Artists Down Under - Australia and New Zealand - September 2023

DOWN UNDER

Australia and New Zealand

DOWN UNDERartists

Australia and New Zealand

Welcome to the Spring edition of Artists Down Under

Yes, finally Spring is here and the weather is warming up. All the blossom is out and life couldn’t get any better. We have another bumper edition for you all, so sit back, put your feet up, relax and enjoy what our artists have put together.

We have our usual monthly artists achievements for you, along with our monthly artists challenge. This month the challenge theme was “Wizards” and our artists didn’t disappoint. I can only imagine the fun they had creating their images.

Our special Featured Artist for the month is Trish Hoskin. Trish is from Adelaide and has been with the group right from the beginning. Trish has so much skill and talent which shows in all of her art, I know you will all love browsing through her images that she has put together for you.

Our fun loving Photoshop Guru, Andrew Haysom, has been hard at work again, putting together another of his informative Photoshop Tutorials. This month he explains “The Two Great New Ways To Remove Stuff”, and we all love to do that.

We have a wonderful interview that Maureen Maxwell has kindly put together for you, with our very own extremely talented “Rosa Perry”. Rosa’s images are simply amazing, what a very talented lady she is. This is a must read for everyone.

And lastly we have another image kindly shared for us from the Redlands Digital Group of ladies, in their “Chinese Whispers” series. These ladies must have so much fun collaborating with their art together and it definitely shows in their artwork

Well that’s it from me for now. I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of Artists Down Under. Stay safe, enjoy the sunshine and take care of each other.

Backgrounds: Foxy Squirrel

Laitha’s Designs - Jai Johnson - White Lane Studio

Copyright 2017 ©

Artists in this publication are responsible for any rights appertaining to their work.

Helen McLeod - Oh Deer

Pam Henderson

https://www.facebook.com/andy.pandy.16547008/photos

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/lynsey-stirland-mitchell/

artists Achievements monthly down under

artists down under facebook page

The Artists Down Under Public Facebook page has been set up to allow the artists in the group to showcase their work and to enable them to share promotional information about themselves, e.g. exhbitions, awards etc...

You can find the Artists Down Under Public Facebook page at this address; https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtistsDownUnder/

So, if you are an artist in the group, don’t forget to regularly share your work and information here, and to let your friends and family know about the page if they are interested in viewing the latest art and news from the group.

If you are a reader of the magazine who does not have access to the page, please click the link above and request to join. When you request to join you will be asked to answer three simple questions that will allow us to determine if you are an eligible artist who may wish to join the group and therefore be able to post on the page, or a member of the public who can view, comment and like the work on the page. It’s a great place to see some great art from this vibrant group every day!

Three ADU members receive a special gift

Our very good Awake friends Teddi Rutschman of Foxey Squirrel and Diane Stafford from WhiteLaneStudio continue to give gifts as a reward for members of the Artists Down Under group who contribute to the ADU Facebook page by regularly posting their artworks and supporting other members with their comments.

Teddi, from Virginia, USA, is well known for her fantastic sets of digital designer backgrounds, masks and all kinds of wonderful elements ready for designers to add to or build a wondrous creation.

Teddi Rutshman can be found at http://www.foxeysquirrel.com/ http://www.oscraps.com/shop/Foxeysquirrel

Teddi has given a 50% off discount voucher for one very lucky member to spend in her on-line shop.

Diane Stafford from Chester, UK, designs Photoshop textures and overlays for photo artists and photographers to use in their digital artworks. Diane has created another special kit just for Artists Down Under for the month of SEPTEMBER.

Two artists will receive a Diane kit each. Diane Stafford can be found at https://whitelanestudio.co.uk/biolinks

The

SEPTEMBER lucky winners are

Teddi Rutschman (Foxey Squirrel) 50% off Gift Voucher

- Jane Tovey

Diane Stafford (WhiteLaneStudio) Texture & Overlay Kit

- Andrea Carter

- Lynette Paul

LIVING THE PHOTO ARTISTIC LIFE

https://issuu.com/thephotoartisticlife/docs/issue102-final?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

Congratulations to the following artists for having their images chosen to appear in the International magazine

“Living The Photo Artistic Life”.

