nicola moss

A trip to Coochiemudlo Island

2012-02-03T09:30:00.001+10:00

I headed over to Coochiemudlo Island yesterday with Jude for a day of working outdoors. The weather was pleasant with light cloud and a breeze to cool us. Walking along the jetty at Coochie, some blue jelly fish could be seen in the shallows, as we moved back towards the deeper water the numbers increased with a constant flow headed east under the jetty. The beautiful aqua and turquoise blue colours were a bit mesmerizing. We headed off along the beach, finding several washed up on the sand.
This morning I was on google trying to identify the species, and instead came across this interesting article about research led by CSIRO Climate Adaption Flagship and University of Queensland scientist, Dr. Anthony Richardson. Numbers of jellyfish appear to be on the increase due to a combination of pollution, overfishing and climate change, with ecological consequences.

The coast walk around Coochie is beautiful on low tide with lots to see in the rock pools and tide lines.

Unfortunately the shopping bag I had with me was filled with plastic rubbish before I'd made it to the end of Norfolk Beach, there were several items I couldn't fit and carry with me. Last week I joined an Earthwatch program on North Stradbroke Island, 'Turtles in trouble', with research scientist Dr. Kathy Townsend investigating the impacts of plastic waste on marine turtle species. I'll post more about this separately, the day has left a lasting impression - plastic doesn't 'go away'...ever.

Back to the beautiful day, settled in a shaded spot under some mangrove and the fallen flowers of native hibiscus, I made some plein air work inspired by the leaf canopy. Listening to the soft ripple of an incoming tide and looking up as the shadow of the local Sea Eagle passed over....bliss.

Welcome 2012 - Bushwalking at Springbrook National Park

2012-01-02T09:44:00.000+10:00

Happy New Year everyone, wishing you a wonderful 2012.
We started the year by heading out to Springbrook National Park for some bushwalking. Springbrook National Park forms part of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia with many walks in various environments. We started at Natural Bridge with a looping walk descending through lush rainforest with strangler figs (above), huge hoop pines, Araucaria cunninghamii, and epiphytes in the canopy, down to the creek level cave and waterfall of natural bridge. I'll be heading back here again to take a longer look at the dense rainforest with it's layer upon layer of vegetation.

Next we headed to 'Best of all Lookout' which sits on the escarpment top on the border between Queensland and New South Wales. With a name like this it seemed a definite choice for our day, but there is more to this short lookout walk. The area is renowned for having a small stand of Antarctic beech, (above)Nothofagus moorei, a remnant Gondwana species from a time when Australia was closer to Antarctica and a wetter climate. A shroud of mist enveloped the road as we neared the walk carpark, we had left home on the coast in brilliant sunshine and temperatures in the high twenties. As we left the car we donned jumpers for the fifteen degrees now outside. It was like entering an enchanted forest on this walk, every surface of plant and rock was encrusted, smothered and dangling in luminous green life, from lichens, moss and vines to fungi, ferns and 'old mans beard'. I loved the feel of the place, quite magical. The lookout has spectacular views, though slightly cloud shrouded on our visit, but definitely worth the visit.

Our last walk for the day was at Springbrook Plateau on the Twin Falls track which took us along the top of the escarpment and then down to the base of the rock escarpment to walk behind waterfalls, through rock crevices and then up to the escarpment top again. It was a very enjoyable walk with dramatic changes in vegetation between the top and bottom. The higher areas were drier with banksias, grass trees, casuarinas and trees shedding volumes of bark.

The lower walk was damp with low light entering through a dense canopy. The trail takes you past and behind several waterfalls, keeping the air cool even on a hot summers day.

Back on the escarpment top we stopped at this spot for lunch with views to the Gold Coast and Pacific Ocean beyond. It was a great start to the year.

Summer exhibition opening at SALT

2011-12-23T18:07:00.000+10:00

'Under the white wisteria' 2011. Acrylic on canvas, 122 x 152cm, Nicola Moss.

The Summer Exhibition Program at Salt Contemporary Art Gallery begins on Boxing Day with works by David Beaumont, Rudi Jass and myself. Paintings I have in the show are from my Wonderland series, featuring inspiration from Montsalvat Artist Colony in Eltham, Victoria, where I was artist in residence for four weeks during October.
I savored the soft light of long dawns and dusks, so different to the sharp bright light of home in Queensland. This combined with exuberant spring growth in the gardens of Montsalvat grounds have left strong impressions with me. There is an 'other worldly' feel to Montsalvat, with its medieval and French inspired buildings, and the ever strutting peacock displays. But mainly it is the quiet times, early morning and late evening with light fading that I think of most.

Opening drinks are on Tuesday 27th December at 5pm, with the show continuing to Saturday 7th January.

Not so fast

2011-12-22T15:25:00.000+10:00

We all know time is constant and we each have the same amount each year, but still it is often said, and heard, how quickly the year has passed and how it just seems to get quicker. I had to rethink this recently though, when reminded of an exhibition that took place in January this year. It seemed like such a long time since the opening and workshops, but it was this year. It seemed incompatible - an event at the start of this year feeling a long time ago and that the year had passed quickly.
I've been thinking about it and concluded, that it's not so much time passing quickly, more that we fit so much in to our lives (or try to), often at a frenetic pace, and this in part is what gives the illusion of time passing quickly...it's all the go, go go! Perhaps the year passing is not fast, just choc-a-block full with little time for relaxing. So I'd like to wish everyone the enjoyment of some chill out time over the festive season.

Reflecting on 2011, it's been fun and full and slightly more balanced than the one before. I'd like to thank everyone who shared their time and experiences with me. Big thanks to my husband, first time ironman and all time supporter, recipient of two husband of the year awards in 2011 (I am slightly bias :-) All my family, it was great to catch up with you throughout the year.
Friends...you know who you are, thanks for the gallery going, openings support, residency collaboration, garden advise, french dinner, weather watching, beach walking, art making, seed sharing, bird listening, ideas thinking, philosophy, side line cheering, hiking, blog posting, photo taking, gift giving, shared food and all round good times.
Thank yous too to the gallery directors and staff who have shown, supported and encouraged my artwork in 2011.

Wishing you a merry festive season and all the best for 2012.

Coochiemudlo Island

2011-12-15T18:11:00.000+10:00

Bliss! I headed over to Coochiemudlo Island this week with Helena, for a day of outdoor work. The tide was high when we arrived with large green spheres of mangrove foliage appearing to float on the waters surface. It was very pleasant set up under the shade with a light sea breeze to cool the air. We often venture over when the tides are low, so the change was good and encouraged a fresh look at the landscape. I made a series of works on paper that responded to foliage shapes silhouetted against the bright sky. And while waiting for paint to dry lay on the sand soaking up the atmosphere...a perfect day.
Little mangrove shoots are beginning to establish in the bay we visit, it will be interesting to see how these transform over time. I went for a stroll collecting any plastic rubbish I found washed up and entangled in the mangroves, which ended up being an odd mix of party balloon, fishing line, fishing net rope and an action toy. I'm looking at rubbish in environments as part of my project work next year, will have to wait a little to see how these end up in more developed work.

A day at QAG and GOMA

2011-12-07T11:22:00.000+10:00

I had some time out of the studio yesterday with a trip into the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. I avoided the block buster Matisse show this time, but was not disappointed with several interesting collections on show.

Currently at GOMA until 19th February 2012, is Ten Years of Contemporary Art: The James C Sourris AM Collection. In recent years, Brisbane benefactor James C Sourris, AM, has been gathering an extensive collection of contemporary Australian art, focusing on the first decade of the twenty-first century and paying particular attention to Queensland artists.
There are many stunning works in the exhibition, with some signature paintings on canvas by Judy Watson; skillful portraits on a grand scale by Vernon Ah Kee, and intriguing layered paintings by Madeleine Kelly, to name just a few. I also was delighted to see another painting by Rosslynd Piggott (who I mentioned in a previous post) from her unfolding flower - cloudscape series.

A multi-media exhibition at GOMA, The Hand, the Eye, and the Heart, was interesting to view, with some videos really holding my attention. One in particular investigated commemorative rituals, superstitions and beliefs we hold in various cultures, it was thought provoking, like many of the works in this show.

There were some new acquisitions on show at QAG and a large multi panel work by Guan Wei that caught my eye. Of course there were many other works I enjoyed on my wander around the galleries, all making for a refreshing and inspiring day of viewing.

Peppermint Magazine article

2011-12-07T10:30:00.000+10:00

During October I was contacted by Emily Lush, a freelance writer from Brisbane, to say she was planning to write a small article about my art practice for the upcoming issue of Peppermint Magazine. I was very happy to answer some questions and am delighted with Emily's writing, which captures the essence of my practice beautifully. Personally I find it interesting to read or hear how others interpret my work, it's partly that they are removed from the making and can look at it with fresh eyes, something that can be difficult to do with your own work. I also appreciate writing which is skillful, (not really my forte.)

Peppermint is focused on showcasing the best in eco and handmade design from Australia and the rest of the world. Fashion, accessories, natural beauty, art, film, design, social issues, lifestyle and culture.

A big Thank you to Emily and Peppermint.

A Taste of Salt - pop up exhibition in Ballarat

2011-11-30T11:10:00.001+10:00

Salt Contemporary Art is hosting a 'pop up' exhibition - A Taste of Salt - in Ballarat this week. The exhibition features paintings, works on paper and sculpture; I'm very happy to see my paintings will be in the show at 14 Camp Street, Ballarat (B1 Gallery space).

If you are in the area and have an opportunity to pop in, please feel most welcome. The opening is on Thursday December 1st, from 5.30 – 8.30pm, RSVP (please send your details if you can make it) to info@salt-art.com.au , or contact Fiona Kelly (Director) on 03 52583988.

The Exhibition continues on Friday December 2nd, 12 – 4pm

Exhibiting artists include Alan Bates, David Beaumont, Peter Blizzard, Nona Burden, Tarli Glover, Rudi Jass, Nicola Moss, Craig Parnaby, Neville Pilven, Anne Saunders and Doug Wright.

Also in the show are limited edition works on paper by selected artists including John Olsen, Christine Johnson, Dean Bowen, Rona Green and Sally Smart.

Collectibles at Spiro Grace Art Rooms

2011-11-28T20:37:00.000+10:00

'Tide Lines 6', 2011. Nicola Moss. Acrylic, hand cut papers, rice paper. Framed size 40 x 40cm.

I have three new smaller hand cut paperworks on show in the group exhibition Collectibles, opening this Friday at SGAR: Spiro Grace Art Rooms in Spring Hill, Brisbane. These works began on site at Coochiemudlo Island and were completed with hand cut paper elements back in the studio.
Collectibles features small scale and affordable pieces by over 15 Australian artists and designers.
It would be lovely to see you at the opening if you can make it, please say hi if you do.

