Helen Dubrovich “Memories of Bali” exhibition 2-16 March 2016
Exhibition Catalogue
Helen Dubrovich About the artist Helen Dubrovich, born in Germany of Russian parents, migrated to Australia when she was three. When quite young Helen started to travel overseas and this influenced her work which is quite eclectic. Helen has chosen to work in a variety of mediums with various subject matter, rather than sticking to one genre as she felt staying with one type of subject and one medium would lead to boredom not only to herself but to her viewers. Helen studied art at East Sydney Technical College and photography, then started a career in this medium after completing the Photography Certificate at Ultimo T.A.F.E. She pursued her career in photography but found little time to paint during this period.
“Bathtime�
31cm x 26cm Stretched canvas Silent auction for the McGrath Foundation Starting price $250.00
Memories of Bali The first time I visited Bali was nearly 25 years ago with a friend who had been there many times. I was told I would either hate it or love it. I loved it. We stayed in Sanur a relatively quiet area. I found it serene and enjoyed the beautiful gardens, the beaches and was very impressed with the Balinese concept of design. After the second trip I fell in love with this island. Every time I went back and walked down a quiet street in the afternoon and heard Gamelan music playing, or walked past a restaurant with the heady aromas of Balinese cooking, I felt like I had returned to my second home.
So when I decided on a theme for my solo exhibition, Bali immediately came to mind. I’ve always loved the exotic and colourful with a dash of mystery. Bali fitted the bill. I’ve always loved flowers, gardens and birds. Bali had plenty of both. The island also had a mystique about it. The more I read, the more intrigued I became. There are lovely little villages away from the crowds, temples, jungle and so much more to explore. That is what I tried to depict in my paintings. The colour, serenity, flowers, birds and a bit of the exotic. Hopefully I’ve achieved this.
On visiting Ubud in the mountains, and exploring museums, galleries and art shops I related more and more to the colours I found in the designs of children’s clothing, the colourful sarongs and carved woodwork everywhere. I went back with a friend to the west coast of Bali to her cousin’s wedding which was traditional. It lasted all day. It gave me more insight to the traditions and colour of this island. Every time I went back I saw something new. I visited temples, met so many people, and found my own work started to change when my paintings started becoming brighter with intense colour. I wasn’t looking for a style but it looks like it found me. Being a traditionalist at heart because that was the way I was trained, I wanted to loosen up my style and to try different things.
Please enjoy my exhibition.
Watercolours “Ubud Marketplace” 41cm x 33cm White painted timber $350.00
“Tropical Night”
68cm x 83cm Timber Black $850.00
“Village Life” 41cm x 28cm Timber gold $350.00
“The Red Bridge” 47cm x 40cm Timber gold $350.00
“Garden Gate”
35cm x 43cm Black timber $450.00
Pastels “Master Carver”
68cm x 63cm Timber gold/black $850.00
“Friends”
59cm x 46cm Timber gold $350.00
“Good Morning”
Timber Gold 53cm x 63cm $550.00
Acrylic and Ink “Serenity in the Garden of Peace” 61cm x 76cm Stretched canvas $850.00
Lotus
36cm x 26cm Stretched canvas on frame $250.00
“Morning Kiss” 46cm x 61cm Stretched canvas $750.00
“Lotus Pond”
36cm x 26cm Stretched canvas on frame $250.00
Acrylic and Ink
“Secrets”
61cm x 61cm Stretched canvas $550.00
“Secret Garden” 61cm x 91cm Stretched canvas $950.00
“Tropical Morning”
51cm x 41cm Stretched canvas $395.00
Acrylic and Ink
“Bali Flowers”
66cm x 66cm Stretched canvas $450.00
“Get Ready”
41cm x 31cm Stretched canvas $295.00
It’s On
41cm x 31cm Stretched canvas $295.00
Silent Auction
McGrath Foundation Jane McGrath’s personal experience has seen a team of passionate and dedicated people come together to make life for families experiencing breast cancer just that little bit easier. The McGrath Foundation is continually working to meet the needs of people in Australia diagnosed with breast cancer, no matter where they live or their financial situation. As soon as there is enough funding to employ a McGrath Breast Care nurse for three years we recruit for a new
position and then work with health services to place them in areas that need them most. The McGrath Foundation raises money to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia and increase breast awareness in young people. To help us make a difference, please visit our website: www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au or join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcgrathfoundation, Instagram: www.instagram.com/mcgrathfoundation and encourage your friends to do the same.
Helen’s words about the McGrath Foundation After reading about the McGrath Foundation I decided to donate a painting for a silent auction at my upcoming solo exhibition. I’ve always admired our nurses. My family has been touched by cancer, and going through such a tough time I remembered nurses, who although worked off their feet and must be affected by some of the terrible and sad things they see, they offered comfort and support when I needed it most. I realise any cancer is devastating but my heart goes out to women, particularly those with young children, who find they have breast cancer, and the feelings of overwhelming fear, wondering how they will cope with looking after their families and themselves and having so many questions they need answered. On hearing that the McGrath Foundation was set up to provide nurses for support, providing so much emotional as well as physical support and advice, no matter where the patient was, touched me. Cancer can happen to anybody. In my own small way I am hoping to raise whatever I can by silent auctioning my painting “Bathtime”. Every amount helps to support those in need, no matter what their financial situation. My hat goes off to these nurses and the work they do. Please support them.
“Bathtime”
31cm x 26cm Stretched canvas Silent auction for the McGrath Foundation Starting price $250.00
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