Sonia Pusey

- Standing In The Shadows Of Love

- Turn Your Love Around

Helen McLeod

- Moving House

- Heart Wood

Julie Powell

- Reading Can Transport You

Maureen Maxwell

- Girl In The Flowers

Kaylene Helliwell

- Taking A Moment

Elenor Gill

- Magnolia

Rosa Perry

- Dry Feathers

- Giraffe And Friend

Sandra Dann

- Percy Panda Learns To Balance

- Bath Time For Gemma Giraffe

Kim Ricci

- Story Time

Christina Brunton

- Sepia Chess

Ilona Abou-Zolof

- Flirting

- Let’s Play Chess

Penny De Jong

- Without An Audience

- Fashionistas

Carolyn Jenson

- Sea Foam

Christina Brunton - Sepia Chess

Elenor Gill - Magnolia

Sonia Pusey - Standing In The Shadows Of Love

LIVING THE PHOTO ARTISTIC LIFE

Helen McLeod - Heart Wood

Maureen Maxwell - Girl In The Flowers

Helen McLeod - Moving House

Penny De Jong - Without An Audience

Sandra DannPercy Panda Learns To Balance

Julie PowellReading Can Transport You

Kaylene Helliwell - Taking A Moment

LIVING THE PHOTO ARTISTIC LIFE

Rosa Perry - Giraffe And Friend

Kim Ricci - Storytime

Sandra DannBath Time For Gemma Giraffe

Ilona Abou-Zolof - Let’s Play Chess

Sonia Pusey - Turn Your Love Around

Ilona Abou-Zolof - Flirting

Rosa Perry - Dry Feathers

Penny De Jong - Fashionistas

Prue Wright - Chasing Dreams

Penny De Jong - Nightmare

Bev Terawskyj - Stuff

artists

DOWN UNDER

Australia and New Zealand

SOME PHOTOSHOP INSPIRATION

TWO GREAT NEW WAYS TO REMOVE STUFF

By Andrew Haysom

Adobe have recently introduced two great new ways to remove unwanted elements from your images.

Introduced in Photoshop CC version 24.5, after a brief appearance in the Beta version, the Remove Tool is the new “star” of the healing tools.

The Remove Tool is nested with the other healing tools (see Figure 1) and its icon is similar to the Healing Brush and Spot Healing Brush but with a couple of little stars on the left-hand side. Perhaps these are indicative of the absolute magic this tool can perform.

There are only a few options appearing in the Options Bar for the Remove Tool (see Figure 2).

[Fig 1 – The Remove Tool]

[Fig 2 – The Remove Tool Options Bar]

SOME PHOTOSHOP INSPIRATION (CONT.......)

The first option is the brush size, which like other brush tools can also be changed using the left and right square-bracket keys, “[“ and “]”.

The second option, when clicked on, allows users of pressure-sensitive tablets to use pressure to control the size of the brush.

The third option “Sample all layers” determines whether only the current layer, or the “composite image” from all layers is sampled from when using the tool. It is good practice to do your healing or removal of unwanted objects on a blank layer to enable a non-destructive workflow, so this option will usually be checked.

The fourth option determines whether the Remove Tool activates and does it job each time you release the mouse button or lift your tablet pen, or if it enables you to make multiple separate brush strokes before choosing to either cancel or apply those strokes using the last two icons in the options bar.

To use the Remove Tool simply “paint” over the entire object you wish to remove. Make sure to paint the entire object, if you miss any bits then it is likely that artifacts will be left behind.

If removing straight-line type objects, like telephone or electricity wires, you can use the click once at one end of the straight line, hold down the [Shift] key and then click at the other end of the straight line. You can only use this method though if you have unchecked the “Remove after each stroke” option in the options bar. Ensure to size your brush correctly to make it just a little bigger than the object to be removed (see Figure 3). Make sure to also select any lighter or darker pixels along the objects edge that are often created by sharpening.

