Endangered now hangs at the Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan – within the Australian Institute of Botanic Science’s National Herbarium of New South Wales. The Herbarium houses more than 1.4 million plant specimens, ensuring our collection of preserved plant specimens is maintained for scientific purposes, including plant conservation and creating climate ready native plants.
When I created this piece I couldn’t have dreamt of it ending up at the Australian Botanic gardens let alone at the Plant Bank of Australia. I hope it continues to inspire us to carry on the fight to protect these vulnerable species.
The unveiling was attended by Denise Ora – CEO of Botanic Gardens of Sydney, Pr. Brett Summerell – Chief Scientist and Director of Science, Education, and Conservation, Peter Thomas, CEO of Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens, and of course, Gail Dilm – purchaser & donor of long-term supporter of Foundation & Friends.
Photo 1: Gail Dilm
Photo 2: Endangered
Photo 3: All of us admiring your artwork
Photo 4: Peter Thomas and Gail Dilm on the left, Denise Ora and Brett Summerell on the right
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My drawing focuses on Ningaloo marine park and 557 fish that inhabit this pristine biodiverse area of Australia. Illustrated within the circle, a symbol of the protection offered by a shoal of fish, I invite viewers to contemplate the human impact on the fragility of this World Heritage listed area.
The ocean has aways inspired me, the ability it has to change my mood, to calm me, to boost me, to awaken my emotions. When my son announced at 18 he and his girlfriend were off to Ningaloo and Exmouth I had this surge of excitement and a tinge of jealously. Ningaloo has always been on my bucket list a combination of the things that feed my soul, nature, remoteness, the ocean and whale sharks. About the same time as my sons news broke so did the Tim Winton special on Ningaloo, if you haven’t seen it please do, it had me mesmerised.. the richness of Exmouth is something to behold. The importance of the region started my research, I wanted to draw it all I wanted everyone to experience it through my art but it was too rich and too vast for one drawing so I decided on fish. What fish, of course we all associate whale sharks but what else needs Ningaloo, well through my research I found 558 fish that are native, endemic or introduced to Ningaloo. Each one of these has the own relationship with the 300km of fringing coral reef.
Ningaloo has managed to remain relatively untouched from humans, largely due to its location, some 1200km from Perth, but slowly tourism is increasing, there is more rubbish left around, the use of sunscreens, night torches can slowly damage the reef, over fishing as well as the big guys like Woodside, K+S Salt and GGL who are all a threat to this world heritage listed area.
This fragile place hold such significant value to the environment, why would any one put this area at risk…..we must protect Ningaloo.
We are a group of South Australian female artists who call ourselves the “Friday Fridas”.
We are Cathy Gray, Elisabeth Howlett , Greta Laundy, Sarah McDonald, Romany Mollison, Minnie Taylor and Sonya Unwin.
Sarah McDonald Artist what can you say to know Sarah’s work is to love it, her textured trees and landscapes are instantly recognisable, layers of oils and use of palette knives brings her love of trees and nature off the canvas Romany Mollison Romany paintings absorb you, they take you on a journey to a place that is home, her moody landscapes are a beautiful place to land, Sonya Unwin has the ability to capture landscapes with a sense of atmosphere and light yet with a distinct whimsical play about them and Elisabeth Howlett, Artist botanical work is well recognised by her thick and determined brush stokes, filling the canvas with generous amounts of oil paint to create stunning native flora pieces. Over the last 5 years we have formed a strong friendship group and support network based around our art. We catch up regularly, swapping ideas, inspire, support and advocate for each other. This year for Sala we are exhibiting together at Art Images on the Parade SALA – Friday Fridas. I can’t begin to tell you how amazing this exhibition will be. Friday the 4th August is opening night and we would love to see you there.
Opening Friday 4 August 6-8pm Exhibition on until 3 September
Since 1999, Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens has held an annual botanic art exhibition at the Sydney Gardens. For many of you it has become an annual pilgrimage to enjoy the works and ambience of the Gardens.
The exhibition, Botanica, showcases the truly exceptional and internationally recognised work of Australian botanical artists. At the same time we endeavour to introduce new and emerging artists.
Traditional botanic art is European, usually in watercolour and must be scientifically accurate. This year we are looking at Botanica de Materia Medica – plants that heal – and welcoming both traditional and wider artistic interpretations of this theme and in a broader range of mediums. We hope it will prove to be an interesting experience for you.
