COLLECTING ART ...

During the past year I've collected all sorts of great pieces from artist friends.  I swapped, purchased, won, and was given, all sorts of creative works for my collection so thought I'd share some with you.  These are generally from 'local' artists I regard as friends, and whose work I admire.

Exceptions first, I don't really know this first artist, Joshua, aged 7 yrs, but I did meet him at the exhibition where his work was shown.  I couldn't resist purchasing this engaging painting.  From my point of view people do a lot of 'brush mileage' to get to be as spontaneous this. If I was to try a painting of the Emergency Services vehicle I could not have done a better job. Clever Josh.

It holds up well in the company of many older and much more experienced artists on my walls.

Kim Schoenberger is a great friend, and I'm sure I'm her number one fan. The piece below, now on my deck wall,  was a swap at the COMA Xmas party, but I occasionally find her small pieces irresistible and have bought several.

Purchased from a COMA exhibition, and made from recycled vintage rubber stamps and scrabble tiles, This piece of Kim's is on my bookcase and reminds me to do all these things regularly.

 My barbecue table features this gorgeous plate,  much admired by visiting friends.

Kim is multi-talented indeed!

Wendy Epp is a prizewinning local artist. I purchased this small piece, 18 x 12 cm, at her recent solo exhibition. Unfortunately she doesn't have a web presence so I can't show you more.

I just LOVE Barry Smith's leaves.  I bought the large leaf and, on a separate occasion, he gave me the smaller one. Thanks Barry.  I can't wait to get my hands on some tiny ones for earrings.

Speaking of earrings, Barry (above) and Noela Mills collaborate to produce BAZOLA jewellery.  My latest purchase  was made from a silverplated trophy cup that I found at the dump.

Gorgeous aren't they?

I admire Noela's many talents, and her workshops are always worth attending. I managed to score one of her works in the 13th International Collage Exchange.  

Lucky me.

Another prizewinning local artist is Kym Barrett.  I love her freedom of expression.  This piece was my most recent purchase.

It's only small... but I LOVE it.

COMA functions are always a source of interesting art.  It's a talented group, and I'm honoured to be part of it.  We had a sell and/or swap Xmas gathering.  Great fun and I managed to swap with Wendy Van Der Drift, coming home with this gem.

Last.... but definitely not least... is the gift from my old, old, friend Frank Merchant  when I visited him in Sydney.

Titled "The Manly Bowlers", I love the expressions.  Don't think they are the happiest lot.  Perhaps they take the game too seriously.

As you can see I'm always on the prowl for interesting work, preferably indicative of the artist's style.  I love being surrounded by reminders of the talented and creative friends I've collected along my way.