More Voidscape works in progress.
Transparency of image interaction.
After making a short film with soundscape earlier in the year, I am now looking to translate a couple stills into paintings. Documentation of process.
I feel a process is emerging.
The first small study concentrated on blocking in areas with charcole in a loose way, underpainting in complementaries then final layer with body added to the paint.
To translate a work into a larger format, I found the muscle memory of the composition stronger.
“This work is taken from 2023, a day painting at Katrine, outside Toodyay, WA. Behind the farm stay a hill of golden wheat was being harvested over the days, imprinting the landscape with lines. A November sun blurred the vision by day but at dusk the mauves combined with a softer yellow. I wanted to work in a freer fashion after again working with stencils on the project before. This work focused on colour, line and texture as I tried a new paint thickener.
As summer melts into autumn, I am back in the studio.
Last summer I spent many hours in the shade of a cape lilac tree watching a harvester mark a field while staying at Katrine, near Toodyay. As the shadows lengthened in the golden hour, I watched as the harvester lines and hillside changed into a painting in my mind.
In this first study, charcoal defined the composition before underpainting in purple and gold. Juicier paint applied for final layer.
Study is a very small work which will be translated into a larger canvas with more space for the eye to get lost in.
Since July I have been meeting with a bunch of Albany Senior High School students to mentor them through a creative process. What a blast!
In the recognitation that the Arts when added to STEM (science, techology, enginerring and maths) educational subjects, expands understanding through creativity, the students have directed the development of the project from conception through to the resulting exhibition.
We had our moments of quiet and moments of inspiring interaction. In the end they really pushed through and came up with very insightful responses and collaborated to elevate ideas.
Change, a simple word.
Hidden within is the excitement, fear and growth that make up a lived experience of school. The participating students of this project, a collaboration between the Vancouver Arts Centre and Albany Senior High School, through mentorship, identified coping with change as a marker for good mental health.
The students set out to know the challenges and opportunities of the students that have attended Albany Senior High School over its long history. And to talk about their generation’s experiences.
“Oh my Days” is the resulting exhibition.
A huge thank you to Hon. Alannah MacTiernan and Rebecca Stephens for their support of the Art Lease Project.
The relationship started by a request to supply an work for their reception which ended up photo bombed the opening of the office!
Since 2021, I have had the pleasure of sourcing and installing 41 artworks over 6 collections in their shared office.
Some stats for you:
22 different local artists have supplied artworks
Through sale of artworks $3472 have been paid directly to artists
$868 from the 20% sales commission have supported Albany Roller Derby League and Kinjarling Marsupial Rescue
Our agreement has come to an end and I am very thankful for the opportunity and support provided by all staff.
Very proud of what has been achieved.
Best wishes for the future!
As the year comes to an end I want to thank all of the artists who support this project. You are a passionate, professional and supportive bunch who I enjoy working with.
Just like an apple a day, art makes our lives better!
“From early 2022, the concept for a lively urban community arts project developed, with local artists Nat Rad and Renee Tan working with Karen community members to develop an artwork suitable for a mural. It proved to be a successful grassroots project, with Renee and Nat holding workshops for the development of the mural concept, and mural artist, Chad Marwick, translating the design into a painting for the wall, which will soon be launched at 348 Middleton Loop as part of this year’s Art and Craft Trail.” Southerly Magarzine Septmeber 2022
This has been an exciting and rewarding project!
Check out the completed mural in Middleton Loop, featured in the Southern Art & Craft Trail 2022
Thank you
https://www.flipsnack.com/southerlymag/september-2022.html
“The Junction Co. and Courthouse Gallery+Studio are excited to present The Jury Art Prize 2022 finalists. The curated art prize exhibition showcases 50 artworks from artists working across regional Western Australia, culminating in an exciting show of unique perspectives.”
My selected work “Subdual”, oil on linen is the second work exploring a site on Mount Clarence Albany.
Have a look at the other selected works.
Nat Rad Artist + Artsworker 