AWE
NATURE FESTIVAL SA 2024
Heidi Karo
These works were painted in the wild and beautiful South Coast of Kangaroo Island.
Healing.
Nature.
Just being.
I have captured the colours through my connection, in the moment.
Settling in place.
Stillness.
Listen, watch.
Truth.
Feeling.
Being.
Dunes. River. Ocean, Eleanor River, Acrylic on Canvas, 91 x 61cm, Heidi Karo, $580
Sunset, Hariet River, Acrylic on Canvas, 59 x 59cm, Heidi Karo, $380
Samphire. Grey Trees, Murray Lagoon, Acrylic on Canvas, 59 x 59cm, Heidi Karo, $380
Leaf Litter, Vivonne Bay, Acrylic on Canvas, 59 x 59cm, Heidi Karo, $380
Water. Sand. Sky, Vivonne Bay, Acrylic on Canvas, 60 x 75.5cm, Heidi Karo, $480
A Small Art Factory
These birds with Australian Flora are inspired by the awe of the sounds and visual splendour we are surrounded with in our backyards. I write this while sitting on my verandah listening to the birdsong of so many different species while they flit around doing their morning business.
Bottlebrush and Finch, Mild Steel,
34 x34cm, Anna Small $150 SOLD
( can be ordered)
Banksia and Wren, Mild Steel, 34 x 34cm, Anna Small $150
Grevillea and Spinebill, Mild Steel, 34 x 20cm, Anna Small $120 SOLD (can be ordered)
Correa and Wattlebird, Mild Steel, 30 x 20cm, Anna Small, $120
Wattle and bird, Mild Steel, 34 x34cm, Anna Small, $150
BERNADETTE WOODWARD
Awe and a sense of wonder can be found in the everyday. Painting gives me the opportunity to slow my looking and properly observe the wonders before me.
Children exploring, a mother and babe, gifts from my garden, light catching on the ordinary, making it extraordinary. All inspire and bring me a sense of gratitude.
Blue Vase, Oil on Canvas, 41 x 51cm, Bernadette Woodward, $420
Follow Me, Oil on Canvas, 76 x 61cm, Bernadette Woodward, $690
Explorer, Oil on Canvas, 25 x 30cm, Bernadette Woodward, $270
Mother, Oil on Canvas, 61 x 61cm, Bernadette Woodward, $480
Late Afternoon Light, Oil on Canvas, 25 x 25cm, Bernadette Woodward, $260
Spring Blossom, Oil on Canvas, 30 x 30cm, Bernadette Woodward, $290
Leuca, Oil on Canvas, 30 x 40cm, Bernadette Woodward, $380
Julie schofield
Forever seeking to depict the peace, tranquillity and wonder of the natural world.
Ushering in a vibrancy to tones and colours with complementary colours and value contrast.
Additionally, KI glossy black cockatoos have been calling me for years to paint them and here they are…. finally!
Shanti, Acrylic on Canvas, 95 x 65cm, Julie Schofield, $2600
Glossy Trio, Acrylic on Canvas, Framed, 65 x 95cm, Julie Schofield, $2600
Mr Mac, Acrylic on Canvas, 40 x 30cm, Julie Shofield, $600
Moana Daze, Acrylic on Canvas, 46 x 91cm, Julie Schofield, $2000
Paula josling
The delicate pattern of a butterfly's wings recently emerging, the flutter of moths in the evening breeze, and memories of places seen, evoke awe and appreciation for nature.
This blending of past and present moments highlights nature's timeless beauty inspiring a deep connection to the intricate and enduring wonders of the natural world.
Moon Flight, Encaustic, 20 x 20cm, Paula Josling, $175
Pocket Landscape No.9, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Pocket Landscape No.2, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Pocket Landscape No.11, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Moth in the Evening, Encaustic, 20 x 20cm, Paula Josling, $175
Pocket Landscape No.6, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Recently Emerging, Encaustic, 30 x 30cm, Paula Josling, $250
Pocket Landscape No.7, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Aristotle Said, Encaustic, 30 x 30cm, Paula Josling, $250
Pocket Landscape No.8, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Pocket Landscape No.3, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Pocket Landscape No.1, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Pocket Landscape No.12, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Clouded Sky, Encaustic, 30 x 30cm, Paula Josling, $250
Calm of Morning, Encaustic, 46 x 46cm, Paula Josling, $400
Pocket Landscape No.4, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Pocket Landscape No.11, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Pocket Landscape No.5, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Pocket Landscape No.10, Encaustic, 13 x 13cm, Paula Josling, $100
Flying High, Encaustic, 20 x 25cm, Paula Josling, $175
tracey wegener
I love wandering amongst the trees, along a river bank, breathing fresh air and foraging the most perfect flora to use to create cyanotypes. This time reconnects me with nature. A slow and intentional part of my art process that embraces simplicity, savors the present and finds peace admist the chaos of our very busy lives.
