Tuesday 16th April to Monday 15th July

Featuring artists Cathy Gray and Karen Judd (Sabi Designs), and Renée de Saxe.

Step into a world where art meets emotion, as the latest exhibition curated by Sonya Unwin unveils the captivating works of artists Cathy Gray, and Karen Judd of SABI Designs, and Renée de Saxe.

Embark on a journey of discovery as these talented creators breathe life into their unique perspectives, inviting audiences to explore the intricate beauty of imperfection and the profound depths of human connection. From the intricate relief prints of fallen trees by SABI Designs, to Renée de Saxe’s poignant reflections on family and community through figurative and abstract compositions, each piece resonates with a timeless allure.

Spanning three months, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to acquire these evocative artworks, each telling its own story of resilience, vulnerability, and the enduring power of connection.

All artwork is for sale and a price list can be requested in the members’ bar and at the admin office. Artwork may be purchased through the admin office.

SABI DESIGNS: CATHY GRAY AND KAREN JUDD (A COLLABORATION)

2017 saw the inception of SABI Designs, a business created by artists Cathy Gray and Karen Judd.  The name is a nod to the Japanese word Wabi Sabi, ‘to find beauty in the imperfect’….. there is a belief that our pursuit of perfection hinders our ability to be truly happy.

The artists create large format tree prints using a relief printing process, sourcing biscuit slices from fallen or felled trees. The process begins with the salvaging of the tree slice, planning and sanding it to remove any chainsaw marks, creating a smooth surface. The wood is then burned and the surface brushed to reveal the story of the tree. Once inked, the paper or canvas is applied directly to the wood. The story is now captured forever through the trees unique ‘thumb print’.

Long after the tree has fallen the wood continues to change. Cracks will appear, the wood will expand and shrink depending on the weather, and because of this no two prints will be the same.

Most of the work SABI Designs undertakes is based on commission. Many people have a deep connection to the trees around them, be it a tree from childhood, or one planted as a memorial, a tree where a marriage occurred or one planted by a grandfather, there are many reasons for the deep connection.

Karen and Cathy do personalised site visits for commissioned work and will select a piece best suited to their process.  The end result will be a framed print of your tree to cherish forever.

RENEE DE SAXE

Renée de Saxe’s art serves as a reflection of the profound connections that define her life – with her daughters, family, and community. Through figurative imagery, she delves into the intricate tapestry of interpersonal relationships, inviting viewers to explore the depths of their own emotions.

Inspired by themes of childlike innocence, vulnerability, and fragility, Renée’s figurative work acts as a vehicle for communication, urging viewers to recognize and acknowledge the complexities of human connection. Each mark is imbued with the essence of surrender to the creative process, celebrating the beauty of emotional authenticity.

In her abstracted pieces, Renée concentrates on tone and light, utilizing gestural marks to evoke movement, energy, and emotion. With mediums such as charcoal, cyanotype, and layering, she endeavors to capture the ephemeral nature of these elements, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a sensory journey of discovery.

Through her art, Renée strives to cultivate spaces of connection, inspiration, and transformation.