'In my works, I am seeking to capture the moments of connection with place, a strong and intense colour palette, my landscape works explore spatial and as well as to express the boldness and fragility of the Australian landscape.' - Annie Bierzynski 'As I work, I try to find a balance between abstraction and realism in the final painting...' - Kaye Schumack
Annie Bierzynski
Artist Statement
In this exhibition I am exploring my relationship with the Australian landscape.
This has been inspired by recent travels in coastal, rural and outback Australia. In my works, I am seeking to capture the moments of connection with place, a strong and intense colour palette, my landscape works explore spatial and as well as to express the boldness and fragility of the Australian landscape.
My works draw on my Caribbean heritage and interest in patterning, texture and vibrant colour and is informed by my 30 year relationship with the Australian experience. I am striving to synthesize my earlier explorations of vibrant, colourful abstractions with these more representational works. Using formal relationships, seeking to express an intimacy and a memory about a particular place, something unique and intangible that emerges as a result of expressive form, representation and colour. I try to evoke the interrelation between colour and form to create an aesthetic experience that engages emotions.
Artist Bio
Born Grenada, West Indies. Immigrated to Australia in 1978
Studied Bachelor of Arts, College of Fine Arts COFA-UNSW, Grad Dip. Education, Sydney University, Post Grad Dip. Prof. Art Studies UNSW and Master of Arts - Art Therapy UWS
Numerous solo exhibitions at the Holdsworth Galleries, Woollahra and group shows.
Lives and works in Sydney as an art teacher and art therapist at a high school for students with emotional disorders.
In addition to my work as an art therapist I have more recently re-engaged with my art practice and been a finalist in a number of art prizes including; Sydney Art Studio Art Prize, KAAF Art Prize and 9x5 Waverley Art Prize.
Kaye Shumack
Artist Statement
For the last few years I have been exploring landscape painting and sketching, as a means of personal response to the environment and to the richness of the Australian bush, working in isolated settings as well as city parks and beaches. In each work, I seek to convey a sense of connection, a way of seeing formal relationships and patterns that may not be initially evident. My process involves doing lots of sketching and taking many photographs of a place, followed by further work in the studio to find a way forward as each work evolves in its own way. Some are more successful than others, but it’s this process of painting as a form of visual problem-solving that intrigues, frustrates and endures. As I work, I try to find a balance between abstraction and realism in the final painting, as both response to, and representation of, physical and metaphysical space and place. I get the sense that paintings emerge and grow if I take the time to work with the process. Part of what is so exciting about painting is being open to new ways of seeing and feeling, trying to capture something of this as lived experience through painting.
Artist Bio
Born West Wyalong, Australia 1953.
Studied BA University of Sydney, Dip FA East Sydney, Grad Dip VA University of Sydney, M VA University of Sydney, PhD University of Canberra.
1992- 2003 Photographic exhibition practice, with exhibitions in a range of international, national and regional galleries.
2005- 20016 Design research publication record with a focus on the role of drawing and visualisation in design research, and mapping as reflective research practice.
2014 “Intimate Worlds” Group exhibition at Airspace Gallery, Marrickville, Sydney.
Annie Bierzynski
Artist Statement
In this exhibition I am exploring my relationship with the Australian landscape.
This has been inspired by recent travels in coastal, rural and outback Australia. In my works, I am seeking to capture the moments of connection with place, a strong and intense colour palette, my landscape works explore spatial and as well as to express the boldness and fragility of the Australian landscape.
My works draw on my Caribbean heritage and interest in patterning, texture and vibrant colour and is informed by my 30 year relationship with the Australian experience. I am striving to synthesize my earlier explorations of vibrant, colourful abstractions with these more representational works. Using formal relationships, seeking to express an intimacy and a memory about a particular place, something unique and intangible that emerges as a result of expressive form, representation and colour. I try to evoke the interrelation between colour and form to create an aesthetic experience that engages emotions.
Artist Bio
Born Grenada, West Indies. Immigrated to Australia in 1978
Studied Bachelor of Arts, College of Fine Arts COFA-UNSW, Grad Dip. Education, Sydney University, Post Grad Dip. Prof. Art Studies UNSW and Master of Arts - Art Therapy UWS
Numerous solo exhibitions at the Holdsworth Galleries, Woollahra and group shows.
Lives and works in Sydney as an art teacher and art therapist at a high school for students with emotional disorders.
In addition to my work as an art therapist I have more recently re-engaged with my art practice and been a finalist in a number of art prizes including; Sydney Art Studio Art Prize, KAAF Art Prize and 9x5 Waverley Art Prize.
Kaye Shumack
Artist Statement
For the last few years I have been exploring landscape painting and sketching, as a means of personal response to the environment and to the richness of the Australian bush, working in isolated settings as well as city parks and beaches. In each work, I seek to convey a sense of connection, a way of seeing formal relationships and patterns that may not be initially evident. My process involves doing lots of sketching and taking many photographs of a place, followed by further work in the studio to find a way forward as each work evolves in its own way. Some are more successful than others, but it’s this process of painting as a form of visual problem-solving that intrigues, frustrates and endures. As I work, I try to find a balance between abstraction and realism in the final painting, as both response to, and representation of, physical and metaphysical space and place. I get the sense that paintings emerge and grow if I take the time to work with the process. Part of what is so exciting about painting is being open to new ways of seeing and feeling, trying to capture something of this as lived experience through painting.
Artist Bio
Born West Wyalong, Australia 1953.
Studied BA University of Sydney, Dip FA East Sydney, Grad Dip VA University of Sydney, M VA University of Sydney, PhD University of Canberra.
1992- 2003 Photographic exhibition practice, with exhibitions in a range of international, national and regional galleries.
2005- 20016 Design research publication record with a focus on the role of drawing and visualisation in design research, and mapping as reflective research practice.
2014 “Intimate Worlds” Group exhibition at Airspace Gallery, Marrickville, Sydney.
