formed a philosophy of life and firm values that I have maintained.

AC:  What music are you listening to (While you create?)

JB: Medieval to Modern classical music including composers such as Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven Chopin etc.

AC: What is your favourite time of the day?

JB:  I like the quality of light in the early morning and late afternoon.

AC:  In your biography it states that you studied at the Prestigious Julian Ashton Art School, do you have any memories that you would like to share with us from that time.

JB: Immediately Post War many of my fellow students, like myself, were ex-servicemen and women.  They were trying that bit harder to make up for lost time.  It was a period of endeavour, learning to see, enlightenment and other aspirations with like-minded students and great teachers.

The Julian Ashton Art School, the unique Sydney Art School, is a famous institution with an unparalleled background in fine drawing and painting.

This work is part of the upcoming John Beeman Exhibition at Red Hill Gallery in 2012 "Concentration" 63 x 71

AC: You use an age old method which was used by artisans as far back as the Renaissance era?  Describe this technique.

JB: A SIMPLIFIED EXPLANATION OF GESSO – AS A GROUND FOR PAINTING

Apart from painting on walls, artists have been very limited in their choice of surface on which to paint.

There are two main surfaces which have remained unchanged for several hundred years. These are: – a fabric, usually canvas, stretched on a timber frame or a wooden panel.  Both have to be coated with a primer, usually a white paint or gesso.  Both of these have the added advantage of being portable.  Each of the above have disadvantages as follows: – The flexible nature of the canvas has the potential to crack the paint surface and it is vulnerable to cuts and bumps and humidity and unstable atmosphere can have a harmful effect
on the painting.

Timber panels are limited in size, subject to warping and splitting and attacks by insects (borer and woodworm.)

Modern technology has produced materials that are dimensionally and chemically stable and can be obtained in large sheets.  They suffer few of the disadvantages of canvas or timber.

During the years that I was doing my Post Graduate Studies in London at the Slade School of Fine Art.  I was aware that while I was receiving a thorough grounding in the skills of drawing and painting, the information on painting materials was superficial and largely dependent on the range of choices in the art material suppliers.

I applied for one of the few positions at the prestigious Courtauld Institute.  I was fortunate to be accepted, with three other like-minded students, to be trained in their laboratories in the chemistry and structure of painting.  A further stroke of luck was at that time a Dutch conservator was working at the Courtauld Institute restoring a Flemish Painting for the National Gallery.  He was an expert in the preparation of gesso and was keen to share his knowledge.

On returning to Australia I made gesso in the ‘time-honoured’ method, preparing the gesso with rabbit skin glue and calcium carbonate.  There were five or six coats brushed on with a large flat brush, each at right angles to the last. The temperature of the gesso mixture had to be maintained within critical limits, allowed to set but not dry. In all
there were sixteen steps and it was very time consuming.

I continued preparing gessos this way until my son David developed equipment which was capable of applying the hot mixture while maintaining the critical temperature and viscosity.

The structure of the surface is all one could wish for and is physically and chemically stable.

The white gesso has great optical qualities reflecting the light back through paint layers. It is rugged and stands a certain degree of aggressive technique or a sensitive response to a fine application of glazes.

As well as oils these gessos can also be used for egg tempera or acrylic.

– John Beeman

This work is part of the upcoming John Beeman Exhibition at Red Hill Gallery in 2012 "Brothers In Law" 45 x 36 "Country Bathroom" 36 x 53

Welcome to the second in our series – Art @ Home.

A very special room in Tony and Kathy’s home is their main lounge.  While the pool area is the hero in summer time, family and friends enjoy spending time in this inviting room during cold winter night get togethers.  The soft lighting is enticing and sets the mood for many a long conversation over drinks from the bar.

Richard Bogusz and Glenys Lindsay - A beautiful combination

In the centre of the room lay “Itchy” and “Scratchy”, beautiful bronze seals by the talented sculptor, Glenys Lindsay. Its hard to resist touching them, the shiny patina making them appear as if they have just emerged from the sea to bask on a rock.  Cheeky and fun they bring life and character to the space.

The walls  hold two fabulous paintings by Richard Bogusz.  The colour and light of Richard’s work are perfect in the soft lighting of the room.  The dancing girls in the images add a whimsical nature to the strength and character of the Australian bush landscape they play in.  The subject of his art works perfectly with the decor of the room.  Richards work appeals to Tony and Kathy as Tony is a traditionalist by nature and Kathy leans towards more contemporary scenes and striking colours.

Choosing artwork for the home should be a fun experience, the excitement of the find and the fun of hanging or placing it in your home.  Consider your space, and the lighting and, as we always say, “buy what you love!”

A red dot is what you see placed on a painting when it has been purchased at an exhibition.

You would be amazed at how many times a day we hear the words “the one we like has been sold” when asked “how did you like the exhibition”. 

It is perfectly ok to say it is not the style of work you like.  It is much better than pretending you would have bought the painting only it has a red dot on it, gallery staff hear this comment all the time.

The client that has bought the painting with the red dot on it did so because they loved it and not necessarily because they know more about art than you do.  A misconception by many gallery visitors.