Exhibition Opening Friday 2nd December
6 - 8pm

Exchange

2011-11-03T08:22:00.000+10:00

Exchange has opened this week at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough. Congratulations to Amanda van Gils for doing a wonderful job of curating and managing the exhibition. Very excited to see who's artwork I will receive.
(Click above if you'd like a larger image.)

Focus

2011-11-02T07:23:00.000+10:00

Before I start talking about focus, have a laugh at my pink socks...I have.

So...Focus. When asked before leaving for my residency at Montsalvat, what it was that I hoped to achieve, or 'What are the benefits of a residency' opposed to working in my own studio; one component of my answer was a reference to the focused time I thought I would experience. The absence of home chores to a large degree and working on one project are ways that I thought my time would be more focused. By the end of the residency I noted other circumstance that created a focused atmosphere. There was no TV or radio at Montsalvat, I don't watch much, but this was nothing and I have to admit I didn't miss it. As residents we provided our own internet access, which lead in part to reduced usage, but really we were just so busy - perhaps fulfilled is a better word, with making our works that checking emails, etc during the day just didn't happen. What I noticed is how productive we were, how much work was achieved when our focus was on process and making.
Administration of an arts practice can chew up large amounts of time, checking emails throughout the day at home, generally leads to more time sitting in front of the screen. It's about discipline really and the obvious realisation, or confirmation, that the world doesn't end if I look at my emails once a day. I am bringing this appreciation of focus home to the studio and look forward to more productive use of my studio time...even a balance somewhere between the before and during residence would be beneficial.

The wrap up

2011-10-31T07:52:00.000+10:00

I'm back home unpacking cases, getting use to the humid Queensland weather and thinking about my month away. I had a great time on residence at Montsalvat with many positive experiences. The opportunity to collaborate on work with Susan Buret was a big positive. Without locations like Montsalvat it would be difficult to achieve the results we did. Making large scale works for an upcoming exhibition and truly having the ability to work together on pieces. It takes a level of respect and trust between artists for this to work, having said that I can highly recommend collaborating with another artist, it's a 1+1=3 outcome.

A big thank you to the team of staff at Montsalvat.
Also thanks to my family, it was lovely to spend a bit more time with you.

Now onto work for my next show...with a bit of Montsalvat inspiration.

Out of the studio

2011-10-26T19:18:00.001+10:00

In the garden

2011-10-26T19:16:00.000+10:00

Beautiful sunshine without gusting winds today provided ideal weather for working outdoors in the gardens at Montsalvat. It was so lovely to be outdoors, listening to birds and soaking up the warmth. I packed a small bag with the materials I normally take on a day trip to Coochiemudlo Island and had the added comfort of a chair for the day.
Working on paper with acrylic and ink, I looked for the patterns and feel of the surrounds, more than the view.
The lower garden areas are a ramble of fruit trees, spring flowers, scented roses, succulents and iris ringed ponds. Luminous fresh spring growth and light provided an interesting palette of colours to work with. Images above show one view of the garden and a work in progress, unfortunately the yellow pigment is not showing up as brightly here, but you get an idea.
It's been a perfect day for nearing the end of the residency.

Work in progress - Montsalvat

2011-10-24T13:54:00.001+10:00

An other place

2011-10-24T12:04:00.000+10:00

Wedding activities throughout the weekend at Montsalvat, continued into Sunday. With more peering through windows, statements of..'there's an artist in there'...and one lady pushing so hard against the glass I thought she might fall through. I thought to myself thankfully for not being born a zoo animal.
Montsalvat is other worldly, a combination of buildings that have the look of being taken from medieval, French and rustic slab and daub influences. Visitors love the romantic rustic charm which photographs so well (clearly they are not looking closely at the more practical side of residing here). Male peacocks strutting their stuff in each courtyard and open space only add to the exotic nature of the place. Even better if they are clambering on the roof top ridges, an activity generally reserved for evening, and trying to outcall one another.
The knife in the bottom of the 'ornamental pond no swimming'-ie. the crystal clear pool - continues to fascinate visitors who spot it, raising the eternal question, Why is there a knife in the pool? ( The event that lead to this will remain on residence, so to speak), but anyway, all these weekend activities got me thinking about what catches people attention, an ordinary item in an unexpected place, and the sense of other, something real but out of place.
I've started painting for my next exhibition which will be on show at Salt contemporary art in Queenscliff at the end of December. The influence of Montsalvat is clear to see, this place is not like any other I have spent time in and the other worldly will be a feature.
Images of workin progress coming soon.

Melbourne - angel demons

2011-10-21T13:06:00.001+10:00

Day trip to Melbourne

2011-10-21T13:04:00.000+10:00

I took a day trip into Melbourne city to check out a few exhibitions. First stop was the NGV Ian Potter Centre, but before I got in the door I had to admire the giant baby - 'Angels Demons' sculpture in Federation Square and along Swanston Street. Installed as part of the Melbourne International Arts Festival, the sculptures were installed by the avant garde Russian arts collective AES+F.
I took in all of the exhibition spaces at NGV, progressing from a fabulous display of indigenous shields, through colonial works to contemporary exhibitions, including a selection of Fred Williams landscape paintings, a curated exhibition - '10 ways of looking at the past', and two great collections of indigenous desert paintings. So much to see, with several stand out works and many recent acquisitions to the collection that I hadn't seen before on display.
A new work by Rosslynd Piggott had me entranced, I have seen only a few of Rosslynd's works in the flesh, but have liked every one of them. She has a wonderful aesthetic that resonates with me, not to mention her exquisite command of the mediums used. "Unfolding flower - cloudscape no.2' is the recent acquisition that caught my eye.
The afternoon was taken up with a tram trip to Fitzroy and wanderings along Gertrude and Smith streets, taking in several commercial gallery exhibitions and a stop of for some more canvas. A great day all round.
Image of one of the Angel Demon babies above, I was thinking more hybrid dinosaur.

Inside and outside

2011-10-19T19:08:00.001+10:00

In and out of the studio

2011-10-19T19:06:00.000+10:00

I still haven't been able to add images and text in the one post, but it's not too hard to work out what goes together.
Another glorious day of sunshine in Melbourne today, with an early morning walk to the shops and a few art materials on the way home, which all made the cool aqua green waters of the 'ornamental pond - no swimming' very tempting!
So we worked in the cool shade of the studio and contented ourselves with views of the water instead. Later this afternoon I watched the (marauding) kookaburra bathing itself in the pool.
With the weather project artworks completed I prepared some canvas to start painting. Montsalvat is not short on inspiration, with an interesting mix of wildlife and human inhabitants co-existing on the grounds. More to follow...meanwhile an image of inside and outside the studio.

Under the white wisteria

2011-10-17T19:22:00.001+10:00

Sunshine...

2011-10-17T19:15:00.001+10:00

Glorious weather today with radiant sunshine, clear blue skies and a very comfortable air temperature, meant we had another picnic lunch seated under the white wisteria that grows on the opposite side of the pool from our studio space. With few visitors to Montsalvat today we felt like we had the place to ourselves, and apart from the marauding kookaburra keen to feed her chicks, lunch was very relaxed.
This morning we wrapped our large artwork in some protective packaging for the courier trip home, and with almost all of the works completed that we had hoped to make during our residency, it was good to have a little time out and soak up the sunshine.
You can see the big wrap up almost complete on Susan's blog at http://barometerofmoods.blogspot.com

Open studio

2011-10-16T16:15:00.000+10:00

We opened our studio at Montsalvat this weekend so friends and family would have an opportunity to see what we had been working on so far during our residency. Susan has uploaded some lovely images and thoughts on the weekend at her blog http://barometerofmoods.blogspot.com/ so rather than repeating it all here you might like to check out her post.

The charm of Montsalvat

2011-10-14T18:43:00.000+10:00

There is a rustic charm about Montsalvat that glows in the rays of sunshine on a day like today. Everywhere I look there are crafted artisan elements incorporated into the buildings and surrounds. An obvious love of pattern has been imbued by the creators.
I am staying in Sue's Tower, a small room above the archway with a narrow staircase that has a few of us thinking of Rapunzel.
Peacocks roam the grounds with a male occupying each courtyard area, displaying his finery of feathers like an elaborate bridal gown train. Once heard their call is hard to forget, somewhere between the sound of a crow and cat comes to my mind.
There is much inspiration to be found here, with each day revealing a little more of the subtle intricacies of the place.
Images below.

Montsalvat

2011-10-14T18:24:00.001+10:00

Choose your day

2011-10-13T07:33:00.002+10:00

'Choose your day' 2011, Susan Buret and Nicola Moss, cyanotype chemicals and gouache on paper.
This detail is of a fifteen panel work we have completed while at Montsalvat. Hung with fishing line and bulldog clips, it was great to see it come together in one piece.

In residence

2011-10-10T16:19:00.001+10:00

Well it's one week into my residency at Montsalvat with fellow artist and collaborator, Susan Buret, and I have to say I am now completely enamored with the whole immersion and focused atmosphere of the experience....in simple words, I will be very keen to do more!
Still getting the hang of iPad posting, if any apple lovers out there have tips on a good image sizing app? I'd love to hear from you :-)
With so few distractions and focused attention on one project, work is developing at a great rate. The opportunity of collaborating in residence, means decisions can be made on the spot, ideas tossed around, thoughts tried and revised if need be. No emails, phone calls, mailed parcels and time lapsed correspondence...it's been great....and I think the works show the positive benefits.
Some images to follow shortly (hopefully).

'Exchange' exhibition at Maryborough

2011-09-26T22:05:00.000+10:00

'Tide Lines 3 & 4' 2011, Nicola Moss. Acrylic, hand cut papers, rice paper and Arches vellum.

I will be taking part in a group exhibition in November called - Exchange - a show which takes the 'artist swap' concept one step further. Exchange has been curated by Amanda van Gils and features art works by 55 contemporary artists from throughout Australia. Each artist is contributing one piece to swap with another artist in the exhibition and another available for purchase, with both artworks on display during the exhibition.

A diverse range of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography and more will make up the exhibition on show at Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough from the 4th November to 1st December 2011.

Snake = mulberries for me...

