Charlotte Varcoe
RECYCLING and nature are the highlights of the Port MacDonnell Community Complex art exhibition ‘Imagination Unleashed’.
The new exhibition was first opened last month and highlights more than 45 artworks all for sale.
Heather McLean and Cathie Davies combined their artistic skills to provide a colourful display of acrylic and watercolour works.
Ms Davies showcased her upcycled designed and painted furniture while Ms McLean showcased her range of paintings.
Her work focuses on recycling and reusing things such as furniture and paint.
Mixing her own paints, Ms Davies often only purchases white paint to mix with while using paint from other resources and furniture from the recycling depot and opportunity shops.
With the ultimate aim of her work to promote reusing and recycling while giving things a second life and making sure it was turned into something beuatiful.
Ms McLean said she was approached by Ms Davies who decided to have an exhibition with her furniture but needed further art decal for the walls.
“That is how it came about,” Ms McLean said.
“I supplied some paintings of about 45 works and it worked out well.”
She said her most common mediums were watercolour and acrylic with a preference of painting animals and nature.
“I love watercolour and trying things with watercolours but you do have to frame and I am a bit old school, I like painting animals and flowers but I have done a few bits of modern art but it is really not my thing,” Ms McLean said.
“Painting really keeps me sane and it is something nobody can take away from you, you can always say you lose yourself when you are doing artwork and I try and do some everyday.
“I have had a busy life and I still do a bit but it is good for mental health too.”
She said those who were interested in painting or found enjoyment in it should not give it up and keep practicing with many getting better all the time.
“The more you do the more satisfaction you get and you do improve,” Ms McLean said.
“I am a bit isolated down here because I do not get much feedback but that is why it is good to have an exhibition.
“I was reading people’s comments in the book and that to me is wonderful.”
She said aspiring artists should also look for mentors to help guide them on how to improve.
The exhibition will be on display until the end of the month.
