Dungog by Design is proud to present “More than Coal” Exhibition and Book Launch by author and artist Bronwyn Greive. Please join them at the opening on Friday 2 February, 6pm. Please join them at the opening on Friday 2 February, 6pm.
Artist Statement.
‘Stories we tell, make a difference to how we view places, others and ourselves.
The Hunter Valley, a place I have grown up in and love, is often viewed through the lens of coal; both production and shipping. Indigenous people in this area used coal before colonisation, but they knew we are so much more; I wanted to creatively tell an alternate story.
“More than Coal” focuses on twenty-four areas of amazing nature in the Lower Hunter. It covers an area from Mount Tomaree at Port Stephens to the Barrington Tops, (Dungog side) down to Cessnock, and across the northern part of Lake Macquarie, stopping at the Swansea Channel. There is a little information on each sites, although all are worthy of their own book.
The chapter on the Barrington Tops National Park World Heritage Area features murals I designed with Year 6 students at 2 public schools in the Dungog Shire. The students learnt painting skills on the go and did a fantastic job. I hope this book also inspires you to become part of the story: there are suggestions for going further in your love for the natural world, as well as some simple, inexpensive, anyone-can-do-them art exercises for you to try─ too often we leave that to children.
Although I have always created, my art training in Natural History Illustration has been late in life. Such artworks are often thought of as formal artwork, but I love a variety of art media and techniques. In “More than Coal” the artworks include a 5 metre charcoal and mixed media drawing, textile sculptures and a 2.5cm life size painting of a frog. The creative process begins with visiting the chosen environments a number of times, recording information through sketches, photos and observations, followed by research, then planning and making the artwork .
“In the Frame” at Dungog by Design exhibits works found in the book. The “Amongst the Trees” series uses my photos of bark, transferred to fabric, layered, free machine stitched, and mounted. With more textured bark I cut into the layers as well.
The tunnel book is made with the pages cut so the viewer can see into the work. “Suburbs to Sea” was first hand drawn, laser cut into 300 gsm paper and then assembled by hand. It can be stored in a box or free standing.
“In the Field” is a series of works on paper, using different media on paper to show elements in nature. It displays various effects like frottage (rubbing), an ink drawing, as well as a watercolour of leaves in various colours.”
Official Opening: Friday 2 February 2024, 6pm
Dungog By Design,
224 Dowling St, Dungog.
Dungog by Design is open
- Wednesday to Friday 10am – 4pm,
- Saturday & Sunday 9am – 3pm
Exhibition closes the end of February 2024
For more details please visit Facebook
Photo courtesy of Bronwyn Greive and Dungog By Design.