Special four-artist exhibition launches at Tea Gardens

FOUR artists have collaborated to present “A Whimsy of Critters”, the latest exhibition at Tea Gardens’ Galleries in the Gardens.

This is the fifth local exhibition, but the first featuring four artists: Jade Phoenix Isaac, Margaret Churton, Chez Rands, and up-and-coming Katie Anderson.

“A Whimsy of Critters” is inspired by the natural world, and invites people to explore its collection of mixed-media paintings, 3D sculptures, wheel-thrown ceramics and playful paper sculptures,” said Chez Rands.

Chez is a lifelong maker who enjoys the challenges of working in 3D.

Investigating the quirky characteristics of birds and animals, her elegant works reflect decades of practice and have been displayed in Sydney galleries and hotels.

“I love the quirky humour of animals, and as soon as my ceramics get a face, they often find a name and personality,” she told News Of The Area.

Jade Phoenix Isaac’s striking style, with her signature focus on avian brilliance, includes several mixed-media paintings of native fauna and flora, balancing colour, movement and intricate detail.

“I like to focus on what drives me to achieve; a passion for finding the essence of what I see and to represent that in my own way,” she said.

Jade’s forte is clearly in the details, as seen in her birds and their strikingly coloured feathers and shadowing.

“I will work on multiple pieces at a time, but there is nothing like a deadline to force you to finish.”

Margaret Churton, who trained in ceramics at the National Art School, creates functional wheel-thrown pieces with marine themes, in warm earthenware tones.

“Clay is my first love, it is an amazing medium, and it always turns out different to what you think you are going to do,” she told NOTA.

“I like to see the mark of a maker, you see it in the finish, shapes and contours.”

Margaret endured a stressful setback when her kiln broke down, but she was saved by both the local school and neighbour Pat Penny, who let her use their facilities.

Katie Anderson, a talented 10-year-old whose striking drawings and origami characters have supported the Starlight Foundation, added her own installation of various media to the mix.

“Her installation is a collection of characters from games and books that she likes, and a bit for Halloween because it’s that time of year,” proud dad Sam told NOTA.

“Katie has been making strings of paper cranes that she gives to people for donations, collecting a few hundred dollars for the Starlight Foundation so far.”

Katie will also be introduced to clay and ceramic painting as part of her artistic development.

All four artists are on track to present their works at the Back to Back Gallery in Newcastle next year, but their sample of 44 original works will remain at the GiG for the next four weeks.

By Thomas O’KEEFE