Robyn Pridham – Australia

 

 

 

The Spill             oil on canvas              835CM X 1015CM

 

 

 

Born 1952   Carlton, Melbourne, Australia

 

Occupation:

Librarian and Artist

 

Education:

Currently undertaking further studies in Visual Arts – Victorian University, Melbourne

Associate Diploma Social Sciences (Library and Information Studies)

 

Media:

Oils on canvas. Mixed media on paper.

 

Experiences related to art:

Organised life model classes for numerous years

Organised exhibitions, with partner Joseph Luczynski, at Studio Gallery, Seaholme, Melbourne.

 

Honours and awards:

Hoechst Acquisitive Award

 

Group exhibitions:

2003         Victoria University, Art Prize Exhibition, Fitzroy Gallery, Fitzroy

                 Free Association, exhibition of paintings, drawings and sculptures, Fitzroy 

                 Gallery, Fitzroy

                 Linden Postcard Show, St Kilda Centre for Contemporary Arts, St Kilda

 

2002         Charles Smith Gallery, Smith Street, Collingwood

                 Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, Manningham

                 Gallery, Doncaster

                 Centenary Exhibition, Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors,

                 Herons Fine Art Gallery, Castlemaine

 

Important collections:

Collected privately

Artist’s statement:

The subject of my painting is based on the environment and a man-made machine.

 

The relationship between the two is a fragile balancing act and a challenge for everyone in the community to be aware about.

 

My work usually evolves out of the area where I live, the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, images that I see everyday. Large cargo ships are always a presence for me, waiting on the horizon to travel further into the docks for unloading, reloading and moving on.

 

The ship has a transient quality, like the sea moving, changing and its many moods.

 

This painting, The Spill, represents the effects that may happen within this industry. Although, at the same time, essential to the community needs. But must be done in a safe way that protects the environment. Through this work I have tried to show the turbulence when something tips off balance and is not harmonious in our environment.