Remember art galleries are there to sell the art and not to make judgement on your taste or on the kind of artwork you like.

Never feel intimidated by art gallery curators and art consultants; they are there to do a job and help client’s make the selection that is right for them.

A happy client is what makes a gallery successful, one you can trust to provide you with the style of art you desire on your lifelong journey of discovering the wonders of art.

Side note:
But if you do like a piece of art work that does have a red dot ask the gallery if that particular  artist does commissions as you really would like the one that has sold.  There are many artists out there that do commissions, it can be to your own size and colour specification.

Remember when visiting an art gallery do not say you would  have bought the one with the red dot it if you do not mean it. (We have all heard it before). You do not have to justify yourself to anyone.

Enjoy your artistic journey.

A red dot is what you see placed on a painting when it has been purchased at an exhibition.

Congratulations to one of Red Hill Galleries fabulous artists Judith Dalozzo for 1st prize in the Still Life and Florals Challenge, Australian Artist.  Grab a copy of the magazine to read a fantastic interview with Judith on page 16.

Judith Dalozzo First Prize - Still Life Panorama - Australian Artist

Australian Artist – Does your technique particularily suit still life?

Judith Dalozzo – “I see it this way – still life is like the clock face of time and culture.  We understand it and recognise it.  It takes objects like music sheets that are often over looked, and bring them to life for all of us to admire.  So yes, definately, my techniques suits still life perfectly.”

Read the whole interview on page 16 of Australian Artist, September 2011 Issue.
You can also view current work of Judith’s HERE.

John Maitland - Rhapsody in Pink

We opened John Maitland’s exhibition – Rhapsody in Pink – last night at the Red Hill Gallery.  You can view this exhibition online HERE.

Whilst it was a wild and windy storm that slammed Brisbane, and surrounding areas, earlier that afternoon; that didn’t stop the true followers of John Maitland’s fabulous art to
make for a successful evening.

John Maitland and his wife, Dolores, arrived to find quite a few red dots already on paintings, which always make an artist happy.  Up to 2 years had been put into the creation of these beautiful art works and this was the first chance for John to see them
all hanging together, and they look spectacular!

Come in to Red Hill Gallery and see them for yourself!   Exhibition on now and runs until 25^th September 2011.

Welcome to the very first in our series of blog interviews.  This month we chat to artist Denise Murray about her cold cast bronze work

AC: What is Cold Cast Bronze?

DM:  Cold Cast Bronze is a way to own a bronze at much less expense.
The pieces are first modelled in wax or clay. A plaster mould is taken from the finished sculpture.

From this plaster mould a “master” is cast in resin. After the master is sanded and smoothed a silicon rubber mould is made.

Instead of the traditional bronze, cold cast bronze is in the form of a fine powder.  This is mixed with resin and painted into the silicon mould and allowed to catalyse.

The mould is then sealed and filled with resin. A sheet of lead is added to the final pour to add weight to the work. When the piece comes out of the mould it is sanded, the seams are filled with additional bronze resin and it is polished to bring the bronze to the surface.

It is then given a patina and a final polish. I after a while, if the surface is dull it can be brought back by polishing with the finest steel wool (0000 grade) and a little brasso. I do not like to lacquer them as it gives them an artificial glossy look.

AC: What Inspires you to create?

DM: Every human being on the planet has a strong urge to communicate and for me visual communication feels more natural and honest. If I can do that with a painting or sculpture then that makes me happy.There is a strong satisfaction in turning an idea in your head into a reality which can be seen and felt in the real world.

AC: In three words describe your art

DM: Tangible, honest, expressive.

AC: How do you spend your leisure time?

DM: What little there is of it… reading, music etc. I don’t like going out unless I have to and feel very happy in my own environment alone or with my partner.

AC: Who is your role model or the person you most admire

DM: From an artistic point of view it would have to be Egon Schiele… an incredible, powerful talent cut down way to soon.

AC: What music are you listening to (While you create?)

In the morning Classic FM and in the afternoon Jazz radio.

You can view some of Denise Murrays work at Red Hill Gallery or Online HERE

One of the most exciting experiences one should have in life is to visit a commercial art gallery and attending the opening of an art exhibition.

For first time buyers remember art is for everyone. Do not be put off the first time you walk into an art gallery remember they are there to sell art and that you are a potential client.

Ask to be put on their mailing list so you can attend exhibition openings.

When you buy your first piece of art it should be an exciting and memorable moment.  Do not be afraid to ask questions, no question is ever stupid and should be treated with respect by the art gallery curator or art consultant.  If you are not happy walk out and find another gallery that is more accommodating and meets your needs.

Your first art exhibition should be an exhilarating experience. Meeting the artist and discovering what inspired them to create their works for the exhibition should be a thrilling moment which will stay in your mind forever.

At an exhibition opening, mingle amongst art lovers and discover how everyone has a different story to tell about their first purchase or their favourite artist or art work.

To see an artist bare his/her soul on canvas and witness the passion that has been created by this one person is the most amazing discovery.

