Paintings by Grenville James Montgomery.
May – 5 June 2012
"Grass Trees and Joey" by Grenville James Montgomery
Customs House Gallery presents another fine exhibition, this one bright and bold, giving the art space at Blarney Books & Art a wonderfully rich hue!
Art & Environment have always been the twin passions of Jim. As a child and later when working as a surveyor, Jim painted the birds of the bush and also the environment in which he lived. The places he called home and which provided the catalyst for his art were the Otways, the Central Desert, south west of Uluru, Arnhem Land, the Warrnambool coast, and the Grampians.
Jim embraces both the Western and Aboriginal culture in his painting practice and celebrates the developing harmony between bush loving Europeans and the Aboriginal custodians of the land. Jim has sold most of the paintings he has depicted of the Otways and the Desert regions and this current exhibition is the result of his years living in Port Fairy and visiting the Grampians.
Grass Tree by Grenville James Montgomery
Jim often encompasses with his fine art skills figurative elements within his landscape paintings.
Jim’s paintings grace the homes of many private collectors and his painting of the senior custodian of Pitjanjatjara country was purchased by the University of Western Australia and now hangs in their significant collection.
RESIDENT IN …
In conjunction with the Rural Summit 2012, Moyne Shire presents Resident In… an artist residency project reflecting Moyne Shire towns. The following towns are included: Yambuk, Peterborough, Port Fairy, Macarthur, Mortlake, Hawkesdale.
The Moyne Shire Arts and Culture Committee invite you to attend the exhibition launch of this project on
Wednesday, 18 April, 5.30pm
Blarney Books & Art, 37 James St, Port Fairy
To be opened by the Mayor, Cr Jim Doukas.
All Welcome! Come along and meet the artists – Phil Cousins, Catherine Bailey, Trevor Flinn, Sue Ferrari, Chelsey Reis, Ben Fennessy and James Pevitt – and enjoy a canapé (put on by the wonderful Culinary Spice Addictions).
This exhibition runs until the end of April. Blarney Books & Art is open at the moment Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun 11-4. If these hours do not suit and you really want to see this exhibition, please call the shop and we can make an appointment time for you.
Detail of a work by Ben Fennessy
Justin (middle) and Phillip (right)
Whilst it was a relatively quiet launch, it is a madly busy time of year and an awkward time for a launch. The exhibition continues through December and January, though, so everyone has a chance to get to it over the summer holiday season. The works are chalk & cheese, no doubt about it. Justin’s works are large, bold, angular, colourful and striking. Phillip’s works are small, subtle, sketchy and his colour palate is soft, muted – but this by no means reduces their impact. Both parts of the exhibition have a lot going on, and you need to take your time exploring the themes and references that Justin and Phil work towards.
Ah, now, these are beautiful. Vaughan Brown, the man behind Driftwood Designs, is a skilled furniture maker, and an artist, and he combines these talents to make spectacular pieces of furniture! The designs are made from materials collected from the local coastal beaches of Portland, Victoria (just down the beach a bit from Port Fairy). Materials include driftwood, shells, different coloured sands, ropes and any other found beached treasures. Each artwork is absolutely unique in its design and appearance, using strictly salvaged materials, where no two pieces are the same shape, colour and design, and therefore each has its own personality and character. Pieces available at Blarney Books & Art include coffee tables, a side table and a lantern.
Detail from a Driftwood Design
Coffee Table by Driftwood Designs
