Perfectly Still is an art exhibition featuring nine women who ironically, rarely keep still. In fact, this collective of leading contemporary artists are prominent movers and shakers in the Western Australianart scene.
Perfectly Still brings together a remarkable collection of over 80 still life and botanical paintings, superbly crafted and uniquely depicted by each artist, all connected in their exploration of everyday objects. A celebration of still life with a modern, innovative twist which examines those quiet mindful moments when time almost stands still, it is an exhibition to be savoured slowly.
This is not your average group show, it is rare to find such a collection of artworks of similar genre and quality in one exhibition. Nine of the best in one space.
These talented artists are passionate, creative, collaborative and diverse. They are also multi-faceted, evidenced by what they have accomplished alongside their art careers. Life experience, culture, careers, environment, struggles and family all strengthen the resultant work, weaving through and informing their art.
There are way too many individual art awards and achievements to mention here, the artists’ biographies speak for themselves. It is fair to say that each artist is equally impressive in their own right, resulting in a powerhouse exhibition as a group offering. If you only visit one exhibition this year, make it this one.
To help you get to know the artists better, a few highlights listed below.
ARTIST DETAILS:
Sarah Abbott has worked in London as an interior designer specialising in luxury kitchen and furniture for high profile clients with work published in ‘Beautiful Kitchens’ and ‘Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms’ Magazines. She has also designed, renovated and now manages an award winning, luxury short stay accommodation space. Sarah’s paintings have been published in Inside Out magazine, International Artist Magazine and been named as one of 10 artist you should know by Vogue Living (Melbourne Affordable Art Fair 2022).
Bec Bartell is an accomplished quilter and textile artist and a self taught painter, learning primarily through books, YouTube, the Internet and experimentation. Born and raised in Perth she grew up with a love of animals and nature and the WA coastline. Bec’s art combines her love of the natural world and a fascination with the paintings of the Baroque and Dutch Golden Age which is reflected in her work through the use of natural light effects and moody dark backdrops. Bec’s artwork is featured on the cover of Kate Morton’s book ‘Homecoming’ which is distributed globally.
Sue Eva is originally from South Africa and had a career as a graphic designer in the advertising and design fields, in Cape Town, Scotland and Australia. Sue also worked in the food industry and was a partner/owner of a small artisan ice cream company. Eventually Sue was able to fulfill her lifelong love of painting, working from her studio in W.A.’s southwest creating beautifully tranquil still life paintings. Sue’s paintings are about life, history and love and their connection to our families and lineage.
Teresa Fernandez sees herself on an evolutionary art path, constantly challenging the way she approaches her work. With a background in engineering and many years in corporate roles she has now moved to full time studio practice and has been a professional artist since 2015, embracing a more relaxed way of life. Her Spanish heritage and love of coffee often feature in her work. As well as working on her own art projects, Teresa has been engaged in developing and delivering school art enrichment projects (pro bono) including 3D permanent art installations on school grounds. She has also set up and run an art gallery, curated exhibitions and raises funds for charity through art events.
Stacy Gardoll studied Design for Theatre and Film at WAAPA, then worked in Perth & Melbourne designing and painting sets and costumes for productions in theatre. Many of her early design opportunities were as a Costume Designer, designing for musical theatre, opera, and dance productions, working in small independent theatres, as well as the larger ones, including the State Theatre in Melbourne, the Production Company and Perth Theatre Company. She holds a Bachelor of Design from Curtin University and has been commissioned by the Head of Kings Park Botanic Gardens to create a painting of a new species of Eucalypt. Stacy also engages in large-scale projects, including murals and theatrical scenic art and is a long term member of the Mundaring Hills Open Studio trail.
Hayley Krüger draws from a graphic design background in South Africa, refining her skills in colour theory and composition. In primary school, her art teacher’s criticism made her determined to pursue art, eventually switching schools to do so. Her most recent accolade was becoming an award-winning artist in the inaugural national Petite Collection Small Works Art Prize judged by the iconic Ken Done. Hayley has contributed to licensing agreements and teaches at Albany Summer School.
Alex Kyriakacis is a proud Greek/Australian who is inspired by the stories of her Greek heritage, which are often represented in her work. She started creating from an early age and her art heroes are Judy Cassab, Margaret Olley, Mirka Moira and Wendy Sharpe. Alex has qualifications in Secondary Art Education and has taught in a variety of schools and art programs in WA. She has skills in numerous art making disciplines but her study of oil painting took flight 10 years ago and this has been her core focus since. Alex has been a semi-finalist in the Lester Prize for Portraiture.
Mia Laing recently had 4 artworks (images) rented for on set design for a TV series with Screen Australia and also worked with Disney Australia to create a painting for the release of Ivan, The Gorilla. The newly renovated Timothee Resort in Busselton commissioned Mia to create bespoke artworks, prints of which now hang in the luxury resort rooms. Another feather in her cap, Mia also has over 40 greeting card designs and homewares working with Australian homewares brand Lalalandshop. Her next goal is to ‘Paint’ a cookbook, having always loved illustration and finding her current work leaning to narrative illustration.
Heidi Emma Mullender considers art is as much therapy for her as it is a serious professional undertaking. A regular participant in Margaret River Open studios, she often needs to paint daily during the event to keep up with works selling off the easel. Heidi will usually paint a whole painting with just one medium sized brush that she adores. In recent years she has had a working studio at Happs Winery, Aravina Estate and Flametree Winery and runs workshops in Dunsborough and the South West. As well as planting over 500 natives to landscape and revegetate her home, not surprisingly, living down south in wine country, her favourite thing to enjoy while painting is a glass of red.