2011-09-19T19:53:00.000+10:00

Out in the garden late this afternoon, trying to encourage the chooks back into their coop, with little success. I decided in the meantime to check the asparagus beds for fresh spears, only to notice, unexpectedly, a large crop of ripe mulberries on the tree. The mulberry has been fruiting for weeks now, but at the first sign of swelling fruit a flock of figbirds turned up and have done so each morning, devouring all fruit that was remotely ripe..and unripe. I headed back to the shed, grabbed an ice cream container and began picking the sizeable crop of juicy ripe fruit. As I did so I pondered why the crop had not been eaten by the birds. Was the leaf cover thicker? Would this have stopped them, not really the tree has been thick with leaf for a few weeks....eventually I thought...I wonder if there is a snake in the tree? So I looked up amongst the canopy and sure enough looped around the central fork of the tree was a large carpet snake, no trouble to me, but hoping for a feathered feed. I continued my picking and had to thank snake for possibly the only harvest of mulberries I will get this season, unless it's still there tomorrow. Perhaps next year I should invest in a fake snake.

'Site Lines' installed

2011-09-05T10:37:00.000+10:00

Intertidal (Coochiemudlo Island), 2011, Nicola Moss.

Waterline, 2011, Nicola Moss.

Tide Lines 1 & 2, 2011, Nicola Moss.

A few images above from my exhibition 'Site Lines', now on show at Spiro Grace Art Rooms in Spring Hill, Brisbane.
I would like to send out special thanks to many friends and colleagues who came along on the opening night. And for the best wishes from those further a far, it is truly wonderful to have your encouragement and support.
Thank you also to SGAR, Renai and Meagan, It's been great working with you.

Bark - Rock - Sand...and so much more

2011-08-29T21:17:00.000+10:00

I spent a day working outdoors last week with friends, Donna and Helen. As usual the day was a huge refreshment, it's hard to beat the fresh air, serenades of bird call and shared conversation. Weathered by air and water, textures of the coast are both smooth and rough, filled with life and constantly on the move. There is so much to see, but I find a whole day is easily spent working in one small area, observing details of tide lines, the layers of worn tree structure or tangled arches of mangrove roots. My works on site are usually paper based, trying to capture a feel of the place more so than the view.
I'm already looking forward to the next trip.

Site Lines at Spiro Grace Art Rooms

2011-08-24T17:53:00.000+10:00

The past few weeks have just flown by. Yesterday I delivered artworks for my exhibition at Spiro Grace Art Rooms in Spring Hill. I was excited to see the works all framed with beautiful shadow box edges and soft white space around them. A small hiccup with transport was helped out generously by the staff at Chapman and Bailey, Thank you!

Site Lines opens this Friday, 6-8pm, if you are in the Brisbane area and would like to check it out, it would be great to see you there.

Makings of a garden

2011-08-22T22:17:00.000+10:00

I recently came across a blog post by friend and fellow artist - Nicola Chatham - about her making of a new permaculture garden, her permaculture studies and lots of things she is learning along the way. It made me feel quite nostalgic about the beginnings of my own vegie garden and orchard. So I thought I'd dig out some old photos and look at how much it's grown over the past eight years.

The very first orchard bed, 2003, and a huge pile of organic mix ( and Georgie, one of my chooks at the time). I layered cane mulch, soil, cane mulch, soil and finally mulch again to make the long raised beds. Then a swale was dug along the top contour edge and holes dug only where the fruit trees were to be planted. Our block was part of a dairy farm once, but had never been ploughed, the ground so full of rock that the removal of one revealed the next underneath, this method of raised beds was a lot easier than digging.

Onto the second bed with ground cover planting between the fruit trees of hundreds of cuttings, divisions and seedlings from my previous garden. The hessian staked up was an early windbreak for the young fruit trees.

In 2004, Beds three and four are in and planted, the back bare raised mound was ready to start and beds towards the vegie garden entrance (right) were planted.

2005, centre left Bed 2 and centre right bed 3. Peach tree pretending to be a white bag tree, all in aid of fruit fly free fruit, and yes it was worth the effort.

The garden has been through a few stages as far as the amount of attention I've had to spend on it. The initial two years of setting up beds and swales were intensive and exciting. The next couple of years saw some good growth in the first beds and more new orchard beds being built. Then a couple of years when my artwork picked up, that busy, busy thing took over and so did the weeds. La Nina weather certainly helped this along. But I have to say that designing with permaculture principals in mind made a big difference, the bones of the garden are still there, the swales worked wonderfully in dry years, holding and directing moisture deep to the tree roots, growth accelerated in the wet years. Plants that seemed lost in the weeds, kept on growing and have been 'found' again. The underplanting have changed a lot since they first went in the ground, with a lot more shade now and gradual phasing out of the pioneer pigeon pea, no longer required for a wind break.

2011, looking uphill from the bottom of the orchard.

I've spent some time over this winter clearing the weeds, mulching and finding plants again, I'm thinking about where the orchard will head in the next few years. For too long I left growth habit up to the plants, not pruning enough. A blog post by professional gardener Chris some time ago reminded me that gardens are created places, they need maintenance and control, so the pruning saw and clippers have been in regular use, bringing in more light where needed, reducing lower branches that created ladders for vine weed and there are a couple of trees that eight years on I realise are just too big for where I planted them....they'll have to go...such is the changing dynamics of a garden. A never ending journey, which I love.

Nicola Chatham has some great tips on starting a permaculture garden and lots more on her blog that's well worth a read.

Ikigai - the reason for getting up in the morning

2011-08-16T08:48:00.000+10:00

Following a link from India Flints blog - Not all those who wander are lost, led to this interesting Ted talk on Jeanne Beck's blog, thanks India and Jeanne.

Art by Jeanne Beck: Ikigai and Art Making: A Sense of Purpose: " Dan Beuttner discusses the cultures and lifestyles that seem to contribute to health and longevity in this Ted talk."

Motherboard's olympus by Chrys Zantis

2011-08-13T18:37:00.001+10:00

(front) Tea and cookies by Chrys Zantis, tea cups and saucers, sexpot teapot, yarns, beads, pearls, edible cookies, and coffee table.

(behind) Motherboard by Chrys Zantis, leather sofa, Ottoman, mannequin, fabrics, beads, pearls, yarns, metal shelving parts, grater, colander, lights, trash lid, cookie cutters.

Cookies by Chrys Zantis, Ceiling metal light, metal cages, cookie cutters, yarns, beads, pearls, baby pins.

Facebook Matrix by Chrys Zantis, Antique silver spoons, yarns, pearls, beads, metal shelving parts.

I headed along to Logan Art Gallery on Friday night to see a friends exhibition opening - Motherboard's Olympus by Chrys Zantis. I can't remember the last time I had quite so much fun at an exhibition, though it's not too often I've been to a show where you enter the space through voluminous pink beaded drapes and a warning about what you are about to view. I've known Chrys and her work for a few years and had an idea of what to expect...but there was more. Chrys' installations worked very well in the space, creating a cosy, welcoming and intriguing atmosphere. All the works are beautifully finished and considered. I liked the Cookies in cages a lot, and the large installation Motherboard. The evening was topped off with a performance by a burlesque dancer who was at the end of her routine wearing some fabulous shortie-pants complete with knitted 'body parts'.

Chrys' exhibition is well worth a look if you're in the Logan area between now and the 17th September, there's also a lovely catalogue accompanying the show.

In the studio

2011-08-11T16:03:00.005+10:00

The before and after of paper cutting. Phew!...Today I finished the works I've been making for my upcoming exhibition, Site Lines at Spiro Grace Art Rooms. I still have a few other projects to complete this month, but it feels good to get some items crossed off my August to do list.

I have enjoyed making this series of papercuts, developing from several day trips to Coochiemudlo Island and earlier visits to North Stradbroke and Russell Islands. Working onsite provides me with a lot of memories to draw on and the option while there of working with textures of the place.

An invitation to 'Paper Trails'

2011-07-27T08:19:00.003+10:00

I have been looking forward to this exhibition for some time, 'Paper Trails' will be the fourth annual Paper Show at Art Piece Gallery. Nineteen artists are brought together to tell their separate stories, united only by their love of paper, its malleability and versatility.

Artists showing works in the exhibition are Julie Millner Barratt, Susan Buret, Sue Codee, Michelle Giacobello, Sarah Harvey, Debbie Hill, Helen Hill, Sheridan Jones, Anita Lord, Kate Maurice, Shelagh Morgan, Nicola Moss, Jennie Nayton, Liz Powell, Jasmine Scheidler, Robyn Sweaney, Emma Walker, Oksana Waterfall and Christine Willcocks. Looking through these links, I'm sure it's going to be a diverse and intriguing exhibition.

I would like to extend you a warm invitation to the opening night on Friday 5th August at 6pm.

Winter Salon:mini surveys continues at ATG

2011-07-22T13:30:00.003+10:00

Nicola Moss (left) and Gabrielle Courtenay (right)

With an extended hang the exhibition - Winter Salon [mini surveys] continues at Anita Traverso Gallery in Richmond. Winter Salon tracks the conceptual and technical development of 17 artists with a salon-style installation of selected works across several years/series of practice. I find this salon format of showing a combination of works from an artists practice an interesting way of viewing.

Forest Kingfisher

2011-07-21T18:54:00.003+10:00

On Tuesday I spotted a splash of vibrant turquoise and electric blue in the garden. Out with the binoculars quickly! and then the Birds of Australia Field Guide...a new variety in my garden, I always get excited with the first sighting. This beautiful bird is a Forest Kingfisher and for the last three days it has perched each afternoon in an overgrown area of the garden which I can see from my studio window. Occasionally it swoops down in the overgrowth, I'm sure it is finding a good feed. I've been recording bird species in my garden for five years, not in any systematic way, but whenever I see different species I make a note, and also the migratory regulars get noted when they arrive each year. It feels good to see the number and diversity of species gradually increasing.

Rezoned Habitat

2011-07-18T21:51:00.003+10:00

'Rezoned Habitat ( The old farmhouse paddock)' 2011, Nicola Moss. Acrylic on hand cut papers.

Although I've been quiet here on my blog lately, it's been full on in the studio, so much happening at the moment, not that I'm complaining, just needing to prioritise. So I thought I'd post an image of a completed piece - 'Rezoned Habitat (The old farmhouse paddock)'.

This artwork is being framed at the moment for show in an upcoming paperworks themed group exhibition at Art Piece Gallery in Mullumbimby. The exhibition will feature works from artists around Australia, with several friends and colleagues included, I'm excited to see the resulting show. Invitations available soon.

Writing

2011-07-12T12:51:00.003+10:00

It's not my favourite activity, writing statements, bios and press release statements, but one that constantly needs updating and fresh thinking. It's funny how thoughts can roll out freely on a blog or in notes in visual diaries, but once I try to put the words into formal formats... oh boy, it all seems very self conscious. I've contributed to a few proposals and statements for group exhibitions and collaborative projects, even this seems easier when it's not just about moi!

This morning I was happy to read Joanne Mattera's post on writing for artists, with a clear description of what you might include in the various formats of statements, bio, etc. Some good tips on what to leave out too, otherwise it's really just practice, like most things the more you do it, hopefully, the better the results.