If there are multiple objects or areas you wish to remove I would generally recommend selecting them and removing them one at a time rather than selecting them all and then doing the “remove”.

Another excellent new tool that can be used to remove objects very effectively is the Generative Fill feature that can currently only be found in the Photoshop Beta version.

The Generative Fill feature has many different uses, but in this article I am only really considering its use to remove unwanted objects. Figure 4 shows the process to use Generative Fill to remove an object.

[Figure 3 – Selecting a straight line object like a telephone wire]

One of the limitations of the Generative Fill function at the moment (like other AI image tools) is that the resolution of returned imagery is limited to 1024x1024 pixels. If you select an area big ger than this to remove you need to be aware that the resolution of the replaced imagery may not be high enough if the area around that being removed is sharp and detailed.

One of the limitations of the Generative Fill function at the moment (like other AI image tools) is that the resolution of returned imagery is limited to 1024x1024 pixels. If you select an area big ger than this to remove you need to be aware that the resolution of the replaced imagery may not be high enough if the area around that being removed is sharp and detailed.

Both of these new tools do a terrific job and I have to say that since I have started using them I have hardly touched the Spot Healing Brush or Healing Brush tools. I still use the Clone Stamp and Patch Tool for clean-up, but only rarely.

If at first the job that is done by the Remove Tool or Generative Fill is not perfect, simply brush over the imperfect area again to clean things up. Both tools will do a good job of reconstructing lines or edges that may be missed on the first attempt.

Our tools keep on improving.

Andrew Haysom

[Figure 4 – Using Generative Fill to remove unwanted object]

ELENOR GILL ( NEW ZEALAND )

DOWN artistsUNDER

Australia and New Zealand

DIGITAL ARTISTS GROUP

A COLLABORATIVE GROUP OF PHOTO ARTISTS

CHINESE WHISPERS #70 “HITTING THE TOWN”

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

Like many of our collaborative efforts, Pam could have placed the quirky characters I started this month’s challenge with into a number of different scenes, and told a number of stories. However, Pam chose to have them ‘Hitting The Town’.

I wonder what mischief they got up to?

ENJOY!

Maureen Maxwell

Pam Henderson

Maureen Maxwell

TRISH HOSKIN

ANGELS REST

DREAMS AT MIDNIGHT

Adelaide South Australia

1. Tell us a little about yourself and where you live?

I’m Adelaide born and bred. Love my quiet sleepy town which goes mad with art and food festivals.

Early in the year there’s heaps of culture and galleries here and I’m a Fellow at the Royal South Australian Society of Arts. I work full time at a very busy and often stressful job so art is my escape. I’ve also been extremely lucky to have traveled extensively overseas through Europe, UK, USA and Asia to have seen an amazing array of art. I’ve tried all sorts of art techniques from watercolour, pastel and acrylics to photography and landing on digital art. I’ll look at anything really to give me inspiration. The last couple of years have been extremely hard for me personally with the loss of my darling mum and having to help with the duties of an executor, preparing a house for sale and clearing over 90 years of possessions and then organising a subdivision of a property something I’d never tackle again. It left me not inclination to do any thing with my art which left a huge void. However in the last couple of months my spark has come back and seeing things in a new light and looking forward to getting stuck in. I’ve enjoyed doing a few courses and even learning about AI which fascinates me. I use computers all day at work so the genre is not lost on me.

2. How did you become interested/get started in Photo Artistry?

Having seen some work online years ago I started googling and stumbled across Sebastian and his course. It was like a lightbulb moment. I think I even yelled out loud in my living room “That’s it” exactly what I had been trying to achieve in my work and what I had been looking for. It just resonated so much with me but I had no idea how to create that sort of work. I hardly had even touched Photoshop although I had bought it. I jumped into working how to get into the group and was lucky enough to find a fantastic family of like-minded people. I have been online and Facebook friends with many of them for years now and it’s terrific. When we started the Australian link, it became even better and meeting up with the group on a couple of our trips was even beter. Learning from the group and courses has seen my level of digital knowledge in art skyrocket and I have been truly grateful for our group and magazine etc.

