Hill End Residency

Its official! I have been selected to be an artist in residence as part of the Hill End program -  Im so excited as its considered to be one of the best residencies in Australia (according to Artshub).

image courtesy of theage.com.au

Its such an interesting looking place full of beautifully preserved buildings left from an 1800's gold rush in the area, when a 286kg nugget of gold was found.

image courtesy of simonbeedle.com

I will be following in the footsteps of some of Australia's great artists. In the late 1940's Donald Friend and Russel Drysdale discovered the town and Donald Friend became so enamoured with the area that he ended up living here for a number of years. During this time he was visited by other great artists such as Margaret Olley, Jeffrey Smart, Jean Bellette and Paul Haefliger. Later the region inspired Brett Whitely, John Olsen and a number of my contemporaries. 

Russell Drysdale, Hill End, 1948
Image courtesy of www.geelonggallery.com.au 

Artists Jean Bellette and Paul Haefliger also lived in the area. It is filled with relics from their time ( they moved to live overseas with the intention of returning regularly to the cottage, as a result it remains largely unaltered with works of art, books and furnishings that echo their presence.)

Image courtesy www.hillendart.com.au

image courtesy www.homelife.com.au 

Im looking forward to continuing my investigation of early Australian pioneering times whilst at Hill End.