Thank you Joanne, your Marketing Monday posts are always helpful.

Cut, cut, cut.......cut

2011-07-03T19:17:00.002+10:00

When I'm not out in the garden pruning (peach trees, plum and mulberry trees, it's that time of year), I've been in the studio working on a new series of hand cut paper works. Trees are featuring, often with ones I have admired for some time in the local valley paddocks or on trips to Moreton Bay Islands. This one sits alone isolated in what was a farmhouse paddock, I love its form, especially late in the afternoon when driving home it presents a ghostly silhouette against the setting sun. Much of the land around where I live is gradually, or not so gradually, being rezoned. Change is a constant, in some ways I am trying to capture memories of place and change. How do we fit in with our environment or it with us?

These recent paper cut artworks will be on show in a couple of upcoming exhibitions in August and September, more details soon.

Winter Salon at Anita Traverso Gallery

2011-06-30T12:30:00.004+10:00

'Integral parts of therefore I am' series, 2011, Nicola Moss.

This recent series of artworks on panel are currently on show in the Winter Salon at Anita Traverso Gallery in Richmond, Melbourne. I have written previously about ideas inspiring these works.
If you have an opportunity to visit and view a very interesting mix of artists work, the exhibition is on from the 29th June to 16th July.

In the studio

2011-06-17T20:44:00.004+10:00

There is a lot happening in the studio at the moment, with a couple of commissions on the go, an upcoming Paperworks exhibition to complete work for and ongoing development of works in the weather project. Deadlines certainly make work happen, actually I like deadlines to work to, they help me prioritise.
I have been paper cutting, detail above, a work inspired by the intertidal zone of mangroves. And thinking about the way this process relates to my past printmaking studies, the composition needs to be worked out before the first cut is made, what will be positive and negative space, dark and light, contrast and texture, it's quite abstract in a way, and not unlike developing a plate for printmaking. But this will be a one off. Must get back to work...

Out of the studio

2011-06-17T20:23:00.003+10:00

I love getting outdoors to work on site, and even when things get a little hectic, like at the moment, I keep the date. I find these days so refreshing, with so much to see, the details, textures, smells and sounds of place can envelop me while I work.

I start each trip with a few notes in my visual diary:

11am - Low tide - the water is the furtherest out I have ever seen it. Large areas of mangrove mud, shell grit ripples from tidal currents and exposed red volcanic looking rock. The sky is clear cerulean blue without a cloud. Stunning!
Tree trunks are silver-white, sunbaked and starkly beautiful against the deep blue sky. Bird calls, waders in the shallows, curlews at the cafe. Oyster shells encrust the random rocks, deposits of past life. Large sandbars of broken rock stretch out into the bay waters with clusters of mangrove trees supported or supporting the bar. There is so much life here.
Yes, these days feel special.

I came across a blog this week recording the journey and works of a group of artists on a trip to Western New South Wales. Interesting reading, and inspiring, enough for me to start making plans for an art camp trip of my own.

therefore I am...

2011-06-04T20:34:00.005+10:00

'Eat-Rain' from the Integral Parts of Therefore I am series, Nicola Moss, 2011.

I mentioned in an earlier post I'd been reading about ecology, relationships between species and our (humans) place in the scheme of things. It's affirmed many thoughts I had and hit a few nails on the head for me. An afterword by Linda Leer (1998) in Rachel Carson's book, Silent Spring, really hit home. The quote goes along the lines of..." (the author) did so with no other motive than her own immense love of the living world, and with the romantic and perhaps naive belief that if the public were made aware of the wonder and mystery of life, they would have less appetite to destroy it."

The word naive went off like a gong in my head, there goes my painting I thought. I have on many occasions spoken and painted about the beauty of the natural environment, though really for me it is the sheer fecundity of nature that I find incredible, ugly is beautiful as well. All those lives, the trees and plants, billions of trillions of creatures going about their business, each unique and exquisite; exchanging with us fresh air and water, providing all of our food, cleaning up the decomposing carcasses of spent life to make new...you get the picture...I mean WOW! Isn't the living world incredible? I walk outside and it's there to be seen, everywhere.

And yet is this not enough to convince a majority of humans to respect, protect and cherish this life around us which we are part of? (I'll get off my box now).

For the past month I've been making a series of works on paper, Integral parts of therefore I am, thinking about intelligence and being 'civilised'. The works depict connected elements within my ecology and relationships to environment. I don't believe any amount of intelligence or technology can remove humans from the basic parameters of biology and ecology. Life gives life.

Across the border

2011-06-02T19:58:00.004+10:00

I went on a trip last week to Northern New South Wales for meetings at a couple of galleries. First stop was at Mullumbimby to meet Nadine Abensur, director of Art Piece Gallery. Situated on the main street of this lovely rural town, Art Piece Gallery has a very welcoming feel and wonderful mix of art, textiles, jewellery and crafted homewares. Conversation about art and future events was great, not to mention Nadine's enthusiasm and energy. I'm delighted to be showing artworks in the gallery, with some exciting group exhibitions coming up in the next few months (more on that closer to the time). Thank you Nadine it was lovely to meet you.

The second stop was at Tweed River Art Gallery at Murwillumbah, to finalise dates for a joint exhibition, Susan Buret and I will have there next year. The gallery has stunning views of valley and river looking on to the dramatic Caldera, pictured above. But inside the buildings architecture and facilities are equally impressive. Our exhibition will feature works developed during a collaborative one month residency we have later this year at the Montsalvat Artist Colony in Eltham, Victoria. For the last couple of years Susan and I have worked collaboratively on a weather project, ideas currently developing are exciting, more on this a bit later.

Thank you Gail for a wonderful meeting, we are thrilled to be part of the upcoming Tweed River Art Galleries program.

Silent Spring

2011-05-17T18:27:00.003+10:00

I've been a little quiet lately with posting here, but the weather has been so brilliant that any spare time not working in the studio is being spent outdoors in the garden. Sowing seed of broad beans, climbing podding peas, beetroot, parsnip and carrot, transplanting self-seeded lettuce to beds where they won't be accidentally trampled, and mounding up soil around new potato plants, so much to do and I haven't even mentioned the 'W' word. (weeding)

I've been reading a lot too, mainly about ecology and environment, weeds, and the origin of species. The book that has my full attention at the moment though is Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. First published in 1962, it's been incredible when reading to realise just how pertinent and relevant it remains today nearly fifty years on. I have to wonder what the author would make of genetically modified foods developed specifically for human consumption. Many books I have read reference 'Silent Spring' but I just hadn't got around to reading it. In a very clear and unemotional way the book reminds me why I don't like to use chemical sprays in the garden and how we are inexorably linked to the food chain of other species.

From the Heart - Fundraising Art Auction

2011-05-10T12:55:00.005+10:00

I would like to extend a warm invitation to the upcoming 'From the Heart' fundraising Art Auction for Women's Legal Services in Brisbane. The auction event will be held on Friday 20th May from 6pm at the Riverside Centre, Brisbane. It looks like a great night, maybe I will see some of you there. The Art Auction catalogue can be viewed here.

The Women’s Legal Service is a specialist community legal centre run for women by women which has been in operation for 27 years. WLS provides free legal information, advice and referrals to ensure all women have assistance when dealing with legal matters and their legal rights. Women’s Legal Service assists approximately 4,500 women in Queensland per year, many of whom are experiencing family law disputes and/or domestic violence. Women’s Legal Service relies on the contribution of over 100 volunteers and a small staff team. The service has a holistic focus and regularly undertakes law reform and community legal education.

2011 Albany Art Prize catalogue

2011-04-28T17:30:00.003+10:00

A short note.
The 2011 Albany Art Prize catalogue is now available for viewing online. There's an interesting mix of subjects and technique displayed amongst the finalists work.

Diamonds in my eyes installed

2011-04-27T10:08:00.002+10:00

I've been in Melbourne, Geelong and Queenscliff the past week, enjoying time with family, friends and attending the opening of my exhibition Diamonds in my eyes at Salt Contemporary Art.
On Friday I was delighted to see all the paintings hanging, Fiona has done a lovely job of arranging the works on the spacious walls at Salt. The opening on Saturday was equally enjoyable and relaxed, with many opportunities to speak with guests about experiences and inspiration behind the works. Hearing peoples responses and thoughts is one of the aspects of openings I enjoy most, an exchange of ideas and conversation that in some way completes the process of making art and hopefully begins an ongoing conversation around ideas in the work.

Special thanks to Fiona for hosting the exhibition and providing a most welcoming atmosphere, Thanks to all my family for making the trip to Queenscliff and joining in the opening it was wonderful to have you there. And to all the guests who popped in or stayed to have a chat, it was lovely to meet you.

Diamonds in my eyes continues to Friday 6th May.

Art in Geelong - exhibition post

2011-04-17T20:38:00.006+10:00

A few weeks ago I was delighted to speak with Deirdre Carmichael the writer of the blog - Art in Geelong. Deirdre was an art teacher for several years before making the leap into print publishing in 1993. Since then she has assumed various roles including writer, editor, illustrator, graphic designer and desktop publisher.

Deirdre established her Art in Geelong blog - "to promote the visual arts in Geelong and the surrounding areas of the Surfcoast, the Otways, the Bellarine Peninsula, and occasionally extending to Ballarat. The mainstream media give scant attention to regional arts, so it is up to citizen journalists, such as bloggers like myself, to fill the gap and get the information out there".

We had a chat about my current exhibition, Diamonds in my eyes, inspirations behind works and the overall theme. You can read Deirdre's post here. Thank you Deirdre for your time and thoughts on the exhibition.

I went to the woods..

2011-04-14T10:14:00.003+10:00

It's two days till my next solo exhibition Diamonds in my eyes opens at Salt Contemporary Art. I'm looking forward to seeing all the works together in the beautiful open space of the gallery. It's been an odd time the last couple of weeks, works were completed and shipped down for the show, but then the wait until they are actually hung. I've cleaned out the studio and begun gathering inspiration for new works, I think I'll be more motivated once the show opening has passed.

'I went to the woods' was inspired by several visits to Kidd Street Conservation Reserve, a wonderful, wild area of bushland with striking grass trees, large hollow scribbly gums, banksias and she oaks. There is a palpable energy to the place which I've tried to suggest in this painting. It's a place I will keep returning to, I feel like there is unfinished business there, when I think about it I've really only scratched the surface.

A day at Coochiemudlo

2011-04-13T20:29:00.003+10:00

The weather has been brilliant the last couple of days, with clear blue skies, a light breeze and comfortable warmth. The bay waters around Coochiemudlo Island looked like silken fabric, very smooth and shimmering. There was lots to see with the Bushcare Birders group this morning. The large Sea Eagle below was a stand out for me, so majestic.