3. What inspires you or gives you inspiration to create your art?

I think a little bit of everything really. I do love flowers and landscapes but have also come to really enjoy abstract, grunge and the odd. During Covid I dabbled heavily in Junk Journaling and back into physical creation with paper, paint, stencils and more recently gel prints. That is amazing and I am looking forward to being able to photograph some of my work and integrate the pieces with my digital work. Colour is a huge influence for me I love bright and bold colours, I can appreciate calm and pastel pieces as well but something bright will always grab my eye. Having spent a lot of time recently sorting out my hard disks to clean up so many duplicates etc I am amazed at the progress of my ideas and art style from the last 10 years. It’s like chalk and cheese but makes me also appreciate how much I have learnt as well.

4. Do you have a certain approach to creating your art?

Normally it is one thing that captures my eye and then my mind starts on a journey of where I am going to take that thing. It could be a photo or an element from a digital kit or a piece of architecture which I am mad about. Once I have the idea in my head I try to formulate an image of the final piece or the concept of what I am going to use to make the piece. I then start to bring the image and several others often ten or twenty to start with and create my canvas and then begin constructing. I might mask, colour blend or combine parts of images to get the end result. Sometimes I’ll even delete everything and just start over. I often leave a piece and come back to it when I can’t give it a final tick in my head. It might be days or even weeks before I come back to it and see what I want to do to it. Then sometimes (rarely Lol) I can bash out a piece in an hour or so and go wow I’m pretty stoked with that.

5. What does your art mean to you?

Art is my go-to when I’m stressed. It’s funny people laugh at me for working all day on a computer and dealing with developers all day then come home to work on a computer again for sometimes another several hours. Computers have always fascinated me but not to the extent of wanting to learn to code. The last couple of years I have lost my mojo and I was worried that it would never come back because whenever in the past I struggled with life, art was my salvation. I’m not sure what has finally kicked it back in. Maybe it’s just time to get back to being me and doing what I love. A couple of iPad courses and our latest offerings of the AI course has been the catalyst to drag out the iPad and open Photoshop and start tinkering again. Hopefully my rusty fingers will kick in again and I can get back creating much more regularly.

6. Do you think since starting in photo artistry it has changed you and if so, how?

No doubt about it. As I mentioned before, once I started seeing work online in our group and on the internet, it just made my whole way of thinking change. I had belonged to an art group for years and it felt like I was producing the same as everyone else. Seeing this amazing genre of work was definitely art changing. I think it’s even more versatile and inventive than anything I’ve seen in many years. I love the old masters and appreciate the hundreds of hours that go into those pieces but the ability to watch pieces come to life via a computer is just awesome to me.

7. Is there anyone that you draw inspiration from?

I think everyone in our group, the larger group world wide and also seeing magazines and doing other courses gives me a little bit of inspiration and excitement to see what I can do. I don’t like to copy anyone’s work but often just a technique or colour way or subject will set me off on my own journey. I don’t think my art would be anywhere near what it is if I hadn’t found the group.

8. Where do you see (or hope to see) your art taking you in the future ? What are your next steps?

I don’t have any major plans at the moment. I’ve done the exhibition circuit and the craft fairs and galleries. Cost wise it’s prohibitive at the moment. I’ve been on design teams for digital artists, and they taught me a lot. For now regrouping and getting motivated again. In the future I would like to create my own digital content to sell as an income to top up my pension when I can finally retire. So, between now and then it will be honing my skills and creating work I’m happy with.

DOWN UNDER

Australia and New Zealand

INTERVIEW WITH ROSA PERRY

By Maureen Maxwell

Rosa, thank you for doing this interview. You’ve been a member of Artists Down Under since October 2020. Since then we’ve seen many of your wonderful images in our monthly magazine and on our Facebook page.

