Jos Myers solo show

I attended the opening of Jos Myers' solo exhibition 'Catalyst' on Thursday night. Her exhibition was 'officially opened' by international singing star Tina Arena, who shared a personal insight into a friendship between the two that spans back some two decades. This is Myers' first solo show since 2007 and I can honestly say that the collection produced is exceptional. Myers has continued with her fashionable theme of Cottesloe Beach but has also included her - more recent - looser approach to painting, exploring themes of Yallingup, nesting birds, and the female nude. Interestingly Myers has included, for the first time, an international selection of memories, including her stay in Positano and an exceptional portrayal of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-54). 

Myers, who is a seaside resident, creates beach scenes that are without doubt quintessentially Jos Myers and Western Australian. Her Cottesloe paintings which include 'The 'Old Boys' and 'Old Ducks' portray seasoned beach goers sporting their North Cott. Surf Club bathers and swimming caps, standing on the shoreline with the hays of summer surrounding them. From Cottesloe to Swanbourne Beach with the suntanned nudies, chatting amongst themselves in the heat of the day. 

From here we see Myers' artistic landscape change. Her technique for the remaining themes becomes linear and her colour palette subdued. It is here we start to see the influence in her artwork of Artist Brett Whiteley (1939-92), as she adopts his avant-garde style of the landscape and nudes. Myers' linear approach of the female form is seductive and bold. There are not many women artist that I can recall who capture the female body in such a way that a woman's body becomes her muse. Myers does this beautifully. Advancing with her theme representing women, Myers powerfully interprets portraits of the internationally acclaimed artist Frida Kahlo. Kahlo often painted self-portraits using symbolism and vibrant colours to express herself, and Myers has done an excellent job in her representation of this incredibly dynamic woman. 

Over the past 16 years I have had the pleasure of selling Jos’ artwork. Her work is always in demand by my clients, whether a studio sale or commissioning something special. Many of my clients and their families have grown up with a little bit of Jos in their lives. 

From her first solo exhibition, back in Perth, at Accent Galleries in 1998, I have seen Jos' creative technique evolve and have been witness to the challenges she has faced in pushing her creative journey. I have watched as Jos has become an artist whose work commands respect and this body of work is no exception. Jos Myers' art always leaves me with a little sense of excitement.

Contact me for all art sales and commission enquires of Jos' work.

All things Visual Art on Curtin Radio 100.1FM

A week or two ago I was asked by the wonderful Jenny Seaton, weekday presenter on the popular radio alternative Curtin Radio 100.1FM, to come in to have a chat on-air with her about all things visual art. 

Well, today was the day. Curtin Radio is based out at Curtin University, Bentley WA, and my old stomping ground.

Today's focus was on having your art valued. 

I love this subject, because it brings out so many different stories about individual collections. However, one thing I do recommend to people who have artworks that they know little or nothing about is first to Google the artist. 

You should be able to find the artist's signature on or near the bottom of the painting, or sometimes the artists writes their name and the title of the painting and if you are lucky the date on the back, known as 'verso'.   

        

With this information in hand it will make a great starting point for you to do some initial due diligence. 

Once you have done this and, hopefully, you have gained some insight about the artist and the artwork, it is time to make contact with an experienced industry professional, like myself. From here I will need to view the artwork/s so I can advise you if it is worth you having them valued.

Finally, the MOST important thing about having your artwork valued is 'provenance, provenance and provenance. Did I mention provenance? One needs to follow a paper trail!

Realistically, you should have all your artworks valued every two years. This will keep your insurance company happy and will give you a great piece of mind.

PS: If I happen to find a podcast for today’s segment I will repost this blog with it included.

Remember, "Art is not what you see, it is what you make others see." Edgar Degas

Ben Quilty: after Afghanistan; Shaun Gladwell: Afghanistan at John Curtin Gallery

Last night I went to the exhibition opening of Ben Quilty: after Afghanistan; Shaun Gladwell: Afghanistan at John Curtin Gallery (JCG), at Curtin University, Bentley WA. I have to say, although I regularly receive invitations from the JCG it is not to often I venture to Curtin to see one. It is a bit of a drive. However, I knew this was coming up and I really wanted to go. 

War artists are an important part of Australia's culture. They have great purpose for several reasons. The first is obvious, as they record historical events. Another is to bring back an emotional understanding of what our soldiers experience, but the reason that I feel is most important is, it help our soldiers heal. They go through this emotionally revealing experience with the artist, uncovering layer upon layer of the visions of war. In this exhibition you definitely see this. It is beautifully emotional and revealing. 

In last nights opening we were fortunate to have heard from two Australian Special Air Service Regiment soldiers (SAS), both have had stellar careers in the SAS spanning over 35 years, tell emotional and descriptive accounts of their service abroad and the impact it has had for Australia and how it affected their loved ones left behind. 

This is a powerful exhibition, definitely one to recommend to our friends and acquaintances to go and see. The exhibition runs until the 14 August. You can click on the link below to the gallery for opening times and public programs.

Ben Quilty: after Afghanistan; Shaun Gladwell: Afghanistan

PS: I did get in trouble for taking these photos...

Cabramatta

Saturday night my fellow art consultant friend Nichola Zed and I ventured to Bayswater to an exclusive one night only private house viewing of renowned multi-disciplined international Perth based artist Jon Tarry. The night was a lavish mix of art entertainment, including: film, sculpture, drawing and a live sound performance. Amazing works and a fun intellectual gathering of people. Thanks Jon Tarry!

Jon Tarry, Cumulus 2013 

Plywood, acrylic polymer, paper ink 

105 x 280 x 5cm 

photo: courtesy of the artist

Sold

Yesterday I met up with my client from Verifact Insurance, a company which contracts me to do their art appraisals. It is always good to network with clients and it was a beautiful day to do so at the Beach Club, Cottesloe. Although the Beach Club is without main walls to keep in the warmth, the Club was warm and cosy from the free standing heaters, it was the perfect venue on a cold winter's day.

I went online to find some images of the Club in winter so I could show you my experience, unfortunately there were none to find. So, take my word for it, this venue is brilliant on a winters day.

Marque Magazine

A couple of weeks ago publicist Gabi Mills came over to interview me for the new BMW magazine Marque.

We had a great couple of hours chatting about art and wondering around McGregor, McGregor is my boyfriend, and my home in Cottesloe talking about the collection.

Whether or not you are a BMW enthusiast, this magazine is available to everyone. Click on the Marquee link above to access it. My article is pp 61-65.

Pop into your local BMW representative to pick a copy up.

Crown Proposal

I was recently asked by Crown Perth to submit a proposal to provide my services as an art consultant for the new Crown Towers Resort. This is a big project and I am thrilled to be shortlisted for it.

The proposal included a detailed art and budget allocation. So, as part of my submission I included a large selection of artist/artwork imagery indicative of the supplied floor plans.

Here is the selection that I compiled and presented

I hope to win this proposal; however, if it happens that I don't I am grateful for this opportunity to be shortlisted and hopefully there will be other hotels / resorts I can be put forward to work on.

On that note, last week I was asked by Paid Group to submit a Scope of Works for 3 hotels that they are currently working on.