Azure blue crabs moved across the low tide sand flats in large formation groups, if I got too close for a photo they ducked into holes in the sand.

And tiny frogs were spotted in the undergrowth of the Melaleuca Wetlands.

What if plants had facebook pages?

2011-04-10T09:37:00.006+10:00

Pawpaw - (Carica papaya)

profile images

*friends*

Steely. (Old English Game breed)

Other friends include the big spider that has strung a web between this Pawpaw and Bay tree catching insects at night and sleeping? curled up in a leaf by day. All manner of insects, beetles, bugs, worms, grasshoppers and flies in the litter below and leaf canopy, making homes in the gaps between swelling fruit. Me, I love the perfume of pawpaw flowers and the fruit on occasion, mostly the chooks get to eat it, and the flying foxes, another friend.

Returning home

2011-04-06T08:57:00.003+10:00

I've had some great opportunities in the past year with exhibitions and projects, meaning lots of my time has been spent in the studio, working solidly to complete works. Although I have been at home, I have been very absent from the garden. This week in my 'usual' post exhibition chill out, I've been in the garden clearing, mulching, planting and dreaming of how I would like it to look once I regain control (control being relative). It feels incredibly good to spend days outside, hands in the dirt, bird song screeching and wind gusts passing. But it's also all the little things you notice when outdoors, the praying mantis, the big stick insect above, butterflies and caterpillars, snake!, ripening fruit, the perfume of pawpaw flowers, luffa's drying out - time to harvest....and so on. My garden has been the focus of two exhibitions in the past, recording seasonal occurence and connections between species. I've deciced to return to this project again, five years on, and look at how the garden has developed as a habitat for species. Hopefully, it will also mean I can incorporate some time in the garden making art with more time for maintenance of the garden...worth a try. Reading about Phenology has helped me recognise connections within various projects in my art practice and a collaborative weather project, with artist Susan Buret, that we have been working on for several years. Phenology is based on observations rather than instrumental measurements. Observing the phases of the life cycle of living organisms such as plants and animals along with the timing of events such as budburst, flowering, frost and leaf drop, defining the seasonal rhythm of nature. Observations include the description of environmental changes in an integrated way, exploring the timing of recurring natural phenomena in relation to climate and weather. Rich ground I think for developing my next series of work.

Renewable Energy - How much leaf litter does it take to change a light bulb?

2011-03-31T17:45:00.005+10:00

The painting above, Renewable Energy - How much leaf litter does it take to change a light bulb?, began with a site visit to Turtle Swamp Wetlands on Russell Island, Redlands late last year. After passing through coastal heathland we entered a darker more enclosed forest with banksia and casuarina foliage densely canopied against the sky. The light was dimmed but it also felt like a comforting place to me. Visiting many natural environments over the past year, I have noticed that plants and the earth cycle energy in efficient ways, nothing is superfluous. Leaves falling to the ground gradually compost, creating more soil and a place for new seed to sprout, new life. I wondered if we, humans, could find a way to transfer energy as efficiently as plants photosynthesise. There has been some progress in 'green' energy but it seems to me to move at a slow pace.

While painting this work for some reason the line of the often heard joke ' How many.....does it take to change a light bulb?' came to mind, it seemed appropriate.

This painting will be on show as part of my 'Diamonds in my eyes' solo exhibition opening at Salt Contemporary Art in two weeks time.

On show at Redland Art Gallery

2011-03-29T16:40:00.004+10:00

I visited Redland Art Gallery at Cleveland today and saw two very interesting exhibitions. (I am slightly biased, I have an artwork in one of the shows). The first Nature Interrupted is an exhibition of contemporary Australian sculpture, including works by a couple of my favourite artists - Janet Laurence and Vera Moller. The show also has works by Sebastion Di Mauro, Simone Eisler, Sarah Newall, Anna-Maria O'Keeffe, Caroline Rothwell, Kathy Temin and Carmel Wallace. Artists in the exhibition explore botanical anomalies, pseudo-natural forms, visions of the future and uncanny takes on familiar environments. Themes include environmental concerns, metamorphosis, evolution and fantastical worlds. I always enjoy seeing Janet Laurence's work in the flesh, the large panel installation did not disappoint. Surfaces of pigment and printed glass overlayed with sculptural tree branch and charred wood create a luscious visual feel along with a foreboding conceptual message. Three clay groupings by Vera Moller are at once fun with polka dots and curly hair on plant-type forms; and at the same time delicate and visually striking in their attention to detail and carefully selected colour palette. Many other works were interesting in their original use of material and construction process. The second exhibition Much Loved , is a selection of works from the Redland Art Gallery Collection. In 2010 Redland Art Gallery volunteers were asked to nominate their favourite works from the collection. I was thrilled to find my large hand cut paperwork 'Co-existence' on show as part of the exhibition. After my show last year the work was framed for the collection, so this was my first really good look at it again in it's new frame. Many local artists are represented in this show with artworks in a variety of medium. Each work includes comments from volunteers as to why they regard it as 'much loved'. The exhibitions continue until 10th April and are well worth a look.

Flight Dreams by Susan Buret

2011-03-28T17:31:00.003+10:00

My good friend and fellow artist, Susan Buret, has a solo exhibition - Flight Dreams - opening this Saturday, 2nd April at Loft Gallery in Bowral. If you have an opportunity to visit the show during April I can highly recommend it. Susan's paintings layer seductive colour, hand cut map collage and intricate patterns on canvas and exquisite timber panels. The works allow viewers to interact on many levels, from the intriguing visual patterns to more contemplative thoughts on identity and where we may find ourselves in the world, though not always by choice. Susan was recently interviewed about her art practice on the Art Resource blog, you can read more here.

Art-Resource

2011-03-19T07:10:00.004+10:00

I was recently interviewed about my art practice and upcoming exhibition on the Visual Arts blog Art-Resource. Steve Gray began the 'Re-Source' blog as a place where students, artists, art workers and enthusiasts could find information on how to do things, who does things, and how it all comes together. "Ideas, thoughts, theories, exploration, views, process, people, galleries, etc." The site is engaging with interviews from artists working in a wide range of medium and style. I found insights to the inspiration and studio practices of artists enriched my viewing of the artworks.

Special thanks to Amanda van Gils and Steve Gray for organising and hosting the interview, much appreciated - Thank you.

I walked along the water's edge - Magic happens here

2011-03-18T13:25:00.009+10:00

It's four weeks to go till my solo exhibition, Diamonds in my eyes', opens at Salt Contemporary Art Gallery, Queenscliff, Victoria. I've been finishing the last couple of paintings and today had the works professionally photographed by Carl Warner.

The painting above was inspired by an outing with the Redlands Bushcare seed collection group to North Stradbroke Island. We visited several areas on the Island collecting seed and then finished with lunch at Brown Lake. It was walking along the edge of this freshwater lake that I felt like I was in a special place. It was peaceful but also exuberant with life. Something in the brilliant light and structured foliage that meandered in and out of the water's edge created striking vistas of texture and form. The memories of that short walk are still strong in my mind. Hopefully I will have an opportunity to return there in the not too distant future.

Work in progress

2011-02-25T16:04:00.003+10:00

I'm at the full on stage of finishing works for my next solo exhibition, Diamonds in my eyes, that will be on show in April at SALT Contemporary Art Gallery, Queenscliff. It's all brush mileage at the moment, but I still take the odd day out to work on site.

I've had several trips to Redlands conservation areas, reserves and coastal mangroves in the last few months, soaking up the atmosphere and fresh air. I find working spontaneously on site can make a good start with fresh marks trying to capture the essence of a place. Visually bombarding and complex, for me working plein air is often an exercise in reduction, looking for the lines, shapes, patterns, textures, etc that capture the feel and characteristic of a particular environment. This approach is enforced by some practical limits, like how much art material I can carry in my backpack along with the essentials of lunch, drinks and camera. It's a lot of fun and a good break from the studio. (Too small to see, but there are several golden-shelled sea snails clinging to the mangrove branches I am photographing above.)

Kidd Street Conservation area

2011-02-21T07:59:00.003+10:00

It was great to head back to Kidd Street Conservation area this week for a day of working outdoors. I was joined by Helena again as we set up portable tables and spent time 'feeling' the landscape. The drawings and paintings that resulted are quite loose. For me it's an opportunity to soak up the place, take in the characteristics of the vegetation, the smells and sounds. The grass trees looked as healthy as when I last visited, a couple of young wallabies were moving through the area when we first arrived, and we had a large goanna come to check us out in the afternoon. Landscapes are alive.

2011 City of Albany Art Prize

2011-02-06T07:47:00.004+10:00

My painting No Return Address has been selected as one of the finalists for the 2011 City of Albany Art Prize. The Finalist's exhibition will feature thirty works by artists from throughout Australia, and be on show at the Vancouver Arts Centre in Albany, Western Australia from 8th April to 1st May 2011.

If you would like to know more about the ideas that inspired this painting you can read about it here.

Nice Day! Creative Colleagues

2011-01-11T09:50:00.005+10:00

Jenny Conde, Yellow to pink. Mixed media on paper. ©2010.

Uta Heidelauf, Rainfall pattern #2. Digital print. ©2010.

Candice Herne, Life's a bit like that. Archival pigmented digital print. ©2008.

I would like to introduce my fellow artists exhibiting in Nice Day! at Logan Art Gallery. Susan Buret, Jen Conde, Uta Heidelauf, Candice Herne and Sandra Landolt have each created works in response to their interactions and thoughts on weather. The resulting exhibition presents a diverse range of creative explorations on how we think, observe and live with weather in it's many forms.

During the three year project leading up to this exhibition; the use of weather in conversation as a universally safe subject became apparent. Conscious observation was recorded against the subconscious periphery awareness of weather in our daily lives and activities. As the opening of Nice Day! approaches, I would doubt there is a person in Queensland, and possibly Australia, who hasn't consciously thought about weather this week and it's consequences.

Here's hoping for some nice days soon!

nice day! exhibition invitation

2011-01-05T16:39:00.004+10:00

I would like to extend a warm invitation to the opening of nice day! a group exhibition showing at Logan Art Gallery from 12th January to 19th February 2011.

nice day! brings together artworks by Susan Buret, Jenny Conde, Uta Heidelauf, Candice Herne, Sandra Landolt and Nicola Moss. Each artist has been responsive to weather conditions, patterns and effects; with works created through a range of media from photography, paper-cuts, painting, drawing and kinetic sculpture.

The official opening night is on Wednesday 19th January, 6-8pm, with guest speaker Lyndal Hargrave.

If you can make it to the opening, please RSVP by Friday 14 January to Logan Art Gallery - Ph: (07) 3412 5519 or email Thank you.

