Summer Leaves

Summer Leaves is a watercolour painting. I was inspired by the colours of the dried eucalyptus leaves that you see all over the ground here over the summer months. And I imagined a little wombat curled up slumbering amongst them.

Tree Spirit

Tree Spirit is a watercolour painting. She is the Spirit of the Tree that has been cut down, she remains with the memory of the creatures that lived on her and within her, like the Sugar Glider that can be seen in her skirts. Even though the tree has been cut down, there is hope for the future because new leaves can be seen sprouting, growing, finding the light.

Diana

Diana is the Roman version of Artemis and both are often shown with an owl. Owls seem to be everywhere in art and craft right now and that put me off for quite awhile depicting them. But then I decided no, I love owls too and if I want to draw/paint/stitch them I will! ;) So my Artemis and Diana both have my version of owls and I rather love them. :)

Magenta Thread Studio

This photo is of me on my first day in my new studio. We made the room (where I had been exhibiting at Ethos Gallery in Woodside), into my open studio as well as my exhibition space. I have called it Magenta Thread Studio. I've been loving working in there and meeting lots of very nice people, and also having my friends at the gallery to bounce ideas off of. I do some of my drawing and designing (as seen above;) there but mostly I work on my free motion machine embroidery.

SALA 2011 Artemis

My theme for SALA 2011 was 'Artemis', I wrote in my Artist's Statement:

Artemis is the Greek Goddess of the Forest, Wild Animals and the Wilderness. She is also a protector of women at all stages of their lives. Diana is the Roman version of her. In a time of turmoil and grief I looked to a strong feminine icon to give me strength. I wanted to paint and stitch images of strong women; who are in touch with their wild and natural side. Women who are survivors, who see hope and light at the end of a dark tunnel. This last year has been extremely difficult and through my art I have been exploring strength, protection, and connection to animals and the Earth. My art has been like a gentle embrace for me to escape to.

I am very excited to show this new body of work in my new studio at Ethos Gallery - Magenta Thread Studio.

The above watercolour is called 'Artemis'.

More Instagram

Here's more instagram pics starting with one I took of one of the dirt roads on the family sheep station, and finishing with my busy stitching on my sewing machine.

I'm back!

I can't believe it's taken me this long to blog again but here I finally am. It's been a busy 7 months. I thought I'd start off with a few instagram photos I've taken recently. I joined the iPhone club towards the end of last year and I love the instagram photo sharing app. My profile name is: tazstarbilby if you want to follow me and I would love to follow you. Above is the first instagram pic I took of a Summer Rose in my garden.