Originally inspired by the 1890 Heidelberg School 9 by 5 Impressionism Exhibition for which works were painted on cigar box lids, the Illustrators Australia 9 x 5 Exhibition has become an annual tradition in its own right. Once a year, Illustrators Australia members receive a piece of 9 x 5 inch plywood in the mail, accompanied by the challenge of a one word theme. (Last year's example here.) Please don't tell anyone that my own tradition of cutting the wood into novelty shapes has primarily developed in order to distract attention from any shortcomings I had as an illustrator. This year, for the first time, I made the nervous decision to leave the wood as it is. I happen to be at the tail end of painting A LOT of portraits for The Design Files Open House (first example here). I am quite sure that their traditional format inspired the work you see above. So, for what it's worth, thanks Lucy F for inadvertently giving me the artistic confidence to leave the 9 x 5 plywood as it is.
By the way, this year's theme is FLOURISH. I immediately thought of flowers, and almost as immediately decided against going with something that seemed so obvious. So I looked the word up in the dictionary and decided to include as many definitions for it as possible. Decorative flourishes and curling vines are accompanied by the less usual definitions of a type of song played by a brass instrument and a kind of wave. He looks more like he is saluting though as I can't draw hands. Illustrative shortcomings revealed.
If you are in Melbourne, come and have a look at all of the entries, and make a bid on the ones you like! I have copied this from the Illustrators Australia site:
OPENING NIGHT
Friday 18th October 6pm - 9pm
includes Silent Auction for original artwork on wood, drinks and launch of new IA APP
Friday 18th October 6pm - 9pm
includes Silent Auction for original artwork on wood, drinks and launch of new IA APP
GALLERY OPEN:
Oct 19th - Nov 3rd, Mon- Sun 8am - 4pm
ILLUSTRATORS MARKET: - Sun Oct 20th & Sat Oct 26 10am-4pm
This is an exciting pre-Christmas market that includes prints, unique original work, jewellery, cards, fashion and more from professional illustrators in the industry,
don’t miss out!
Oct 19th - Nov 3rd, Mon- Sun 8am - 4pm
ILLUSTRATORS MARKET: - Sun Oct 20th & Sat Oct 26 10am-4pm
This is an exciting pre-Christmas market that includes prints, unique original work, jewellery, cards, fashion and more from professional illustrators in the industry,
don’t miss out!
Where:
ST HELIERS ST GALLERY
Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, Vic 3067
ST HELIERS ST GALLERY
Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, Vic 3067
4 comments:
What a wonderful project. Good on you for leaving the wood as-is. Great decision. It's a lovely piece. x
Thanks so much, Jo. It's funny how a simple little decision can actually feel quite big! Looking forward to your book launch. :-)
Such a playful painting. Definitely one of my faves of the exhibition.
Lovely to hear from you Richard, and I am chuffed that you like him! I didn't get to go to the opening, as we had a family dinner. I wish I could have done both.
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