Logan Art Gallery - Cnr Wembley Road and Jacaranda Ave, Logan Central, Qld 4114.

Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday

Art Trail at Indigiscapes - Redlands

2010-12-24T08:21:00.004+10:00

These are a few more images of the 'art trail' at Redlands Indigiscapes Centre. Indigiscapes will be closed between Christmas and early January; artwork panels will be re-installed till the end of January.

Silhouettes of Redlands at Indigiscapes

2010-12-09T15:23:00.003+10:00

I've always liked the idea of taking art beyond or outside of a traditional gallery when possible. I enjoy gallery exhibitions a lot, but the opportunity of engaging ideas and experiences with a wider audience than would perhaps visit galleries has appeal for me. So I was delighted when Redlands Indigiscapes Centre asked if I would be interested to display reproductions of paintings from my recent 'Plant-life' exhibition in the landscape of the bush trails surrounding the environment centre.

I liked the idea of seeing how the images would sit within a natural environment and it seemed so appropriate given many of the original works are inspired by settings like this and the work of bushcare volunteers in them.

The Silhouettes of Redlands artist's walk is on display from December 2010 to January 2011, with an accompanying guide and statements about each artwork. If you have an opportunity to take a walk in the trails over the next couple of months, Redlands Indigiscapes Centre is located at 17 Runnymeade Road, Capalaba.

thoughtful..

2010-12-01T20:58:00.003+10:00

A friend emailed me this sonnet today, and the more I read it, the more I like it; so I thought I would share it with you.

Thank you Susan N.

Japanese Story at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery

2010-11-27T20:19:00.005+10:00

I would like to extend a warm invitation to the opening of Japanese Story, a group exhibition, curated by Angela D'Elia, I am showing in at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery from 8th to 22nd December 2010.

In the studio

2010-11-22T18:19:00.004+10:00

I'll be focused on painting for a while, the March deadline for my next solo show doesn't seem so far away. But I'll continue to post updates of exhibition openings as they come along.

Happy Painting!

Taking a break

2010-11-10T20:40:00.003+10:00

I've decided to take a break from blogging for a while. This blog started with my residency at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt.Coot-tha last year. As a way of recording my observations and to publish a book about the experience. This year I recorded site visits in Redlands City as part of research for my exhibition 'Plant-Life' at Redland Art Gallery. I have enjoyed very much the interaction with readers and comments in response to posts. Thank you all for taking time to visit and leaving your thoughts, it's been wonderful to hear from you.

In the meantime, if you'd like to stay in touch I have a mailing list on my website, with newsletters and exhibition invitations sent out a few times each year.

Thank you,
Nicola.

Small new works

2010-11-02T22:49:00.004+10:00

While in Sydney a few months ago I visited Parkers Art Supplies (Oh my, what a treasure trove!) and bought, amongst other things, some beautiful dove-tailed timber panels for painting. Last week I had some time to paint a few small works for entry into the Linden Postcard Show, held each year in St.Kilda, Victoria. All works in the show are 30 x 30cm or smaller. These panels are 20 x 15cm, a scale I find that has it's own challenges.

Seed collection - North Stradbroke Island

2010-10-31T19:20:00.003+10:00

Coastal sand dune habitat.

Pandanus.

Brown Lake.

There are days when I love my job and last Thursday was one of those. I joined the Redlands Bushcare Seed Collection group on an outing to North Stradbroke Island. We caught the ferry from Cleveland, with blue skies and brilliant sunshine, heading through Moreton Bay Marine Park. During the crossing the ferry slowed to allow a small whale to pass by.

We started our seed collection walk along the Eastern coast of the Island with surf from the South Pacific Ocean pounding onto pale sand, not hard to enjoy. Then over the dunes edge to find a wide variety of coastal plants, many in seed, and collection began. Vegetation gradually increased in scale as we moved away from the waterline. From ground covers and sedges, to gnarled bushes and then further on huge Pandanus trees. The Queensland plant book I have describes Pandanus as a small tree to 5metres.

We then headed on to Brown Lake, more seed collecting, some lunch and a stroll around part of the beautiful lake edge, before heading home on the ferry. There's so much to see on North Stradbroke, I'll need to plan some return trips for further exploring.

Shanghai Garden 2

2010-10-29T17:24:00.003+10:00

The Bonsai Gardens at Shanghai's Botanical Gardens.

Yu Yuan Garden.

A street outside Yu Yuan Garden.

In the French Concession.

We visited the Botanical Gardens at Shanghai and were amazed by the Bonsai Gardens area. Hundreds of bonsai were displayed in large garden rooms that continued on and on, and when we thought we'd seen it all we spotted the 'nursery' area where hundreds more bonsai were kept on raised shelves. I can only imagine the cumulative years of growth (and labour) in all these plants.
We also visited Yu Yuan garden, founded in 1559, it now sits surrounded by bustling, jam packed, hole in the wall, tourist markets. It's a bit of a labyrinth just to find the entry for the gardens, but once within the old tile-topped walls, the gardens form a sanctuary of sorts. Still crowded, but in a far more serene way. The gardens are large with many garden rooms, various buildings, ponds and grotto lookouts. I enjoyed these gardens a lot, so much to take in. Finally a day spent wandering streets of the French Concession, where I watched some workers on bamboo ladders installing more cable.

Shanghai Garden

2010-10-28T21:28:00.003+10:00

I've been in Shanghai for the last week, taking in sights (smells and sounds) of this interesting city full of contrasts. I was fascinated by the rope wrapped tree trunks and bamboo supports, evident on most street trees and large specimens in parks. Bamboo groves strapped horizontally with more bamboo, clipped hedges and colourful potted arrangements in median strips adding 'green' to busy streets.

I visited Yu Yuan Garden established in 1559; and Shanghai's Botanical Gardens, more on these shortly. I'm not sure what I expected before arriving in Shanghai, but one surprise was walking down a tourist cafe eatery strip in the suburbs, to find amongst the neon signs, menu boards and chinese lanterns, large specimens of exquisite potted bonsai.

New works on show in Sydney

2010-10-17T21:25:00.005+10:00

'Searching for Sanctuary' is one of my recent works currently on show at Fellia Melas Gallery in Sydney. Also known as Woollahra Times Art, the recently renovated gallery now has additional space upstairs. I showed works with Fellia several years ago and am delighted to do so again.

If you have an opportunity while in Sydney, take a look at 2 Moncur Street.

Art on the Gold Coast

2010-10-15T19:05:00.005+10:00

I headed down the coast today with fellow artist Helena Lloyd for an afternoon of gallery viewing, with first stop at the Gold Coast City Art Gallery. Here we viewed the 27th Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award, a wonderful diverse selection of works utilising ceramic in many forms and techniques. My favourite work was 'Visceral tableau 3' by Leo Neuhofer, a pink and grey work that immediately made me think of internal organs and guts, charming I know, but in a rather beautiful way. John Rigby's 'Bushtucker Toyota Dreaming' was expressive and fun, a mud splattered 4WD complete with kangaroo tied to the roof rack. I also liked the enigmatic form of Susan Robey's work 'Untitled (cone head pair)' a work with beautiful, subtle quality of surface and form. Peter Cooley's 'Tree with busted guts and galahs' won the overall award.

Down stairs we viewed a collection of botanical prints focused on specimens collected on the east coast of Australia during James Cook's first Pacific voyage in 1768. The skill of artist and engraver can be seen in the minute details captured in the prints.

Then the surprise, an installation by Linelle Stepto titled 'Colonise'. A number of floral 'bouquet' type arrangements are fixed to the walls, they appeared brown like dried arrangements, but closer inspection reveals leather and fur like material. The sculptural works are made using the skins of feral animals such as cane toad and feral cat. I found the cane toad skin visually interesting with varied patterns and grain working in the leaf and flower forms of the sculptures. Linelle's statements reads of a reference on one level to the colonisation of native species by introduced species, and on another to the dangers of globalisation and the loss of the unique and the local. It is certainly a unique choice of material and at the same time for me presented a distinctly Australian quality.

We finished off the afternoon at Anthea Polson Gallery, with a wide range of contemporary art on show.

Developing a visual language

2010-10-09T07:01:00.007+10:00

My latest work in progress, above, has been challenging, mainly due to the tone of palette I have chosen to work with. The lightness of this work developed from ideas about microcosm, facets of light and diamonds, a shimmer of value? A lot of varied thoughts at the moment, still formulating in my head. But what I am noticing is the development of my personal visual language in response to place. I think visual response is very personal, perhaps like our handwriting, each with our unique quirks and style. These patterns and marks are a response to the experiences I have in environments; the engagement of my senses and interpretation of them. I'm not sure this language is about hearing or reading though, for me it's more about feeling.

Creek Crew - Redlands

2010-10-06T19:17:00.003+10:00

I joined the Redlands Bushcare Creek Crew group today for water monitoring activities at Tingalpa and Coolnwynpin creeks. We also had some time at Indigiscapes for macro invertebrate identification, which was lots of fun, (if you like looking at tiny water bugs). We were joined by Janine from South-east Queensland Waterways, who pointed out some creatures in our netted samples, and helped us learn a bit more about the interesting creatures that call these creeks home.

Most interesting for me was seeing some Caddisfly, which Janine explained we may spot if we watched to see if any small twigs moved of their own accord, and they did, once we had our eye in we found a few of them. These animals make their home in a piece of twig or by sticking tiny stones to their outside, building a home around them which they move around as they go. They are sludge eaters and are very sensitive to water quality. Finding them today gives an indication that water conditions must be fairly good.

We also saw water mites of various sizes (they look like black, green or red specks) moving in galaxy like orbits of the water tray; red worms, little unidentified fish and a couple of water spiders.

Thanks to Kylie and Janine for sharing your knowledge with us today.

More work in progress

2010-10-01T16:52:00.003+10:00

A fairly solid week of painting is starting to bring ideas together on canvas. This is another work inspired by a recent trip to Turtle Swamp Wetlands on Russell Island, Redlands. This time the shoulder high Banksia 'forest' on the edge of the heath; it really captured my imagination.

Seed Collection - Kidd Street Conservation Reserve

2010-09-30T18:02:00.006+10:00

Kidd Street Reserve, Redland Bay

Flowering Xanthorrhoea sp., Grass Tree

Lomandra sp. flower

Petrophile canescens, Conesticks

Comb Fern

Today I joined the Redland Bushcare Seed Collection group on a visit to Kidd Street Conservation Reserve. The spectacular sight of flowering Xanthorrhoea (grass trees) was the first thing I noticed heading to the reserve entrance. Kidd Street Reserve is a fairly recent acquisition for Redland City and a site not previously visited by the seed collection group. Timing was ideal for a wonderful display of many wildflowers and plenty of ripe seed for collection.