Exhibition 29th July – 13th August. Botanica de Materia Medica. Royal Botanical Gardens NSW.
I recently visited the @jurlique farm in the Adelaide Hills. Inspired by their seed to skin ethos and their care of the land in which they grow their plants, I decided to look deeper into the plants grown here. I quickly realised, not only are the plants amazing for your skin in the beauty area, they also had deeper medicinal values. Each plant illustrated has been used over many decades in Chinese, Native American Indian and Australian Indigenous medicine. The importance of plants as medicine is often overlooked but as people now search for a more natural approach to wellness plants are again being seen as an important consideration in our health.
With a first prize of $20 000, the Lethbridge Art Award is open to national and international artists for small-scale artworks. Entrants may submit a 2D or 3D artwork up to 61cm (24 inches) in height, width, or depth.Judging is based on three equally evaluated criteria of creativity, originality, and skill.
Finalist – Transparent Perforation and silk
I am excited that Transparent is a finalist in the Lethbridge Small Art Award, this is the first time that I have entered a perforation piece in an art show and I am thrilled it has been so well received.
Transparent
The fragility of NSW endangered orchids. Through the use of perforations and silk, this artwork illustrates the fragility of these endangered plants and the importance of preserving them. The transparency of the artwork creates an almost invisible effect, drawing viewers into the piece and allowing them to experience the beauty and delicacy of the plants in a very personal way. The artwork encourages viewers to appreciate and recognize the importance of protecting these species from disappearing
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The Omnia Art Prize is one of Australia’s premier art awards and exhibitions for contemporary art
FINALIST – Endangered – LE Print
The Omnia Art Prize is an annual art competition open to established and emerging Australian contemporary artists.
Since its beginnings in 1971, the event has grown in significance and popularity to become one of Australia’s premier art awards and exhibitions.
Today, Omnia Art Prize attracts talented artists and large audiences who come to see the collection of over 200 artworks including paintings, drawings, photography and sculptures
Each year, a guest judge is invited to award the $15,000 major art prize. This year, Dr Victoria Lynn from TarraWarra Museum of Art will decide the 2023 major winner, while $1,000 will be gifted to the winner of the People’s Choice Prize, named after the event’s founder, Audrey Culliver.
All works selected are available for sale and exhibited in a beautiful gallery space at St Kevin’s College Toorak from 19 – 22 May 2023.
Artworks can be purchased in person or through the online gallery (coming soon). All proceeds go to support the charitable work of the St Kevin’s College Foundation.
Coming to Lion Gate Lodge in Autumn 2023, On the Edge will highlight Australian flora, fauna and habitats that are threatened by climate change, development, introduced species and other environmental issues. The exhibition will showcase a diversity of endangered and vulnerable Australian species and ecological communities. The artwork includes a wide variety of mediums such as painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, wood, and textiles. Each artwork will be accompanied by an artist’s statement outlining the threat the species or environment is facing.
During the two-week exhibition we host a number of artist led free demonstartions and paid exhibition tours, workshops, walks and talks. These events are a great opportunity to explore the exhibition, learn from the artists themselves and find out more about the environmental issues we are facing.
For this exhibition I worked on two new pieces
The Battle
This illustration of all NSW invasive plants and NSW at risk plants including all critically endangered and endangered plants is a powerful reminder of the battle between invasive flora and our endangered plants. The use of a .05 pen for the invasive plants and a 03 pen for the at risk plants, along with the eraser to pull the ink, is a way to draw attention to the risk of our endangered plants disappearing. It’s an important piece that serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect our vulnerable and endangered species
Transparent
The fragility of NSW endangered orchids. Through the use of perforations and silk, this artwork illustrates the fragility of these endangered plants and the importance of preserving them. The transparency of the artwork creates an almost invisible effect, drawing viewers into the piece and allowing them to experience the beauty and delicacy of the plants in a very personal way. The artwork encourages viewers to appreciate and recognize the importance of protecting these species from disappearing.
Endangered
Endangered as seen at The Waterhouse is making a special appearance at this exhibition. This will be the third state this piece has travelled to and will be the last as it has now sold to a collector in NSW.
The relationship between the arts and the natural world has never been more crucial, to not only bring awareness to the fragility of our endangered species but to ensure legacy to those lost in our lifetime.
