The birth of Straight snake and Edna …

I must admit I was quite partial to ‘Edna’ as a title chosen for one of beasties sculptured in one of the 5 recent air drying clay workshops focusing on native animals that I have run for.  Another favourite was ‘Straight snake’. So I witnessed 7 year olds sculpt like there was no tomorrow and kids coming to workshops all prepped with what they wanted to make. There was certainly no shortage of kids with big ideas and kids being up for the challenge creating the likes of an eastern quoll or scorpion. It was also great just to hear the discussions of kids whilst they created – interesting topics were on the agenda. I loved the discussion stemming from one talking about pedicures to the group opening up about their thoughts on gender equality … ‘it’s ok if boys want pedicures … there’s no problem with that’. I was but a mere adult listening to some idealistic and empathetic minds of some gorgeous kids. I hope I was able to pass on some skills to them and encourage them with some enthusiasm for creating.  I was lucky as a kid myself to go to pottery group and I feel that with a bit of encouragement and skill building, you can give a kid much confidence to continue on.

It was also good to pop into Cowra Regional Art Gallery, the location of the last couple of workshops, catch the good staff and see some visitors pass through my exhibition there.  There’s still time to explore my exhibition and The Wilkins Collection, A Survey that showcases some figurative and landscape works acquired from year 12 ARTEXPRESS students also in Cowra Regional Art Gallery.  This and Wild are on now and run for just over a week – closing on 24 April.  Then the national Calleen Art Award is on at Cowra Regional Art Gallery and I am chuffed to say that one of my works, ‘Sharon Riley II’ has been chosen as a finalist.