Liddell WORKS is a creative program marking the closure of the Liddell power station, and its long legacy. The core of the program is 15 artist “residencies” where artists respond to the power station with fresh individual expressions, culminating in an exhibition in mid 2024.
Rebecca Rath:
Rebecca describes herself as a landscape and predominately en plein air artist.’ My process includes gathering onsite information including painting studies (oil/charcoal/pastel/gouache works) with photos, text, video. Some work in completed onsite or I take this information back to the studio and create studio oil painting works.
Liddell Power station is an iconic structure of the Hunter Valley. I had the privilege to walk among the impressive infrastructure and meeting the passionate employees. I’m in awe of its grandeur. I never knew I would have been moved emotionally by visiting the site. I arrived with preconceived ideas of it being a ‘dry’ place which lacked a soul however I came away feeling very emotional. I was moved by its vast and complex history demonstrated in its infrastructure – it held visual memories of its working time.’
Image: Photo taken by Marina Lee Warner
Rachel Milne:
For Rachel Milne, this opportunity has been a dream come true. A painter working from life in oil on board, Rachel paints interiors and has a passion for industrial spaces and buildings in the midst of change. The larger the better, the more industrial, the more captivating. Rachel’s painting are always devoid of figures, instead focusing on the space. Rachel was recently awarded the Evelyn Chapman Award to paint historically and culturally important buildings, but for her, being a part of the Liddell WORKS project has been the holy grail. ‘ It (Liddell Power Station) would be my dream location. The scale, the historical significance the fact that the building represents such an enormous change in thinking. I would love to paint the beauty of that interior. The sheer amount of history in the building and the impact it has had on so many peoples lives, lighting and heating their homes without them even being aware of it.’
Image: Photo taken by Marina Lee Warner