This is also an experience that you cannot get from just viewing on a website; the web is a tool there to show the many artists and their particular styles of artwork.  This will never take away from seeing the work hanging in a gallery, the gallery atmosphere, the paint smells, the textures, the passion, the brush strokes,  all there in real life on the wall in the gallery, each piece of art work totally unique which  has to been seen in the real life to be thoroughly appreciated.

Art will last you a lifetime and give you pleasure every single day and if you find out the story of the art from the artist it will make it even more special.  You will be amazed at some of the answers artists have given as to where they got their inspiration from for a particular piece, it could be very simple, or reflect an emotional time in the artists’ life, or maybe a place the artist has visited.

Your art choice should also be a reflection of yourself and your lifestyle, usually the first piece that leaps out at you is the one you always come back to.  Listen to your heart, pay attention to what the experts have to say but at the end of the day make up your own mind and buy.

There are many emerging artists to select from, Australia has some of the most talented artists in the world, and they have to try harder to be the best they can as there is much more competition in our country compared to other parts of the world.

Art should be a lifelong passion of learning and collecting and you quickly develop an eye for what you like, do not be afraid to like something that someone else does not we do not all want to wear the same clothes so it stands to reason that we do not all want to buy the same art.   Your art should be a reflection of your personality too.

Buying from an exhibition is always a good time to buy from an artist as that is when they present their best work. It is often a surprise to discover that an artist can work on a major exhibition for up to two years.

Do not ever feel pressured in buying just because you are at an opening it may take one minute or one year to find what you love, but  most of all enjoy the experience along the way.

Art will quickly become a lifelong passion.

When buying art there is only one important thing to know, remember the mantra only “Buy what you love”

What a special night to say Goodbye to a special lady

It was a bittersweet occasion last night at Red Hill Gallery as we said goodbye to long term staff member, the irreplaceable Hilary O’Donnell.  The champagne flowed, as did the tears as we fare-welled Hilary with a large crowd of well wishers filling the gallery.  We were entertained by the wonderfully talented Craig Claxton and Caroline Hammond, live music filling the air and adding ambience to the evening.

Hilary has been an integral part of our gallery for many years and has a special way of being.  She is classy and gentle and a little bit cheeky! A great mix for clients who trust her, the artists who connect to her and the staff who love and respect her. She will be missed.

Emotions ran high during the speeches and it was very clear that our Directors Graham and Margaret Campbell-Ryder truly understand what a prize they had in Hilary.  Jan made a speech on behalf of the “Gallery Girls” and made us proud! She said what we all felt and not a dry eye was to be seen.

And then finally we heard from Hilary.  She was truly overcome by the show of love from the room. Her husband and son were there to support her in her very special night.

A farewell book, beautifully put together with best wishes from guests unable to attend, was placed on the back bench to collect more messages for Hilary from attendees.

Friends, Clients and Artists...Celebrating Hilary's exciting lifestyle change.

Some of our fantastic artists created special gifts, and they were presented to a very delighted Hilary to remember her years with us at Red Hill Gallery.  Among them a painting of the interior of an art gallery, a woman, looking suspiciously like Hilary, with gorgeous pearl earrings on, studying beautiful artwork on the gallery wall.  A note to Hilary on the back cements the fact that it has truly been created with Hils in mind.  A simple and sweet painting of a rose, by an artist who has never painted a flower and is much more at home with the Tall Ships and the Old England as his subject. “A rose for a rose” written on the back, a simple ode to Hilary…and yes, there is a bucket within the scene of the painting..  Another to emerge from a flurry of wrapping paper and ribbon, was bright and happy array of flowers from an artist whose work brings colour and energy into many of our clients homes.  Among the gifts, a gorgeous piece of glass, organic in shape and soft of colour, from our foremost glass artist, to show appreciation for the years of dedication shown by Hilary in her time with us.  So many more gifts and positive support from well wishers assured Hilary had an evening she will remember each time she passes by a little piece of Red Hill Gallery in her home. 

We wish Hilary well in her new lifestyle and hope to see her smiling face in our Gallery often!

The Dalozzo family – Louis, Lucette, and daughter Judy – offer art lovers an unique viewing experience with their combination of contemporary paintings, Australian landscape by Louis, Romantic Impressionist streetscapes and stylised portraits by Lucette  and evocative still life paintings by Judy and are proudly the feature artists at this years Nudgee College Art Festival.

Louis, Judy and Lucette Dalozzo - Feature Artists at the Nudgee College Art Festival 2011

The Nudgee College DimensionsNC Art Festival is an expose of talent of original works from local artists and the creative and innovative work of Nudgee College’s own, very talented visual art students.  There is a total of $7000 in the prize pool and  Director of the Red Hill Gallery, Margaret Campbell-Ryder, is this years judge.  Margaret is a firm advocate of the arts and its place in vibrant cities like Brisbane and within the education of the young, such as the arts program at St Joseph’s Nudgee College.  Read more here

The Festival opens with a Gala Function on Saturday August 13, and runs through to the Tuesday the 16th, Open Day.  Find out more here.