CreatorPam TippettTitleOnions in enamel bowlDate2010MediumOil on Belgian Linen on panelDimensionsH. 32cm W. 32cmArtist StatementFor three and a half years I was privileged to study at Studio Simi in Florence, Italy. My elderly teacher, Signorina Nerina Simi, was inspirational with more than 60 years of teaching traditional drawing and painting techniques. Ultimately her teaching was about seeing - form, tone and colour. Though the main areas of study were the human figure and portraiture, there was a small studio dedicated to still life where we were encouraged to explore the different shapes, colours and textures of objects that didn't move, taking as long as we needed.
Since I have been painting full time, the still life genre has been the major part of my work. There are a number of benefits that come from working in this way. Although it is exacting I find my work quite meditative and peaceful and I enjoy my time at the easel. Luckily the part of the brain which is involved in painting doesn't interfere with listening to Radio National or talking books. I might not remember what I've been listening to but it helps me to feel informed and connected to the wider world. Another great thing about still life painting is that there is never a shortage of subject matter. There are literally millions of things to paint and even with a limited number of objects there are countless compositional configurations. Another good thing about painting still lifes is that when I'm out and about I can buy objects that interest me without any guilt as I will eventually paint them. Consequently I have a lot of stuff!
When I'm thinking about subject matter, I paint whatever takes my fancy. There is always something that appeals to me - colour, texture, sometimes gorgeous sheen or reflections. I tend to paint a few of each thing that has caught my attention so there have been series of jugs, purses, shells, fruit and so on. As well as the elements mentioned above, the subjects of my paintings often possess a personal history or evidence of the passage of time and even domestic history. On a trip to Morocco I found myself searching out old ceramic inkwells, chipped and stained, in several permutations, with a patina of age or use - all probably now redundant. In any case, because the process of my still life painting is slow, my subject matter must be interesting or challenging enough to hold my attention for the duration of the painting.
Winning the EMSLA was for me a very welcome validation of my work and all that time spent at the easel. A prize like this one set up by Dr Mal Eutick is of great value to artists who work in this often under-appreciated genre, encouraging them to continue working in this area as well as being of great value to Coffs Harbour, adding much to the cultural life of this regional town.Accession Number106.2017Access AdviceFor research purposes only. No reproduction without permission of Yarrila Arts and Museum.
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Description
Still life painting of onions in a bowl, oil on Belgian Linen on panel.
