For some, their backyard is their world. For artist Colleen Morrow, the world is her backyard.
Water hyacinths and water lilies: photo Lauryn Arnott
Forty years ago, she wrote in her art journal (one of a massive collection!) that she wanted to explore her own backyard and all these years later,
In My Own Backyard, a beautiful exhibition of colour, light, love and unbridled joy, is the result.
Dragon Fruit in stages: photo Lauryn Arnott
For this intrepid traveller, her extensive visits to other shores over more than fifty years, have found their way into her home, her life and her backyard.
She has been an avid collector of the likes of terracotta figures, fabrics, both rich and humble, jewellery and trinkets.
Spider lilies
Many of her forty exhibitions over the years have featured her treasures in one form or another. They have been the subject of beautiful prints, or have been there for visitors to add to their own collections.
In My Own Backyard showcases some of the treasures they appear in some of the prints, or pop up strategically throughout the display.
Print featuring cyclamen and Balinese terracotta piece.
In this exhibition, Colleen has not only shared her luxurious garden and treasures in the collection of meticulous hand-coloured linoprints, but some of herself as well.
In addition to journals (several of which are on display), one wall of the exhibition is devoted to the life cycle of one of her works,
Swan Plant, which she has worked on over the past year.
Swan plant in stages
From the beginning composition and photographs, she traces its creation through collage, drawing, tracing, proofing, the final print, and then, various versions of hand colouring.
lino cut for Swan Plant
It's quite a treat to see 'behind the scenes' like this in a printmaking exhibition. For many, it's sure to answer lots of those 'how did she do that?' questions. For others, it will raise some new questions!
And, if you're keen for more information or would just like to be entertained by this amazing woman, Colleen will conduct an artist talk on Tuesday 18 September at 10:30am. She's a fabulous storyteller and generous speaker you're sure to learn lots, and have loads of fun as well!
Lotus pod
In addition, Colleen will open the exhibition during the
Fullarton Market (every fourth Saturday at the Fullarton Park Community Centre) on Saturday 22 September. It's a fabulous opportunity to acquire some of Colleen's treasures, which will be offered for sale.
Nasturtiums: photo Lauryn Arnott
is on show at Hughes Gallery, Fullarton Park Community Centre until 23 September. It's open Monday Friday from 10am until 4pm.