You have also been a Featured Artist in the international magazine, Living the Photo Artistic Life. The 100th edition of this magazine was published a couple of months ago, and you were one of the Featured Artists shown there as well. This is the link to the magazine for our readers.

https://issuu.com/thephotoartisticlife/docs/issue100-final?fr=sZjQzZTI1ODEw

One of the reasons for doing a series of interviews for our magazine is to enable our members to get to know each other a little better. I also think our general readers will be interested to hear more about your creative journey.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN ARTISTIC, AND HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN PHOTO ARTISTRY?

My artistic passion has been a constant companion since childhood. Even in those early years, I found ways to express myself through poetry, sketches, and photography. I can still vividly recall the thrill of drawing with a split-nib pen dipped in Indian Ink — a treasured memory that I hold dear. Alongside that cherished pen, I safeguard my first camera, a Kodak Brownie, symbolizing my beginnings in the world of photography.

Photography was my passion, yet my beloved DSLR camera remained confined in my cupboard. The demands of work consumed my time, leaving me with few chances to wield my camera. It was then that I decided to harness the power of the camera I always had on me: my iPhone. This choice marked the beginning of my journey capturing moments on the move.

However, I yearned to interlace my diverse artistic skills with my photographs. The solution emerged in the form of a scanner and a software editing program, leading me to a world I had yet to explore: Photoshop. The learning curve was steep, but I embraced the challenge. With determination, I unlocked the ability to conjure magic within Photoshop, infusing life into my photos and combining them with scanned fragments from old books, magazines, my calligraphy,

and sketches. The outcome was textured photos that resonated with my artistic essence.

Yet my hunger for growth remained insatiable. The desire to elevate my skills led me to an encounter with Sebastian Michaels’ Creative Black & White Photo Artistry course. This marked a pivotal moment — my first formal training in editing and artistry. This newfound knowledge set me on a path of discovery that extended to Photoshop Artistry and Awake, further refining my craft and pushing the boundaries of my artistic journey.

In essence, my artistic passion has transitioned from childhood sketches to a complex interplay of photography, editing, and imagination. Each phase has been a stepping stone, a progression that continues to unfold with each new technique learned, each skill honed, and each image transformed into an artistic narrative that speaks of my journey.

Unique Button Collector

Star Light, Star Bright Flossie Ostrich

MANY OF YOUR ART WORKS ARE BASED ON FANTASY AND THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. CAN YOU PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS?

I would be delighted to share more about my artistic focus on fantasy and the animal kingdom. These two themes hold a special place in my heart and drive much of my creative exploration.

Fantasy, for me, is an avenue that leads to limitless possibilities. It allows me to break free from the constraints of reality and delve into worlds where imagination knows no bounds. I like to blend surreal and fantasy images to create artworks that transport viewers into the realms of imagination. I strive to create a balance between the surreal and the familiar, crafting scenes that spark curiosity.

When it comes to the animal kingdom, I have the chance to showcase the majesty and wonder of real animals and to merge reality with fantasy. As art is a personal expression, I am constantly exploring diverse styles and techniques. Among my signature touches, you will often notice that the eyes of my animals are larger than life. I believe that in those eyes, a profound story unfolds. Gazing into the eyes of an animal reveals an unspoken language, a dialogue that resonates beyond words.

Animals hold an indelible place in my heart, a cherished connection that finds its reflection in my work. Their unwavering authenticity and non-judgmental nature serve as a reminder of the purity and grace that can be found in the world around us. It is no surprise that animals frequently find their way onto my canvas, breathing life into my creative expressions.

THE ART WORKS WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEING ARE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE DISPLAYED IN THE ‘LIVING THE PHOTO ARTISTIC LIFE’ MAGAZINE MENTIONED ABOVE. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AND IDEAS FOR YOUR CREATIVE COMPOSITIONS?

My artwork is always evolving, and it reflects my creative journey. I allow myself to continually explore new horizons and express myself in meaningful ways. As I continue to create and experiment, my techniques, themes, and styles do change. I do embrace the fact that my art is ever evolving.

