By Shelley McKenzie
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Remembering a special book my children enjoyed when they were young called 'The Kinder Hat' and the importance of a sun smart approach to Summer and the fun of wearing whatever you like over 60."
BIO
Shelley McKenzie studied Art and Art Therapy. Her practice is underpinned by the therapeutic benefits of the process of making art and it’s capacity to mobilise the entire being. From the rhythmic, tactile, sensual act of using materials to the manifestation of images, symbols and emotions, art making can unlock information that renders words superfluous. Indeed it is a kind of medicine for the soul.
Her work focuses on her home and the natural environment. Objects, real and imagined are organised on the space of the canvas, integrating form, pattern, texture and shadow. The work is a holding place for the seen, physical environment and emotional geography. Colour is used in a celebratory way through the layered push and pull of paint, ink, markers and oil sticks.
She has recently moved to the coast and is beginning to explore the expansive sky and water juxtaposed with the built suburban environment.
Her work is represented in private and public collections.