While the subject will inspire me, it’s the process of producing the painting or drawing that is deeply engaging for me. Expressive mark making and attempting to convey mood while depicting a subject are the drivers for my work. I do enjoy a strong outcome where others see and enjoy my work.
How long have you been a practising artist?
Since 2009. The fulfilment of a long held desire to be an artist was part of a decision to move on from a successful career at that time, and to go straight to Art School.
Do you have any formal training - or how did you get your start?
From 2009 – 2012 I attended art school full time at the Sydney Gallery Art School, Meadowbank TAFE and gained an Advanced Diploma, Visual Arts majoring in painting and sculpture.
Do you belong to any other artist groups?
The Art Hall Group, a group of professional artists who meet regularly in a local community hall on the Central Coast for Life Drawing and/or Painting. The Group holds an annual exhibition at the Gosford Regional Art Gallery, with each including at least one work from the Life Drawing Sessions.
I have participated in the 5 Lands Walk “Art in the Open” day, by spending the day painting en plein air at one of the 5 beaches. These works are exhibited annually in a group exhibition.
Have/ do you exhibit elsewhere? Online promotion?
My main exhibition is a solo held each year at Art Studios Gallery, and I’ve participated in group exhibitions at Gosford Regional Gallery, various other Central Coast galleries and several Sydney galleries, most recently at Gallery Lane Cove. Artist bio
Online promotion is through my website www.gerlachart.com and my artist page on Facebook.
Have you received any awards, been a finalist in any art awards / art prizes?
Year 1 Drawing Prize at art school), and an award for an artist in residency at Newington Armoury, Sydney for painting. This residency proved to be very productive and was also the first experience I had of a dedicated art studio among other artist studios.
When and why did you join Art Studios Co-operative?
I joined as a foundation member. The concept, organisation and knowledge of the two founders formed a solid basis for success. Crucially, Art Studios was just starting up and, as I was a new arrival in the area, I was looking to meet other artists. I shared the group’s interest in fostering a mutually supportive and active environment that would enhance the artists’ professional practice as well promote the visual arts to the community.
For you, what are the benefits of membership with this Co-op?
A big plus for me was the benefit of a large studio away from household demands. A studio separate from home fostered my appreciation of maintaining a work ethic, that is, spending a day at work to allow creativity. I also enjoy the valuable interchange of ideas and friendship with the artists at the Studios.
Have you gained any new skills in your time here?
The skill in producing a body of work for a solo exhibition. New to me was the necessity to dig deeper creatively instead of skimming the surface or switching prematurely to something entirely different. This has enabled my practice to become more consistent and focused.
How long have you been a practising artist?
Since 2009. The fulfilment of a long held desire to be an artist was part of a decision to move on from a successful career at that time, and to go straight to Art School.
Do you have any formal training - or how did you get your start?
From 2009 – 2012 I attended art school full time at the Sydney Gallery Art School, Meadowbank TAFE and gained an Advanced Diploma, Visual Arts majoring in painting and sculpture.
Do you belong to any other artist groups?
The Art Hall Group, a group of professional artists who meet regularly in a local community hall on the Central Coast for Life Drawing and/or Painting. The Group holds an annual exhibition at the Gosford Regional Art Gallery, with each including at least one work from the Life Drawing Sessions.
I have participated in the 5 Lands Walk “Art in the Open” day, by spending the day painting en plein air at one of the 5 beaches. These works are exhibited annually in a group exhibition.
Have/ do you exhibit elsewhere? Online promotion?
My main exhibition is a solo held each year at Art Studios Gallery, and I’ve participated in group exhibitions at Gosford Regional Gallery, various other Central Coast galleries and several Sydney galleries, most recently at Gallery Lane Cove. Artist bio
Online promotion is through my website www.gerlachart.com and my artist page on Facebook.
Have you received any awards, been a finalist in any art awards / art prizes?
Year 1 Drawing Prize at art school), and an award for an artist in residency at Newington Armoury, Sydney for painting. This residency proved to be very productive and was also the first experience I had of a dedicated art studio among other artist studios.
When and why did you join Art Studios Co-operative?
I joined as a foundation member. The concept, organisation and knowledge of the two founders formed a solid basis for success. Crucially, Art Studios was just starting up and, as I was a new arrival in the area, I was looking to meet other artists. I shared the group’s interest in fostering a mutually supportive and active environment that would enhance the artists’ professional practice as well promote the visual arts to the community.
For you, what are the benefits of membership with this Co-op?
A big plus for me was the benefit of a large studio away from household demands. A studio separate from home fostered my appreciation of maintaining a work ethic, that is, spending a day at work to allow creativity. I also enjoy the valuable interchange of ideas and friendship with the artists at the Studios.
Have you gained any new skills in your time here?
The skill in producing a body of work for a solo exhibition. New to me was the necessity to dig deeper creatively instead of skimming the surface or switching prematurely to something entirely different. This has enabled my practice to become more consistent and focused.