I think my inspiration is a dynamic process and what inspires me today might evolve over time. I always keep an open mind and embrace a variety of influences that can help me develop an artistic style that reflects my personal vision and passions.

My own personal visions and dreams serve as a wellspring of images to use in my creative compositions. My own emotions, memories and life experiences are a profound source of inspiration. Even reflecting on my own journey and growth fuels my creative expression.

I also love studying the work of historical masters which provides me with great insight and ideas.

I love the works of John James Audubon who is a renowned figure in the world of art and natural history. I love his techniques, themes, and passion. His works are a great source of inspiration for me. My love of animals, especially birds are a powerful source of inspiration.

Whatever I create, I let my imagination guide me in the process.

YOUR RECENT ART WORKS HAVE BEEN SUPERB STORY TELLING IMAGES OF BIRDS THAT YOU’VE HAND PAINTED IN PHOTOSHOP. THESE IMAGES HAVE BEEN HIGHLY ACCLAIMED THROUGHOUT VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL ART GROUPS. PLEASE TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOUR PROCESS AND TECHNIQUES?

I appreciate the kind words about my recent art works, thank you. I have a special love for birds and I hope my passion shows in my work. Creating these storytelling images of birds has been an exciting and fulfilling journey for me. My process and techniques involve a combination of digital painting and Photoshop manipulation to bring these imaginative pieces to life.

To begin, I usually start with a concept or an idea that I want to convey through the image. For example, it might be inspired by a particular bird species. Once I have a clear vision, I gather reference images of birds, my own textures, and other elements in my library that will contribute to the composition.

In Photoshop, I start by sketching a rough outline of the scene. This initial sketch helps me establish the composition and the placement of key elements. I then bring in a couple of bird images which I morph, warp, and manipulate to create a single bird creation that I am happy with.

I gradually build up the layers, adding colors and textures to bring depth and richness to the image. I do this by hand painting. I want my bird creations to have a hand-painted quality. I use digital brushes free hand, as well as using the Mixer brush to emulate painting techniques. This allows me to infuse each stroke with a sense of emotion and to create a textured look.

I pay close attention to details like feather patterns, eye expressions, and body language to convey the intended emotions and narratives. Using layers and blending modes, I integrate the birds seamlessly into the background, making sure they interact with their environment in a believable way.

As the image takes shape, I fine-tune the colors, lighting, and contrasts to enhance the mood and atmosphere. I often experiment with various adjustments and filters to achieve the desired visual impact. Everything I do is in Photoshop only. I do not use other software. My mouse is truly my friend.

Hummingbird

Pretty Parrot Brolga

The positive reception from international art groups has been both humbling and encouraging. It is amazing to see how these images resonate with others who appreciate the blend of storytelling, artistry, and the avian world.

THE PHOTO ARTISTRY ENVIRONMENT WE ARE INVOLVED WITH IS A NEVER-ENDING JOURNEY WITH COUNTLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING. DO YOU ENJOY THE LEARNING?

The photo artistry environment we are involved in is indeed a never-ending journey, rich with countless opportunities for learning. Embracing this ongoing learning process has been an integral part of my artistic growth and enjoyment.

I wholeheartedly embrace the learning aspect of this journey. Every new technique I acquire, each creative challenge I take on, and every innovative tool I explore contributes to my development as an artist. Learning allows me to continually refine my skills, broaden my artistic horizons, and delve deeper into the realms of creativity.

In the dynamic world of photo artistry, there is always something new to discover, whether it is a fresh approach to digital manipulation, a unique way to blend different elements seamlessly, or a novel method to convey emotions through visual storytelling. Each learning opportunity not only enhances the quality of my work but also deepens my connection to the art form.

Furthermore, learning does not occur in isolation. Engaging with fellow artists, sharing insights, and seeking feedback fosters a vibrant community that thrives on mutual support and encouragement. Through this interaction, I gain valuable perspectives, exchange ideas, and find inspiration that fuels my own artistic evolution.