Areas varied on our walk from towering blackbutt and dense grass trees, to casuarina groves with little sundews and ferns dotting the understory. Patches of gnarled banksia were in bloom with luminous golden orange flowers and a few conestick plants were spotted. I love the foliage form of these plants, and being of the Proteaceae family, this liking re-enforces my aesthetic inclination towards plants of this family.

It was a very enjoyable morning of bushwalking, learning a little more about native flora, watching a Whistling Kite circling overhead and for the Indigiscapes team, identification of a couple of species not on the current plant list for the area.

Work in progress

2010-09-27T10:26:00.005+10:00

I have been working on a couple of paintings in response to a recent seed collection outing to Russell Island, Redlands. I would like to capture the sense of overwhelming life exuberance I felt when amongst the glorious profusion of coastal heath at Turtle Swamp Wetlands. This 'trail' felt very much like a treasure trove, vegetation densely layered in a multitude of texture, form , flower and colour, enclosed us once we entered the open heath, like another world. I think I could spend the next six months at this site alone and not run out of fresh inspiration. At the moment one days walk is what I have to work with, memories of sensations experienced, the touch of textures, the feeling of steps into an unknown and the visual overload. Capturing senses in the layers of paint is the challenge of this piece.

This is the canvas featured in my earlier post ...starting.

IN the Outdoors

2010-09-22T21:27:00.008+10:00

I came across the Bundanon Trust blog today and on reading found a couple of recent posts that resonated with me.

'How's it going/How did you get here?' speaks of how we travel through landscape and the influence this has on our relationship to it. The example of contrasting experience one could encounter if driving in a vehicle compared to walking is discussed. This post made me think about another relationship - the one between time (the luxury of today) and money. The choices of activity we make tend to impact in favour of one or the other of these. (This subject could fill a post on it's own, so I will move on.)

My art practice has evolved through direct observation of environments. This began in my own garden, in it's early years, when I spent a lot of time outdoors, planting, digging, mulching; to establish the garden. It was a time for seeing, seasonal changes, relationships, new growth, and over the years an increasing number of species making their home either temporarily, seasonally or permanently.

From this base I have explored local Gold Coast conservation areas; spent an absorbed year in the Australian Plant Communities of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt.Coot-tha, and most recently nine months visiting and researching conservation areas in Redland City. For me it is only by being outdoors, in these environments, that I can gain a full experience of the place. And then it is only with repeated visits that I can begin to feel any depth of experience achieved.
In what would seem a contradiction to this, I found one advantage of visiting areas in Redlands I hadn't been to before, was being able to see these areas with 'fresh eyes'. I didn't have pre-conceived ideas about what I would find, or what to expect.

My research in Redlands will continue, I still have many areas to visit, as yet unseen. ( It was a bit ambitious of me to think I could visit all the green patches before my last exhibition.) I am aware of a feeling of sentiment towards environments in Redlands, where I have spent time, or towards the species that characterise them. How did this sense of relationship form? What does it mean?

This brings me to the second post I read titled 'Heart-spaces: sentiment and emotion', which speaks of bringing reason and emotion, passion and cold logic, intuition and facts together in our response to, and engagement with, ecosystems and place. Towards the end of the post a research project by Ross Gibson is discussed, I quote...'to produce a "national map of the emotional intensities lodged in Australian landscapes, regions and cities"..
What a wonderful thought, the idea of emotional intensities lodged in Australian landscapes. I am inclined to think that Redlands would be a hot spot on any "sentimental mapping network". I found a strong sense of pride, care and knowledge amongst residents and bushcare volunteers in Redlands. Witnessing this engagement with environment is in part what made my experience of Redlands so rewarding.

Is there a landscape or place that evokes emotional intensity for you?

Both Bundanon Trust blog posts discussed above are by Kickknees, you can read them in full here.

The Japanese Garden & Work in progress

2010-09-20T16:44:00.008+10:00

I headed to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt. Coot-tha late last week, with family members visiting from Melbourne. September seems to be a wonderful time to visit the gardens, with many plants in flower or shooting new growth, and that special warm Spring light that glows at this time. We walked through the Japanese Garden, the same feeling of calm and order that I experienced working here during last year enveloped me again. It's hard to put into words, but something in the clipped form, space and order feels good, there is a sense of respect amongst the control.

I have been working on some new pieces for an upcoming group exhibition at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery. Japanese Story brings together works by artists who have been influenced by Japanese culture. Artists include Kaye Faulkner, Lois Johnson, myself, and Astro Boy paraphernalia from Fiona Hammond's collection. Japanese Story will be on show from 8th - 22nd December 2010.

This piece is in it's early stages with elements of form and texture starting to develop.

Swell Sculpture Festival 2010

2010-09-18T19:54:00.007+10:00

Mimi Dennett 'The Picnic is Over'

Chi Phan 'Did you lose your way?'

Pamela Lee Brenner 'Step Lightly'

Shelly Kelly 'RedDer'

I headed down to Pacific Parade, Currumbin Beach today, with my family to check out the 2010 Swell Sculpture Festival. As I have found in previous years, there is a wonderful mix of sculpture works, some funny and light hearted, others with a message. A small selection of images above from the 56 works selected for exhibition.

I was drawn to Mimi Dennett's work, The Picnic is Over. Her statement in the festival program reads - " A giant stuffed picnic blanket fish skeleton swimming in a perspex tank. The remains of our feeding frenzy on the seemingly never ending fish stocks. No longer the intact shark of Damien Hirsts's vision, the fish in the tank has become a skeleton. Proof that the picnic is over. Humanity has been on one long, joyous, apocalyptic picnic." The choice of materials, referencing of contemporary art and ecological theme appealed to me.

Swell Sculpture Festival ends tommorrow, 19th September, if you have a chance to visit, it's well worth checking out.

Starting....

2010-09-14T12:46:00.003+10:00

Finally I started. And now I'm back at the computer, but only till the paint dries.

I have spent the last week stretching canvas and coating with gesso. Some of my colleagues think I should give this activity to someone else, but I find it a medative process, and at the start of a new body of work, good think time. What will my next exhibition be centred on, what are the main ideas and themes? I headed into Brisbane last week and met with my friend and fellow artist Helena Lloyd for a tour of the valley galleries. We started at IMA, headed on to Phillip Bacon, then Bruce Heiser Gallery. Here we saw a great exhibition of paintings by Karla Marchesi, from her 'Left Behind' show, still on till September 18th if you have a chance to check it out. Then lunch, followed by Edwina Corlette Gallery, Artisan, Jugglers, Ryan Renshaw and finally White Canvas. This covers a wide range of art forms, levels and was a great day.

Conversation over lunch lead to discussion on where work starts after completion of a large show. I've had a good break in the garden, I need this time off. The lead up to a solo show can be quite intense, deadlines to meet, then the anticipation, what will people make of the work you have just spent the best part of the last nine months working on? The hive of activity during a show, and then the lull afterwards. My brain and body needs to shut down and clear out at some stage and then I get the urge to start painting again.
So during my week of gesso application I have decided on the title for my next solo show, which will be at SALT Contemporary Art Gallery in April next year. I've ordered more canvases, made notes on the central themes for the next body of work. Imagined some works in my head....never that easy, but somewhere to start...and today I felt compelled enough to put some paint on canvas. This cycle of events seems quite normal to me now...normal is relative I guess.

Drawing workshop at Point Halloran - Redlands

2010-09-13T18:31:00.003+10:00

Last week I gave a second drawing workshop at Point Halloran Conservation Area, as part of the community engagement activities associated with my exhibition at Redland Art Gallery. As we headed out from the carpark to walk the loop track, a koala was pointed out to us in a tree near the edge. I don't have a lot of experience with koala spotting, but this one looked a good size. This is only the second koala I have seen in Redlands during many outings. Unfortunately koala numbers have been declining over the past decade.

The weather was ideal for an outdoor workshop, after the 'treasure-hunt' walk we set up in a sheltered clearing to have fun with rubbings, print transfer, texture and surface treatments. It was an enjoyable afternoon, thanks to all the participants who got stuck into the spirit of experimenting.

'Plant-Life' now on show at SALT Contemporary Art Gallery

2010-09-06T18:26:00.008+10:00

I was quite excited when Fiona, director of SALT Contemporary Art Gallery, in Queenscliff, Victoria, asked me if I would like to show the remaining works from my Plant-Life exhibition at the gallery in September. I felt the opportunity of exhibiting part of the series of recent paintings together again was great. Works will be on show for the next couple of weeks, if you are in Victoria and feel like a visit to the lovely bayside town of Queenscliff.

The weather project - artist collaboration

2010-09-03T08:29:00.005+10:00

I recently completed works for an upcoming group exhibition - Nice Day! - that will be on show at Logan Art Gallery in early 2011. The exhibition has developed from a project based on weather and our day to day interaction with it. The weather project began in 2008 with a collaborative observation of weather between artists Susan Buret, Uta Heidelauf, Candice Herne and myself; and continues with artists Sandra Landolt and Jen Conde joining the group.

I have found the process of working on a group/collaborative project very interesting. Each artist has responded to the subject of weather in a personal way that captures their unique style of working and interests, while at the same time stretching their practice. The weather project appealed to me because I felt, at its most basic level, observing weather is a way people relate to nature, and or their surrounding environment. I have found during conversation, observation of weather is something often occurring in the subconscious part of our minds. It is there around us always, we have opinions about it even when we may not have consciously considered it.

My works bring together photographic images of skies with seasonal occurrence in flora and everyday activity. Details of plant, clothes line and lawn mower are cut as silhouettes in broad sky and grass palettes. For me these connections signify weather of a particular season, and not just the traditional spring, summer, autumn, winter. There are shorter, less obvious seasons like the few weeks in autumn when air is still warm but the daylight shortening, a time when some migrating birds head north and those from further south arrive.

Nice Day! Opens at Logan Art Gallery on Wednesday 12th January and continues to Saturday 19th February 2011. I look forward to seeing you at this exciting show if you can make it.

Seed Collection - Russell Island Redlands

2010-08-31T15:23:00.008+10:00

Cicada shells at Whistling Kite Wetlands.

Casuarina Forest at Turtle Swamp Wetlands.

Wildflowers of the Coastal Heath, Turtle Swamp Wetlands.

Banksia forest, Turtle Swamp Wetlands.

Coral Fern, Turtle Swamp Wetlands.

The last couple of Redlands Bushcare outings I planned to join were rained off, but last week was fine if a little windy, and the Bushcare Seed Collection outing to Russell Island was on. I was excited about visiting another bay island I hadn't been to before. Russell Island is about one hours barge trip from Redland Bay, taking in views of Macleay, Lamb, Karragarra and Pannikin Islands on the way.