These indigo sun prints are truly a touch of magic and each one reveals a world of intricate detail, within the deep contrasting shadows. Botanical art work brings forth feelings of peace and calm in your home. These pieces evoke wonder, connection and harmony with natures rhythms as well as new beginnings and growth.
Dandelion Wishes, Cyanotype, 37 x 29.5cm, Tracey Wegener, $140
Dancing Gum, Cyanotype, 37 x 29.5cm, Tracey Wegener, $140
Spring Splendour, Cyanotype, 37 x 29.5cm, Tracey Wegener, $140
Picnic Under The Maple, Cyanotype, 37 x 29.5cm, Tracey Wegener, $140
Summer Flowers, Cyanotype, 37 x 29.5cm, Tracey Wegener, $140
Romina Ienco
My work is about the beauty that is within and around us and hope, hope found in beauty.
As Kandinsky used to say “The job of the artist is to shine a light on the human heart” and I seek to
do that through different brush strokes and different styles.
I feel in these challenging times we need beauty; we need hope and most of all,
We need love.
Guinea Pig 2, 40 x 40cm, Romina Ienco, $150
Sunny Vibes, Acrylic on Canvas, Romina Ienco, $660
Bee Still Small, Acrylic on Canvas, Romina Ienco, $690
Ciccio Bombo, 40 x 40cm, Romina Ienco, $150
Mandy Walker
Oyster Plate 2 w/ 6 Spoons, Clay, 23 x 23 x 6cm, Mandy Walker, $160
Fishy Plate 1 w/ Mussel Spoons, 28 x 22 x 5cm, Mandy Walker, $150
Abalone Plate w/ Pottery Shells, 31 x 31cm, Mandy Walker, $220
Fishy Plate 3 w/ Mussel Spoons, 24 x 19 x 5, Mandy Walker , $120
Oyster Plate 1 w/ Oyster Spoons, 27 x 23 x 5, Mandy Walker $160
Fishy Plate 2 w/ Mussel Spoons, 28 x 22 x 5cm, Mandy Walker, $150
Alex Linden
Like looking up at the night sky, I feel humbled and awed when standing at the oceans edge, reminded of my smallness and brevity, motivated to make good on the blip of existence I’m gifted, grateful to be an infinitesimal part of this universe, curious about the ecosystems hidden from sight.
The creatures I’ve chosen to depict in this Sealife Series include a detailed, head and tails snapshot of our local, Fleurieu Peninsula catch, and a wildly flamboyant octopus, one of our evolutions great enigmas, and a creature I’ve become increasingly fascinated with the more time I take to look.
The Wave Series was inspired by a book I recently came across of the works of Japanese artist Hokusai, including his beautiful woodblock prints of wild oceans and crashing waves. My intention was to give a sense of the movement and power of the seas in these small, dramatic scenes.
Cephalapod in the Deep, Ceramic Etching, 32 x 32 x 2.5cm, Alex Linden, $650
Curling Wave, Ceramic Etching, 35 x 17 x 2cm, Alex Linden, $450
Tommy Rough, Ceramic Etching, 9.5 x 9.5 x .5cm, Alex Linden, $140
Tempest at Sea , Ceramic Etching, 35 x 18 x 2cm, Alex Linden, $450
King George Whiting, Ceramic Etching, 9.5 x 9.5 x .5cm, Alex Linden, $140
Garfish, Ceramic Etching, 9.5 x 9.5 x .5cm, Alex Linden, $140
Wave 1, Ceramic Etching, 9.5 x 9.5 x .5cm, Alex Linden, $140
Wave 2, Ceramic Etching, 9.5 x 9.5 x .5cm, Alex Linden, $140
Wave 3, Ceramic Etching, 9.5 x 9.5 x .5cm, Alex Linden, $140
Wave 4, Ceramic Etching, 9.5 x 9.5 x .5cm, Alex Linden, $140
Wave 5, Ceramic Etching, 9.5 x 9.5 x .5cm, Alex Linden, $140
Wave 6, Ceramic Etching, 9.5 x 9.5 x .5cm, Alex Linden, $140
Emma Fält
Emma is a local artist based in Sellicks Beach, whose work is inspired by nature's quiet strength.
