presents
Colour Spectrum Group Exhibition
from 11th to 29th March 2015 showcasing 9 artists
Opening Night
Thursday 12th March 2015 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Open Weekends 14&15, 21&22, 28&29 March 2015 Closing Celebration
Sunday 29th March 2015
FEATURED ARTIST
Denise CAMPBELL 1. In 5 words, who are you? Nature observer and creative interpreter 2. Where do you get your inspiration from when you paint ? I am inspired by the surrounding landscapes and nature. The Australian desert has been my focus and the colours and life within it. I love to see it from an aerial perspective and so photograph a lot when I take flights above it in small craft. It’s scarred/worn history provides amazing and unexpected images. Even now in Spain, the landscape around me has a lot of rugged beauty, which inspires a totally different image in both pallet and features. 3. What are one or two favourite recent projects? One of the shows that I created ’Sharing My View’ was a project that I truly enjoyed, because I was pushing my boundaries. It pushed me further into an abstracted view from the air (not easy for me) of the patterning in landscape. This was a very successful exhibition and one with which I felt very happy. The other is a recent project, here in Spain, a wall installation that is created from natural elements of my new, surrounding landscape. In walking the landscape, getting a better understanding of my surrounds and differences, I gathered these objects to give me an insight into the way the land is worked and how it bears the elements, how it regenerates within the extremes of the climate. I feel that I was trying to capture a little of the spirit of this place. It was a truly satisfying project that I wish to continue to develop. 4. What creative processes are involved in the creation of your pieces? After finding an inspiring landscape, I look closely at composition possibilities before deciding on the positioning of light within the image. I sketch the basic layout onto the canvas. Then deciding on the pallet which I will use to bring the image to life, I start with undercolours that will aid in lifting the light into the painting. Layering is a strong element of my process, particularly when working with acrylic, as is variation in methods of paint application to achieve a best result. 5. How do you keep yourself motivated and focused in business? I keep myself motivated and focused by always setting targets, whether it be scheduling of an exhibition, which I have to work towards, or by adding new galleries to my distribution network, also requiring stock. My philosophy with painters’ block is to always turn up to the studio, even reading magazines can inspire a move towards picking up a brush. There are many distraction in this business, when you have to do most of it for yourself eg wrap, deliver, invoice, promotion,etc, which means that the focus must not be lost on the most important element –the creation of product. I focus on the other, when I need a rest from the easel.
6. How do you connect with other artists, and clients? In Australia it was much easier, being in a large studio complex which provided opportunities for Open Studio days, communication with other artists, joint shows, attending openings, entering art prizes etc. That has changed dramatically now, firstly because of language difficulties, even to finding art suppliers is a whole new challenge. I visit local shows as much as possible to meet people in the industry, I have planned an exhibition for this year locally and I am cold calling Galleries throughout Spain and Europe seeking representation. Placing notes on digital Bulletin Boards of Expat Organisations eg. the Internations Group, and seeking Art Consultants within the major cities are other processes that I am trying, including the digital media including Facebook, Linkedin, artist websites and seriously considering involvement in large European Art Fairs. 7. What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned? To be true to myself in all that I do ie. to my instinct, to my values and to my beliefs 8. Your advice to artists starting out? Find yourself a work space, believe in yourself, take a risk, experiment and play lots, be part of the Arts scene on as many levels as possible and just DO, whenever and wherever. Don’t miss an opportunity for involvement as you never know where it will lead you. Set a target and head towards it. 9. Do you still have a dream you would like to achieve? I will always have a dream. My current dream is to build my business in Europe, with an aim to be recognized and well represented here, exhibiting to a broader International client base.
Legends Top from left
Denise Campbell in her Sydney Studio Busy are the spinifex ants
Bottom from left Rippling Sands Mountain Garden
© Denise Campbell 123x74cms Oilstick on French Handmade Paper FRAMED $2950.00 Enquire about works by Denise Campbell at gallery@artshine.com.au - www.artshinegallery.com
Colour in the wilderness Š Denise Campbell 123x74cms Oilstick on French Handmade Paper FRAMED $2950.00