In essence, I relish the learning journey within the photo artistry environment. It keeps me engaged, excited, and committed to pushing my creative boundaries. It is an ongoing adventure that not only shapes my artwork but also enriches my overall artistic experience.

Uncertainty

Flower For You

3 Amigos

INTERVIEW WITH ROSA PERRY (CONT....)

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY TAKING YOU IN THE FUTURE? AND ARE THERE SPECIFIC PROJECTS INCLUDED IN YOUR PLANS?

Looking ahead, my creative journey holds a world of possibilities and exciting directions. While the future is full of mystery, I have a vision of growth, exploration, and pushing the boundaries of my artistic abilities.

In terms of my creative trajectory, I aim to continue refining my skills and techniques, honing my unique artistic voice, and delving deeper into the realms of photo artistry that captivate my imagination. I envision myself experimenting with new mediums, styles, and themes, all while staying true to the essence of what makes my art unique.

As for specific projects, I have a few exciting ideas that I am eager to bring to life. I am planning to create a series of artworks that revolve around a central theme, exploring the intersection of surrealism, fantasy, and the natural world in even more depth.

Ultimately, while I have specific projects in mind, I also embrace the spontaneity and unexpected opportunities that my creative journey may bring. I am excited to see where my passion and dedication take me, as I continue to evolve, learn, and contribute to the vibrant world of art and photo artistry.

I have been fortunate to embark on some commissioned projects, and the experience has been nothing short of exhilarating. Alongside these ventures, I engage in graphic work that I contribute as donations for charitable causes. This journey has not only allowed me to contribute positively but has also opened doors to wonderful exposure within these realms.

Dice Of Destiny

Halloween Mode

WHAT DOES BELONGING TO ADU MEAN TO YOU?

Belonging to ADU, holds profound significance for me. It is not just about being part of a publication; it is about being a member of a dynamic community that shares a passion for artistic expression. Being a part of ADU is a source of pride, inspiration, and a sense of belonging to a creative family that encourages me to push the boundaries of my creativity and celebrate the beauty of art in all its forms.

ADU represents a platform that amplifies artists’ voices, showcasing their diverse talents and stories to a broader audience. Being a part of ADU means having the opportunity to share my own artistic journey, insights, and creations with fellow artists and enthusiasts who appreciate the value of visual storytelling.

ADU is a space where artists can connect, exchange ideas, and inspire each other. This sense of community empowers me to continue growing and learning in my creative pursuits, while also offering support and encouragement to my fellow artists. It is a reminder that my artistic journey is part of a larger tapestry, where each artist’s unique perspective contributes to a rich and vibrant artistic landscape.

PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR BACKGROUND AND YOUR OTHER INTERESTS.

I am based in the vibrant city of Brisbane, Australia. My journey in the world of art has been a fulfilling exploration of creativity and self-expression.

A few years back, I found myself disillusioned with my career path, prompting me to reconnect with my inner child who whispered about the healing power of art to mend my inner turmoil. In a surge of sheer frustration and exhaustion, art re-entered my life. This journey led me to shift from being a career professional to crafting a life that resonates with my passion as an artist. That is when I embarked on a journey to earn a Diploma in Counselling, driven by a desire to gain deeper self-understanding and to extend a helping hand to others. My aspiration was to integrate the therapeutic power of art into this process.

Over the years, I have worn various hats in my professional journey, making it a bit intricate to encapsulate my diverse experiences in a few words.

Beyond my artistic endeavors, I have a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the animal kingdom. This fascination often finds its way into my creations, as I am inspired by the intricate details of the world around us.

I love to travel and throughout the years, I have travelled extensively within Australia and around the world, all the while amassing a unique collection of miniature antiques.

In my spare time, you might find me exploring local markets, seeking inspiration from Brisbane’s urban landscapes, or enjoying moments of tranquility in nature’s embrace.

INTERVIEW WITH ROSA PERRY (CONT....)

I am incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful, supportive family. My grandsons are the sunshine of my life, infusing each day with joy and inspiration. Their energy and curiosity remind me of the importance of embracing the world with childlike wonder, a sentiment that often translates into my creative work.