“This drawing illustrates the plight of Australia’s endemic plants focussing on the 758 “critically endangered “ and “Endangered” species. Meticulously drawn within the mandala (cycle of life). The recording of ‘at-risk’ species highlights the actuality of permanent loss within our lifetime and equally, the potential to pivot by effectuating change.
The Advertiser named me as one of the 21 prominent South Australians to watch this week, for my work as an artist.
“These prominent South Australia figures are leaving strong footprints in their industry, and are well on their way to becoming household names.” Wow what a way to start the week. I feel the snow ball effect. This comes off the back of my award winning piece illustrating the 758 critically endangered and endangered plant species we have in Australia.
These prominent South Australia figures are leaving strong footprints in their industry, and are well on their way to becoming household names.
From the next Kayla Itsines, photographer Ken Duncan, world-renowned artist Stephen Meakin, to a state basketballer carrying her family’s sport legacy.
Some are shaping the business and legal industry in our state, or heading for global domination in the music scene, while others are racing their way to world championships. Here’s the full list of 21 people that you need to keep your eyes hooked on this year.
7. Cathy Gray
Visual artist
Award-winner Cathy Gray is well on her way to becoming an internationally recognised artist for her intricately detailed mandala art pieces, comparable to the works of world-renowned artist Stephen Meakin.
Visual ink artist Cathy Gray. Picture: Supplied
Cathy takes up to 300 hours to hand-draw each piece with archival ink – ink designed to resist weathering and fading – resulting in a captivating blend of nature and art.
“My work highlights the plight of Australia’s endangered species, through exhibitions, art competitions and partnership with Fairhill Botanical Gardens,” the 55-year-oldsaid.
Passing on her artistic expertise, Cathy’s exciting art-based studio workshops located in Bridgewater are quickly becoming a must-do activity for those looking to combine wellness and creativity. She believes she has “created something special”.
Cathy, who won the 2022 Women in Innovations Awards for the Arts, is currently creating artwork for the 2023 Royal Botanical Gardens exhibition. And her latest artwork, exhibited at the SA Museum and National Archives of Australia, was awarded the People’s Choice Awards at the 2022 Waterhouse Natural science Art Prize.
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Oh my gosh this has been a long time coming. 2 years ago I sat down and started writing this book. I knew I wanted it to be a journal as well as an instructional mandala book. I wanted to create something that hadn’t been done before. Having wellness as part of it was always going to be important. Fast forward 2 years and copious edits its here. I really hope you enjoy it.
The Divine Mandala Journal So excited to now be able to offer limited pre release sales on my new book. Perfect Christmas present to yourself or a loved one. If you pre-order now, you will receive an Artline .02 pen to complete your journal. Delivery prior to Christmas
A journal designed just for you. A beautiful place to learn about the magic of the mandala and a way to integrate them into your daily life. My intention for this book was to not only write an instructional mandala book, but to give you the pages in between to draw, reflect and journal. My hope is that whilst finding the space and time to draw, you will experience the mindfulness needed to slow down and check in with yourself. The pages are full of resources to help you live a calm and present life.
THE DETAILS Size 20cm x 20cm Paper quality 94 leaves The inner pages are 140gsm Spiral Bound Hard Cover: Matt Soft Touch Laminated Printed in Adelaide
What’s inside? Instructional Mandala book + Journal 25 pages Journal wellness prompts 26 pages of motifs and mandalas 20 Grids + 3 free drawing pages 9 Daily journal reflection pages 7 Instructional pages Pages are numbered.
These Awards aim to showcase South Australia’s best female innovators, whether you are working within organisations as intrapreneurs or running your own show as entrepreneurs. Celebrating the achievements of women across all industries!
Annual Winnovation Awards recognise the South Australian women who are contributing to the state’s innovation economy by creating jobs, wealth and solutions to address some of the world’s biggest problems and creating positive change.
I knew early on that my work illustrating endangered plants was going to be important,seeing 758 of Australia’s critically endangered and endangered species in one piece, the magnitude has to have an impact on our heart and minds. The connection between the arts science and the environment has never been so important. The flow on effect from this piece has been significant with a purpose driven partnership I now have with fairhill botanical gardens to create a endangered seed bank with the sole purpose of propagating and planting these plants back to their place of origin. I will continue to highlight the plight of our endangered species in my next body of work to be shown at the NSW Botanical Gardens in March 2023.
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