By Kir Larwill
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Meanings, memories, days (and people) passed, are, for me, held in objects.
My paintings are generally object-based. Whilst they have incorporated abstraction, exploring the interplay of what’s observed, and what’s felt or imagined, they rely on the familiar and the recognisable, and the metaphorical and emotional power of the everyday. A little jug, a wonky cup, a toast rack.
'These Days', is a departure. The object has slipped away, and the colour, layers, brush marks and unexpected shapes have stayed put. Making the work has been ‘nerve-rackingly pleasurable’ (words my aunt once used to describe the experience of wood firing). This has made me feel a little rudderless. But these have been lovely January days in my studio.
Samantha Bews’ poems have been a welcome anchor, her words intelligent and deeply, honestly felt. The paintings I am showing took shape with her words in mind."
BIO
“My practice includes drawing, painting and printmaking.
I’ve been exhibiting for 20 years, after changing direction in life via a Visual Arts Diploma. My work is held in public and private collections, and I have been a finalist in prizes including Waverley Art Prize 2023, Tacit Contemporary Still Life Prize 2023, Banyule Works on Paper 2021, Castlemaine Art Museum Experimental print Prize 2021 and 2023, Mildura Trienniale Print Prize exhibition, Inkmasters 4th biennial print exhibition, and Swan Hill Print & Drawing Acquisitive Awards.
I’ve been part of founding Castlemaine Press in 2014, a community access printmaking studio, and chaired the committee for 7 years, and am co-founder of Artpuff, a showing and making space in Castlemaine.”