Her continuous work on her "Wildflowers" series reflects resilience and growth, using delicate tissue paper to reveal the layers beneath, much like the layers of our own personal stories.
This depth invites viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty of what lies beneath the surface. Emma’s art encourages finding awe in the often-overlooked details of life, fostering a sense of connection and introspection.
Wayfinder, Mixed Media on Canvas, 123 x 123cm, Emma Falt, $2700
Love Is Always the Answer, Mixed Media on Canvas, 30 x 30cm, Emma Falt, $295 SOLD
Wander Within, Mixed Media on Canvas, 30 x 30cm, Emma Falt, $295 SOLD
Lost and Found, Mixed Media on canvas, 30 x 30cm, Emma Falt, $295 SOLD
MILLIE NEARMY
Cirrus, Oil on Canvas, 20 x 20cm, Millie Nearmy, $135
Distance, Oil on Canvas, 20 x 20cm, Millie Nearmy, $135
Cumulus, Oil on Canvas, 20 x 20cm, Millie Nearmy, $135
Caroline Johnson
Caroline often paints from direct observation of instances of awe that punctuate her life with timeless magical moments. In fact, her paintings are all about awe for nature and how awe can provoke the love, respect and protection of natural systems. Related to the experience of the sublime, awe can make us feel smaller, humbler and insignificant in the face of nature. Caroline believes this is a healthy place for us to be.
Her painting reflect the fleeting moments when the unexpected catches her eye and lifts her out of the everyday. These things, like gifts from nature, bring emotions she has no words for…. only paintings. It might be the early sun sparkling on her home-grown vegetables as she washes them in the sink, or the first glimpse of a distant mountain she will climb, brushed with blue.
Under Mount Lofty: Afternoon Light, Oil on Canvas, 390 x 335cm, Caroline Johnson, $395
The Way to Parachilna Gorge, Oil on Marine Ply, 360 x 300cm, Caroline Johnson, $350
Bleached by Drought Patawarta, Oil on Board, 270 x 230cm, Caroline Johnson, $260
Beyond Oratunga Parachilna Gorge, Oil on Board, 270 x 230cm, Caroline Johnson, $260
Under Mount Lofty: Evening Clouds, Oil on Canvas, 335 x 390cm, Caroline Johnson, $295
Under Mount Lofty: A Mylor Beach, Oil on Canvas, 335 x 390cm, Caroline Johnson, $395
Leaves on the Horizon, Oil on Acrylic on Marine Ply, 335 x 270cm, Caroline Johnson, NFS
Elm Ginko Conversation, Oil on Acrylic on Marine Ply, 270 x 335cm, Caroline Johnson, $800
Rinsed Fresh Tuscan Kale, Oil on Acrylic on Marine Ply, 270 x 335cm, Caroline Johnson, $250
Summer Reflections, Oil on Acrylic on Marine Ply, 270 x 230cm, Caroline Johnson, $210
Garden Horizons, Oil on Acrylic on Marine Ply, 270 x 230cm, Caroline Johnson, $210
Autumn Horizons, Oil on Acrylic on Marine Ply, 270 x 230cm, Caroline Johnson, $350
DONNA CHESS
In Awe of Native Orchids-
Two years ago I saw an episode on Gardening Australia that was filmed at a nearby regenerated property at Prospect Hill. Having only recently discovered the charm of our local native orchids, my ears perked up when I heard the owner, Renate Faast, mention that there were about 30 species of native orchids growing around their property at different times of the year.
I contacted Renate and, her and her husband were happy for me to spend some time sketching and photographing the spring orchids dotted around the stringy bark forest on their property. What a beautiful, enchanting place that they care for! I was able to spend time (often laying on the ground) doing studies of King Spider Orchids, Nodding Greenhoods, Purple Cockatoo Orchids and a number of other orchids and tiny native spring flowers. This series of local, native orchid art originated from those sketches and photos.
Renate, an ecologist who studied the amazing pollination cycle of some of these orchids, wrote the words that make up the backround of the etching ‘The Orchid Orchestra.’