Ultimately, my life is a tapestry woven with threads of creativity, curiosity, and a passion for storytelling. I am excited to continue exploring new artistic horizons, connecting with like-minded individuals, and contributing to the world of art in meaningful ways.

Another Dimension

Seeker Of Souls

Menagerie

Ocean View Stand Tall

LYNETTE PAUL ( NEW ZEALAND )

JANE TOVEY ( AUSTRALIA )

CREATIVE JOURNEY

monthly artistic down under

photographic challenge theme: 73

Bev Terawskyj - Wizard’s Lair

Ilona Abou-Zolof - Happy Wizard

Pam Henderson - School’s In

Christina Brunton - Wizards

Penny De Jong - Wormhole Wizardry

Maureen Maxwell - The Wizards Convention

Prue Wright - Wizard

Colin Killick - The Great Spell Disaster At The Wizard’s Hut

Andrea Carter - Wizardry

Andrew Haysom - Spell Casting

Colin Campbell - The Final Man

Rosa Perry - Mauro The Wizard

Elenor Gill - The Magus

Jane Tovey - The Wizard’s Lair

Julie Powell - The Wizard

Karen Waalwyk - Wizard Chess

Sandy McCleary - Wizards

artists

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50% of profit donated to endometriosis research

When I first heard about endometriosis I felt a deep compassion and need to do what I could to help. Women with endometriosis suffer debilitating pain, disruptive symptoms and often endure multiple operations simply to function normally. Few people are patient when listening to descriptions of pain, symptoms or illness. This can have the effect of silencing people who are ill.

My compassion inspires my photoart which I show in presentations to raise awareness. I joined Awake to teach me advanced Photoshop skills, specifically to expand my photoartistic skills to create imaginative and dramatic images.

My photoart opens dialogue enabling freer expression of hidden feelings, experiences too private to mention in ordinary conversation. I create photoart inspired by the concerns of women with endometriosis. Several women have said that the process of imaging their suffering has helped them to face their pain and illness. There is immense strength in being heard. I want my photoart to become visual screams!!

26 women with endometriosis have told me about their experiences. They spoke to me about their concerns and collaborated during the photo session. We explored meanings of body, ideas of self and impacts of illness together, agreeing which ideas we would explore photographically. My photos are often carefully arranged, but that doesn’t mean they are fake. They represent the personal truth and experiences of 26 women with endometriosis. These women are remembering and acting out their OWN experiences. They choose their own stance and facial expression. Women with endometriosis are the only people who truly know what endometriosis FEELS like.

Unfortunately endometriosis is relatively common; an estimated 1 in 10 women living with endometriosis, being over 175,000,000 women worldwide! And an estimated 500,000 women in Australia! Their experiences are heart-breaking. Regular illness and debilitating pain result in missed education and poor career opportunities leaving them women vulnerable to poverty.

Women with endometriosis need real medical progress to reduce their suffering. I passionately desire to raise money for endometriosis research so that faster diagnoses are made and more effective treatments are found. To raise money for endometriosis research, I host events and sell products on Redbubble. Recently I gave $3,000 to Canberra Endometriosis Centre!

Art by Margaret Kalms

Share ‘EndoWomanArt’ with your friends on social media to raise awareness and money for women’s health!

We all need clothes & household goods. Buy yourself a treat or buy a special gift for your friends. Make your shopping count!

Remember 50% of profit goes to endometriosis research!

https://www.redbubble.com/ people/EndoWomanArt/shop

Follow ‘Life with Endometriosis’: https://www.facebook.com/ LifeWithEndometriosis

See Margaret Kalms photoart, ‘Life with Endometriosis’: http://www.endowomanart.com

Margaret Kalms

Bunch Of Butterflies On Grevillea Sweatshirt

Butterflies False Colour Grey Stripes

Bunch Of Butterflies On Grevillea Pencil Case

WEBSITE: http://artistsdownunder.com.au/ http://tinyurl.com/artisitsdownunderpublic