My art practice follows several themes ranging from the minimalist xie yi style of oriental brush painting, to the intimately detailed portraiture of people using graphite; between these two apparent extremes, I find the whimsical nature of coloured pencils irresistible for characterful portrayal of animals and places; the versatility of acrylics well suited to everything from stylised, bold inter…
My art practice follows several themes ranging from the minimalist xie yi style of oriental brush painting, to the intimately detailed portraiture of people using graphite; between these two apparent extremes, I find the whimsical nature of coloured pencils irresistible for characterful portrayal of animals and places; the versatility of acrylics well suited to everything from stylised, bold inter…
My art practice follows several themes ranging from the minimalist xie yi style of oriental brush painting, to the intimately detailed portraiture of people using graphite; between these two apparent extremes, I find the whimsical nature of coloured pencils irresistible for characterful portrayal of animals and places; the versatility of acrylics well suited to everything from stylised, bold interpretations of flora, to more subtle, symbolic personal reflections on places visited; and the physicality and meditative nature of printmaking ideal as another dimension through which these personal reflections can be interpreted, while often incorporating a strong design element. 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. This year I’m again drawn to nature and oriental art. The paper I use is made by hand, and therefore has natural imperfections that give it an authenticity no machine could match.
My farm upbringing in the Lockyer has imbued in me a strong sense of tradition, family and heritage, as well as a connection with the land and nature. As a child I loved all things creative and art was my best subject at school. 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 …
My farm upbringing in the Lockyer has imbued in me a strong sense of tradition, family and heritage, as well as a connection with the land and nature. As a child I loved all things creative and art was my best subject at school. 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 …
My farm upbringing in the Lockyer has imbued in me a strong sense of tradition, family and heritage, as well as a connection with the land and nature. As a child I loved all things creative and art was my best subject at school. 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. This quote from Jan McNeill (Australian Artist, April 2004), still resonates: “Pursuing beauty restores me. It quietens my soul. It returns to me a sense of gentleness and grace. Pursuing beauty lifts my spirit and takes me to a place where I can more easily see the good around me.”
Qi Bai Shi (1863 – 1957), an artist I “met” while studying at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, painted well into his 80s and 90s. No longer self conscious, Bai Shi, in his later life, painted only to express - and please – himself; less constrained by conventions and expectations, the simplicity of his paintings shows that he had once again liberated the freedom of expression we all have as …
Qi Bai Shi (1863 – 1957), an artist I “met” while studying at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, painted well into his 80s and 90s. No longer self conscious, Bai Shi, in his later life, painted only to express - and please – himself; less constrained by conventions and expectations, the simplicity of his paintings shows that he had once again liberated the freedom of expression we all have as …
Qi Bai Shi (1863 – 1957), an artist I “met” while studying at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, painted well into his 80s and 90s. No longer self conscious, Bai Shi, in his later life, painted only to express - and please – himself; less constrained by conventions and expectations, the simplicity of his paintings shows that he had once again liberated the freedom of expression we all have as children, before we learn the rules…
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…
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…
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
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, & I…
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, & I…
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-present (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
www.christinebrassington@bigpond.com