The Dancer, Watercolour and Embossing, Donna Chess, $320
The Conductor, Watercolour and Embossing, Donna Chess, $320
The Musician, Watercolour and Embossing, Donna Chess, $320
The Orchid Orchestra, Solarplate Etching, Donna Chess, $210
Bush Treasures, Giclee Print and Embossing, Donna Chess, $210 SOLD
Orchid Arpeggio, Solarplate Etching with Chine Colle, Donna Chess, $105
Orchid Ensemble, Solarplate Etching with Chine Colle, Donna Chess, $105
Orchid Encore, Solarplate Etching, Donna Chess, $95
Orchid Arabesque, Solarplate Etching, Donna Chess, $95
Georgina Barnett
Autumn, Acrylic and Mixed Media, Georgina Barnett, $900
Dulce, Acrylic and Mixed Media, Georgina Barnett, $650
Swapna Namboodiri
Environmental Artist Swapna Namboodiri upcycles found and discarded single use plastics to create assemblages, installations and sculptural artworks. Her art practice is inextricably intertwined with sustainability. Nature being her favorite subject, she try to embrace the beauty of organic textures and patterns around her and create a visual treat in her sculptural artworks.
‘Life Down Under’ is a collection of artworks inspired by the intricate textures of various sea anemones and coral reefs. While portraying the beauty of the marine ecosystem, these artworks also shed light on the serious threat- ‘Coral Bleaching’ . Awe and appreciation of the vast majestic ocean can help us recognize our collective responsibility to protect our ocean planet and make decisions that will ensure a healthy planet.
Life Down Under NO.1, Upcycled Plastics on Canvas, 50 x 50cm, Swapna Namboodiri, $750
Life Down Under NO.2, Upcycled Plastics on Canvas, 50 x 50cm, Swapna Namboodiri, $750
Life Down Under NO.3, Upcycled Plastics on Canvas, 50 x 50cm, Swapna Namboodiri, $750
Life Down Under NO.4, Upcycled Plastics on Canvas, 50 x 50cm, Swapna Namboodiri, $750
Take a Dive Down NO.1, Upcycled Plastics on Canvas, 50 x 50cm, Swapna Namboodiri, $420
Take a Dive Down NO.2, Upcycled Plastics on Canvas, 50 x 50cm, Swapna Namboodiri, $420
To Thrive Is Life NO.1, Upcycled Plastics on Wood, 50 x 50 x 30cm, Swapna Namboodiri, $650
To Thrive Is Life NO.2, Upcycled Plastics on Wood, 40 x 30 x 25cm, Swapna Namboodiri, $500
Mushroom Marvel, Upcycled Plastics and Metal Wire, 20 x 20 x 20cm, Swapna Namboodiri, $350
DONNA Hedström GOLD
Donna Hedström Gold is an emerging artist based in the Fleurieu Peninsula, whose recent work delves into the realm of landscapes through figurative abstraction. Her artistic journey revolves around mapping the outer world to better understand her inner landscape. Freedom, connection, and ‘what makes us human’ drives much of her work.
Donna’s work is influenced by moments of ‘awe’ and the profound ways in which we experience the external world through our senses. In her works, Donna emphasises texture, colour, and the evocation of feelings, aiming to capture and convey the intangible experiences that shape our perception of the world. Her art invites viewers to engage with the sensory and emotional layers of their own experiences, fostering a shared sense of wonder and introspection.
IKARA LIGHT II, Oil on Canvas, 50 x 50cm, Donna Hedstrom Gold, $440
Shadowlands, Oil on Canvas, 30 x 30cm, Donna Hedstrom Gold, $290
Inspiration I, Wool roving on felt, 50 x 50cm approx., Donna Hedstrom Gold, $220
Inspiration II, Wool roving on felt, 50 x 50cm approx., Donna Hedstrom Gold, $220
Inspiration III, Wool roving on felt, 50 x 50cm approx., Donna Hedstrom Gold, $220
LESLEY CABOT
My name is Lesley and I came to enjoy art later in life. It started with my daughter taking me to a water colour art class for my 58th birthday. I then enrolled in resin, acrylic and drawing classes and discovered that resin and acrylic abstract art are where my passion lies.
I enjoy creating resin and glass pieces and acrylic on canvas. I'm constantly learning new techniques and experimenting with different colour hues.
I have had some success with sales and a commissioned resin and glass piece.
Metallic Elements, Acrylic and Glass, Lesley Cabot, $1500
CLAIRE KENNETT
Let’s go back to 1946.
Allan, a soldier, has returned from WW2 to a farm-hand job in South Eastern South Australia.
His wife and infant daughter have died whilst he was away; one of tuberculosis, the other of neglect in state care. His eldest daughter, Barbara, my mother, also has tuberculosis and is housed in isolation in the newly built, Kalyra Sanitorium at Blackwood. 2 other daughters remain in state care in the Methodist Children’s Home, Magill.
Allan writes weekly to Barbara, detailing his longing for his girls and his desire to build a home on a Soldier Settler block and reunite his beloved children.
