7 minute read
TIME OUT
Local artists find this lockdown ‘definitely trickier’ than last
Emerging local ceramics artist Abbey Jamieson has made a deliberate effort to take things slowly and prioritise her mental health during lockdown.
“It’s all about trying to keep everyone sane and looked after from a personal point of view, and making comes second,” she told Canberra Weekly.
Currently without access to the soda kiln at Canberra Potters due to the lockdown, Jamieson said this time around has “definitely been trickier” than 2020.
This has been compounded by a nationwide clay shortage, with a lot of suppliers struggling to get materials into the country to even make clay.
“Last year I had enough clay at home, I was making and still intermittently able to fire kilns at Canberra Potters,” she said.
Despite that, she’s been able to do a bit here and there in the home studio she shares with her partner, using her small electric kiln to make pots inspired by the extended time spent in the garden of late.
As for what the next few months might hold as the ACT emerges from lockdown, it’s a guessing game for Jamieson as much as it is for the rest of us.
“Making plans is a bit tricky,” she said. “As things start to open up, I’ll look into firing a kiln again to fill a few orders that are a few months overdue.”
Award-winning established local visual artist Julie Bradley has continued producing work during lockdown, telling Canberra Weekly she “doesn’t have a problem working”.
“I’m happy in a studio,” she said.
Keeping herself busy, Bradley remains motivated to continue making and be ready for when things reopen.
“If you stop work then you’re going to be on the back foot, so keep working, keep acting as if it’s going to open,” she said. “I’ve got about four exhibitions backed up ready to rock and roll.”
Prior to the pandemic, Bradley completed a residency in County Mayo, Ireland - The Ballinglen Foundation Fellowship - in 2019, with the idea to then display the works created at an exhibition in Melbourne.
With the pandemic quashing those plans, Bradley subsequently shifted her gaze more locally, something she has embraced.
“It became prudent to start thinking closer to home,” she said.
It serendipitously led to that show, Evocation, being picked up by Belconnen Arts Centre as an inaugural exhibition for their August 2020 reopening.
Bradley said she has observed a “great resilience” amongst local artists and galleries in the face of the conditions.
“People are still writing good critiques, still making excellent work, it’s just venues are still shut,” she said.
“You just have to be agile and prepared.
“There are ways that difficulties can create opportunities for people and because we’re artists, that’s what we do.”
Having self-funded her 35-year career as an artist by working as a tertiary art educator, Bradley has empathy for artists at the start of their career who are navigating the current circumstances without her experience.
“If you’re a young person starting out, I think you could be quite discouraged,” she said. - Denholm Samaras
Emerging local ceramics artist Abbey Jamieson is producing some works from home while prioritising her mental health during lockdown.
Established local visual artist Julie Bradley has observed a “great resilience” amongst local artists and galleries in the face of the conditions presented by the lockdown.
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When two of our favourite things come together, art and plants, it’s hard not to get excited! Introducing Sow ‘n Sow X Jackie Anderson Pop Up Pots – a collection of foldable waterproof plant pots featuring abstract artwork by artist Jackie Anderson. These origami style pots which assemble with a quick pop are made from 100 per cent recycled post-industrial waste such as manufacturing offcuts and used consumer products that, if not recycled, would be sent to landfill. Available in three sizes and designed for directly planting your favourite indoor plants, growing herbs or sowing seeds, these pots are sure to add a burst of colour to your home. Available at sownsow.com.au Five lucky CW readers will win a Sow ‘n Sow X Jackie Anderson Pop Up Pot set of 3, valued at $39 each.
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To enter, visit canberraweekly.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find this competition and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Friday 1 October 2021 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.
Now showing
Nightbooks (PG)
In a Brooklyn apartment, young Alex Mosher (Winslow Fegley) is distraught that none of his friends have attended his horror-themed birthday party. In a rage, Alex trashes his room and swears to never write another scary story again. Absconding from his arguing parents, Alex heads for the apartment complex’s furnace to burn his collection of scary stories. On the way, however, Alex is bewitched into a neighbouring apartment belonging to the witch Natacha (Krysten Ritter).
Netflix’s horror slate weighs heavily into 1980s and 1990s nostalgia of the genre through Stranger Things, Fear Street, and The Final Girls. Nightbooks feels more organic due to the lead being a self-confessed horror fan; watching The Lost Boys, having its poster on the wall with its theme song playing throughout. Like Sebastian in The NeverEnding Story, Alex escapes his home life by running into a neverending scary storytelling session, lest he is killed by an unsatisfied witch. Krysten Ritter’s witch, and her apartment, have shades of Eva Green in Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, and when the adventure hits its stride in the third act, the makers of The Evil Dead do what they do best! Verdict: While containing all the makings of a classic, the movie nullifies its potential emotional heights, probably in an attempt to play to the widest possible audience as is the want these days, especially in streaming ‘cinema’. 3.5 stars. Nightbooks is streaming on Netflix. - Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net
Book talk This week, Michael Popple reviews three compelling historical fiction novels by Australian authors. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
Corporal Hitler’s Pistol by Tom Keneally
Vintage Books, $32.99 When a Great War veteran sees a news clip at the Kempsey cinema in 1933, it sets off a series of events that will shake the entire town. As a woman attempts to come to terms with her husband’s affair, a murder takes place, and the town’s gay piano player is implicated. But how did a Luger that previously belonged to the new Chancellor of Germany come to be the murder weapon?
Leading author Tom Keneally presents another distinctive novel that contains some powerful, character-driven stories that showcase life in historical rural Australia. It is a unique read that proves hard to put down.
The Widow’s Follower by Anna Weatherly
Self-Published, $20.00 Sydney, 1919. Five years after running away from her abusive husband, May has returned home to bury him. Uncertain about her future, May attempts to wrap up her business quickly. But an unwelcome inheritance soon brings trouble, as she finds herself targeted by members of Sydney’s underworld, who want the money that her husband stole from them.
This is an interesting second novel from Canberra author Anna Weatherly, who has created a great piece of historical crime fiction. The story flows smoothly and the descriptions beautifully evoke images of historical Sydney. An enjoyable read that is available from Canberra bookstores.
The Riviera House by Natasha Lester
Hachette, $32.99 As Paris is invaded by the Germans, Louvre employee Éliane Dufort finds herself caught up in the Nazi hierarchy’s insidious plot to obtain Europe’s art. Determined to make Hitler suffer, Éliane works with Rose Valland to record the stolen pieces. In the present, Remy Lang arrives in the French Riviera and discovers a catalogue of stolen artworks, which includes a painting that used to hang in her house.
Lester has produced a brilliant and intricate historical drama that is very addictive. Containing a moving, multi-generational tale of love, loss and an appreciation for art, this book is an exceptional read that comes highly recommended.