Once on Russell Island we started with a visit to Whistling Kite Wetlands, seeing various wildflowers, grass trees, banksia seedlings and a lot of bandicoot activity (holes in the ground). The stand out sighting here, for me, were the 'armies' of cicada shells clinging to the base of most trees in the area we visited. Many of the trees were charred black from fire, highlighting the golden-ochre casings.

We then headed on to Turtle Swamp Wetlands for a longer walk through various habitats that make up the Coastal Heath. I found this site quite amazing, with a stunning diversity of vegetation and the timing just right for a wonderful display of Spring wildflowers. We moved through casuarina forest with grass ground cover to more open heath with Boronia and many other wildflowers in full bloom. I have to mention the 'trail blazing' efforts of Travis and Marti up front who made the going a bit easier for the rest of us through the heath. The wildflowers were up to my armpits, but the effort was well and truly worth while. Through the wildflowers we moved into an area of Banksia 'forest', still low in height but thick with distinctive leaves and seed cones dominating the heath, then back into more sheltered casuaria groves. It's really quite special to be able to visit areas like this, even if just for a morning. These wetlands are not areas I could explore on my own, being guided during the Redlands bushcare outings is fortunate I think.

Back to the van where we made a short trip down the road to collect seed filled Banksia cones and then back to the jetty for some lunch before enjoying a scenic barge trip back to the mainland.

I found a lot of inspiration on this trip, so much diversity and unusual species. Special thanks to the Redlands Indigiscapes Bushcare Education team for guiding us on the day, it was a great outing.

Still in the garden

2010-08-23T14:24:00.003+10:00

Three weeks into August and I've realised there is more than a month's worth of weeds to tackle in my garden, but I'm still happy to see each area gradually being transformed. It's been raining again today, very unseasonal, but most welcome (makes the weeds easier to pull out), and gives me a legitimate reason for donning my new pink welly boots, Love them!

I visited the open garden of Jan and Denis (fellow members of TSGS) on the weekend. They are both passionate and very knowledgeable about Australian native plants and have created an amazing garden on a rocky, low rainfall site. Acacias, grevillea, eremophila, paper daisy and many other species were in flower, attracting a wide variety of birds. I think their garden exemplifies the idea of planting species to suit your conditions, with stunning results. The vegetable garden is also a triumph, filled with interesting varieties of lettuce, kale, kohlrabi, leek, cauliflower, tatsoi and mizuna. I couldn't resist buying a few trees for home, it's been a couple of years since I planted anything major in the garden, so this was fun. I chose a Brachychiton bidwillii, a Long-leaved tuckeroo, a Diploglottis variety and an Acacia.

Plant-Life exhibition finishes this week

2010-08-11T11:26:00.005+10:00

Sunday 15th August is the final day Plant-Life will be on show at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland. The exhibition has been a most wonderful experience. Every aspect of the exhibition has been handled with the utmost professionalism, which from an artists perspective is simply fantastic. I have enjoyed many discussions with local residents during the show, finding this interaction and engagement with ideas in the works one of the most rewarding aspects.

I haven't had much time yet to consider how this project will continue in the future, there are many sites still to be visited in Redlands, with an ongoing source of inspiration. Something to think about next week.

Melbourne Art Fair 2010

2010-08-10T08:36:00.003+10:00

Last week I headed to Melbourne to check out the Art Fair at the Royal Exhibition Building. I met up with my friend and fellow artist Susan Buret for what turned out to be a full day of art viewing. A weighty catalogue available on entry to the show gave an indication of the volume of art we were about to see. I found it very interesting to look at the way various galleries handled showing art in their booth spaces. Some galleries opted for solo artist shows, such as Gemma Smith at Sarah Cottier Gallery. This gave a very coherant apperance, but also put all the eggs in one basket so to speak. Gemma's transparent prism sculptures sparkled vibrant colour and looked amazing. Many galleries opted for a salon style hang, with some works from each of their represented artists. This worked in some cases better than others. In between were gallery spaces that featured three or four artists. Dianne Tanzer Gallery and Projects was in my eyes the stand out show at the fair. They featured works by Juan Ford, Charles Robb and Natalie Ryan. Space was allocated sufficiently to allow each artists work to shine and at the same time present a polished coherant show. Natalie Ryans floor sculpture featuring drought ravaged calves was particularly poingant.
Brisbane galleries were well represented at the art fair this year including - Bruce Heiser Gallery, Edwina Corlette Gallery, Fireworks Gallery, Jan Murphy Gallery and Ryan Renshaw Gallery.

I saw some works in the flesh by Sally Smart at Greenaway Art Gallery and Linde Ivimey at Martin Browne Fine Art which I loved. The Art Fair had it all, great, good, average and ..... overall I had a great day and enjoyed the show a lot. Thanks for your company Susan.

Back in the garden

2010-08-10T08:13:00.002+10:00

Yesterday afternoon I was back in the garden catching up on pruning and mulching. The pomegranate tree needed a good prune, removing mummified fruit and some die back on branches, trimming thorns so I can pick fruit without being jabbed. Then onto the peach trees, which I was drastic with, removing about 80% in height. I planted two tropical low chill varieties which have grown abundant crops of superbly sweet fruit over the years. I wish I had realised how large these trees like to grow though and bought them on dwarfing root stock instead. Trying to net or bag fruit on these trees against fruit fly is possible but much easier if the branches remain within reasonable reach. So the trees are now back to chest height and I look forward to a small but edible crop. In the vegie garden I picked the first savoy cabbage for this season, just love the rippled leaves of this variety. Cooked last night as a braise with bacon, garlic, rosemary and fresh snap peas, it certainly tasted good.

Co-existence

2010-07-28T19:10:00.007+10:00

I popped into Redland Art Gallery today to take some photographs of the Plant-Life exhibition. I'd had the paper cut installation work Co-existence on my studio wall at home for a few weeks before the exhibition opened. It was somewhere I could position the various layers and decide on the layout. Unfortunately the wall space available for this set out was paint splattered and pin holed, making the taking of reasonable photos of the work impossible.

Co-existence reflects on many visits to conservation areas in Redlands, the striking features of vegetation and an overall sense of the deeply layered nature of these places. On several walks I have found that with each step a fresh panorama of the landscape appears, as some elements become concealed others are revealed. Outings with Redlands Bushcare Birders brought up discussion on the idea of ecological niche, where many different species of bird can occupy the same geographical space because they feed on different plants and insects. My work responds on several levels to these layered connections within environments.

In the garden

2010-07-25T19:09:00.006+10:00

It felt so good to finally be out in the garden, for a whole day, for the first time in ages. Work has been great, amazing projects and opportunities that have challenged, enriched and developed my art practice over the past year. The one downside has been giving up most of my time in the garden. So with our garden hosting the Tamborine Sustainable Gardeners Society monthly meeting at the end of August, I have given myself one month to catch up on all the pruning, weeding, mulching, transplanting, sowing.....that hasn't been done for the past 12 months, eeek!
Or I will simply thank Tom very much for his talk last month on edible weeds and explain that I have the supermarket equivalent of edible weeds in my garden.
I am fairly optomistic that I can bring about a reasonable outcome in a month. Plants have grown very well in the last year, with good rainfall over many months, and although the weeds have grown well too, it doesn't stop the other plants, just makes it a little harder to see them. It's the right time of year too for some major work on reshaping, with cooler weather and many bare branches. First job was the mulberry tree, which was pruned last weekend and has new leaf bud bursting forth now. The peach trees will be next, they are already in blossom, but as long as I get to it this week, I can bag the developing fruit before warmer weather brings the onslaught of fruit fly.

Some time in the vegie garden (above) cleared the last of pumpkin vines, pruned the grape vine and finally removed the last of termite riddled timber compost bins that had passed their best. Sticking seed straight in the ground has been my sole planting technique for most of this year. This has brought me a good crop of delicious sweet sugar snap peas, peppery rocket in abundance, potato crops and lettuce. Cherry tomatoes self seeded themselves, spring onion have grown to the size of leeks and there is an abundance of fresh herbs - coriander, italian parsley and mint. I have realised in the last year that plants will keep growing by themselves whether I am fussing over them or not. The main exception to this is watering, which I restrict to the vegie garden. The fruit trees are established enough to cope for several months without water, and although the crop may be reduced, i still have plenty and some to share. The garden is a mess, but a productive mess, and I can live with that.
I filled a bucket with mandarins, oranges, limes and lemons today, they were hiding amongst the dried asparagus debris which I cut back, composted and mulched, in anticipation of Asparagus season, yum! I do love fresh asparagus, picked fresh it doesn't even need cooking, just eaten straight, so sweet.
So I am guessing you get the idea, I love gardening, especially food gardening, and if I don't answer the phone much next month I'm probably outside having fun in the lovely winter sun.

Bayside Bulletin Plant-Life article

2010-07-22T21:56:00.007+10:00

Gold Coast artist Nicola Moss is exhibiting at Redland Art Gallery. Her exhibition, Plant - Life, features works inspired by the flora and fauna of conservation areas in the Redlands. She is pictured with her paper cut, Co-existence. Photos by MELISSA GIBSON.

My Plant-Life exhibition at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland featured in an article by Lyn Uhlmann in this weeks Bayside Bulletin newspaper. If you don't receive this paper, the story can be seen here. Thank you Lyn.

The Canary Test

2010-07-22T17:10:00.005+10:00

Earlier in the year I was on an outing with the Redlands Bushcare Creek Crew group and took part in an activity of fresh water fish identification. At a site along Hilliards creek we set traps and identified several species of both exotic and native freshwater fish. We received information and identification brochures that listed various species in a range from most sensitive to most tolerant. I thought of this as being a bit like the 'canary test'. Species that could survive in the creek conditions gave an indication of the overall water quality. This work depicts a native Fly-specked Hardyhead fish.

Plant-Life opening at Redland Art Gallery

2010-07-18T17:55:00.007+10:00

I find creating art a rewarding process of inquiry, challenge and resolution; but one that requires viewers for it's full completion. 'Plant-Life' opened at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland today; where I enjoyed hearing many responses and interpretations of the works on show.

I would like to sincerely thank Redland City Council and Redland Art Gallery for their support in hosting this exhibition. Special thank you to Emma Bain, Director, and Simone Jones, Exhibitions Officer, for your thorough professionalism and organisation of the exhibition. Thank you to the staff and volunteers of Redland Art Gallery. Thank you also to Renai Grace, Director of Creative Sight, for being guest speaker at the exhibition opening.

Thank you to the many friends, colleagues and patrons who attended the opening today, it was wonderful to see you and hear your thoughts. Your engagement with the works is appreciated greatly.