Forward to 1947, Allan has relocated to a plot of “vacant Crown Land” near Coffin Bay on Nauo Country (Eyre Peninsula). He corresponds about the hardship of daily life, his loneliness, survival by catching rabbits for food and skins and encounters with Nauo people, who are displaced by the arrival of soldier settlers. He describes the love of a father for his eldest daughter, a time of rapid change, and disregard for the displacement of the Nauo people.
Willie Wagtails; messenger birds, represent messages from father to daughter. Stages of flight parallel the rapidly changing physical and social landscape at this time.
Reading my Grandpa’s letters has caused me to reflect upon my ancestors role in the colonisation of South Australia, and understand how much my Grandfather loved my mum.
Yours Ever, Mixed Media, Claire Kennett, $660
Plover, Claire Kennett, $330
Rainbow Lorikeet, Claire Kennett, $330
Red Brown Finch, Claire Kennett, $330
Welcome Swallow, Claire Kennett, $330
soNJA mACLEAN
Possum Party, Acrylic on canvas, Sonja Maclean $1800
As a first generation Australian from Migrant parents, I focus on ‘regional’ themes inspired by country and home and an underlying love of the Australian Bush. I paint its big characters, flora and fauna, humour, beauty, stories, history and the eclectic mix of people and cultures that make this place truly unique”
When considering the theme of Nature, much comes to mind. Nature as opposed to the introduction to this land of our ‘suburban sprawl’ the ‘wild’ or ‘natural’ elements of home and how the expectation that Nature, that the bush, the coast..will always be there…and will always be accessible.
This is not necessarily the case as we currently lead the world in the most aggressive extinction of our native plants and animals seen in any time.
As our need for housing, our extension and development of roads and facilities needed to accommodate our growing communities increases, we must better consider the impact this has on our natural environments and the plants and animals that call this home, and this includes us and our interaction with it.
Our gardens could be safe havens for birds and animals that travel through or make their home allowing us a connection and relationship with Nature and all it contains.
Our connection to the land, to Nature, is ancient. In order for it to continue to sustain us all, we must look after it. By planning and creating natural green gateways and islands as part of ‘legislated’ suburban developments we allow native plants and animals to thrive amongst our introduced and domestic plants and structures.
We could create a more harmonious and nurturing environment for us all allowing us to maintain a lifegiving and daily connection to nature.
Suburban Paradise, Acrylic on Canvas, Sonja Maclean, $980
Mary Margetts
Mary has always had a strong love of nature, especially of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Birds often feature in her art work with a special interest in the delightful and dainty little blue wrens.
Other examples of her work can be seen in her studio space here at the gallery.
Blue Fairy Wren
Acrylic Framed
$150
elizabeth abbott
I am continually taken aback by the remnant left behind after making these images.
The colour, the embossing, the fragments left behind embedded in the paper are the tools of production to make these images.
The foliage is part of the natural history of my own private oasis … pots and all.
Forage Series - Olive/Camellia, Monotype, 97cm X 75cm, Elizabeth Abbott, $890
Forage Series - Olive/Pelargonium, Monotype, 97cm X 75cm, Elizabeth Abbott, $890
Forage Series - Olive/Pelargonium, Monotype, 97cm X 75cm, Elizabeth Abbott, $890
Tahnae davison-bartley
I am a First Nations fibre artist whose bloodlines are to the Kullilli people (Thargomindah, south west QLD) and the Wiradjuri people, (Dubbo and Wellington, NSW). Although the coiled stitched technique is used by the Wiradjuri people, l initially learnt the weaving style from Yolngu Elders when l was a child living in Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory, nearly 40 years ago. I try to honour the memory of the Elders who gave their time and shared their culture with me when out collecting materials for weaving. As a guest on these beautiful lands and waters we know as Kaurna Country, lm mindful of the impact my fibre practice has on the local environment which is becoming increasingly urbanised. It’s for these reasons l’m starting to utilise introduced plant species as an alternative to the shrinking native plant resources.
These woven pieces are made from materials commonly found in our gardens which would normally find themselves in the green waste bin. The small coiled-weaved basket was made using the leaf of Beaucarnea recurvata, commonly known as Elephant’s Foot or Ponytail Palm, and waxed linen thread. The unfinished woven round is made through the use of the tough leathery leaves of this plant. The leaves were soaked in water, making them pliable, then split and woven while wet.
The random weave basket is made from palm inflorescence. One of my nannas in my mothers maternal line taught her family this weaving techniques so the women in the family could make baby baskets and other carrying vessels. The material is normally brittle, but soaked in water, becomes pliable to weave back into themselves to create small or large carrying vessels.
