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Christine Brassington
Artist Statement
My art practice continues to be guided by the belief that art is to be enjoyed; it might also evoke a feeling or memory, or tell a story or make a statement. I hope it also helps us see the beauty in the everyday. I continue to move between the minimalist style of oriental brush painting called xie yi (literally “to write a feeling”); graphite for intimately detailed portraiture of people; coloured pencils for whimsical, nostalgic portrayals of pets; acrylics for everything from stylised, bold interpretations of flora, to more subtle, symbolic personal reflections on places visited; and printmaking for its physicality and meditativeness. Currently I’m also exploring artist’s books with an oriental flavour. Having several works in progress at once allows me time to think (or not think) about a particular piece – but this can get out of hand! This year’s pieces are in the oriental xie yi style.
Biography
Since finding my way onto the artist’s path, my professional development has included workshops with various tutors, some of which were made possible through grants, plus attendance at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou. Over the years I have held numerous solo exhibitions in Queensland, and participated in group and invited exhibitions in Queensland and interstate. Heeding the mantra “to teach is to learn twice”, I have conducted workshops for children and adults in oriental brush painting and calligraphy, held fun sessions for children, and been an Artist on Tour with Flying Arts. I have completed a number of public artwork commissions in Toowoomba. My farm upbringing in the Lockyer has engendered a strong sense of tradition, family and heritage, as well as a connection with the land and nature.
Influences
Qi Bai Shi (1863 – 1957), an artist I “met” while studying at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, especially in his eighties and nineties, seemed to paint only to express - and please – himself: less constrained by conventions and expectations, the simplicity of his later paintings shows that he had once again liberated the freedom of expression we all have as children, before we learn the rules…
Awards
Regional Arts Development Fund Grants, 2022 (printmaking, Christine Porter); 2008 (traditional & contemporary watercolours, Tony Smibert, Tasmania); 2007 (drawing, James Taylor, McGregor Summer School) The University of Queensland Postgraduate Research Scholarship, 1990–93 Australian Award for Research in Asia (post-graduate), 1991 Greater Toowoomba Postcard Competition (selected for limited editions), 2007,8; People’s Choice Award, Myart Spring Exhibition, Toowoomba, 2006; prizes for Watercolours & Acrylics, regional art shows
Exhibitions
I have held numerous solo exhibitions in Queensland, and participated in group and invited exhibitions in Queensland and interstate. SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS Lockyer Lives: multiple media; Lockyer Regional Art Gallery, Gatton 2021 With a Chinese Brush: Gympie Regional Gallery, 2014, Don Roderick Gallery Charters Towers, 2012 Ten Days in Tokyo: Lino Block Prints; The Wall, Flying Arts Inc, & Incub8r, Brisbane, 2013; Myart Gallery, Toowoomba, 2007 A Visit to Zhu Family Corner: Chinese Brush; Murray’s Art and Framing, Toowoomba, 2011 Hangzhou Impressions: Chinese Brush; Regional Art Gallery, Toowoomba, 2010 A Meditation on the Oriental: Chinese Brush, Acrylics, Lino Block Prints; Lockyer Valley Regional Gallery, Gatton, 2010 Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk: Acrylics, Gouache; Myart Gallery, Toowoomba, 2008 Were You There?: Acrylics; Myart Gallery, Toowoomba, 2007 Elusive Egypt: A Memoir: Acrylics, Silk Screen Prints on Fabric, Clay; Myart Gallery, Toowoomba, 2006 Say It With Flowers: Acrylics; Myart Gallery, Toowoomba, 2006 Of Oriental Origin: Acrylics, Photography; Myart Gallery, Toowoomba, 2005 Floral Follies: Acrylics; St Luke’s Anglican Church, Toowoomba, 2005 Eclectic: Chinese Brush, Watercolours, Acrylics; Myart Gallery, Toowoomba, 2005 SELECTED GROUP AND INVITED EXHIBITIONS Contemporary Art Society of Victoria, Melbourne, A4 Art Australia Exhibition, 2020-23; Brooch Exhibition 2022 Toowoomba Grammar School, 2013- 2025 (by invitation) Downlands College, Toowoomba, 2005-present (by invitation, curated by Evan Hollis) St Vincent’s Hospital, Toowoomba, Autumn Exhibition 2016 (by application, Curated by Maryika Welter) & permanent exhibition until 2020 Queensland Regional Art Awards 2017 – selected to tour ACTmba, Toowoomba: ImpACT, 2012; CompACT, 2015; Symbolic Self, 2017 Tosari Galleries, Toowoomba, 2011; Pepperina Gallery, Nobby, 2009 (by invitation, curated by Peter Dobe) Schools: Flagstone Creek State School, 2011 (by invitation); Toowoomba West Special School, 2010; Nyanda High School, Brisbane, 2008 (by invitation); Good News Lutheran School, Middle Park, Brisbane, 2006,7,8 (by invitation); Toowoomba Hospital Children’s Appeal & Middle Ridge State School, 2005,6,7
