Painter finds beauty and meaning in landscapes

VISUAL artist Kate Wise has set herself a new year’s resolution to be in her Ballarat gallery every weekday and to paint on site.

The Haddon creative has a space in The Block Arcade where she can display her acrylic paintings while developing new pieces.

“When people come through, rather than just seeing a static space, they’ll see me producing the works that can be seen here,” she said.

“It’s always good to be able to talk to an artist, not just look at a work without any introduction around it.

“On the surface, they’re bright, colourful sea or landscapes, but as I’m working on them, I’m looking through the trees, thinking about what keeps us in the shade, or keeps us from going out into the open and chasing our goals or dreams.

“That’s the horizon and the big sky. The paintings can be a self-reflection, and that’s a good thing.”

Common subjects in Wise’s work include beach and bush landscapes, old trees, and florals, which are inspired by children’s books, and visits to seaside towns in Victoria and South Australia.

She said it’s not easy to paint in public, particularly right in the centre of the city, but she has set a challenge to improve and gain confidence.

“It’s bringing art into the CBD, and people who pass by here may not otherwise go to a gallery or look at art,” Wise said.

“It’s not easy for everybody to access art. Some people are worried that they need to know something about art, but it shouldn’t be daunting; it’s for everybody.

“I’m happy to talk to anybody. They might like to talk about colours, or simply say g’day and see what I’m doing, but anybody can enjoy it; art is uplifting.

“Take a minute from shopping to come into a space and have a look at some beautiful pieces. They’re nice to look at on the surface, but if you want to delve a little deeper into the meaning, you can do that too.”

Wise is a member of GP Arts and will be part of the next Hidden Gems Open Studios in the Golden Plains Shire on Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 February, the Smythesdale Arts and Music Fiesta on Sunday, 26 February, and the GP Arts Trail in May.

“I have had a little Hidden Gems exhibition in here, and whenever I can bring a bit of Golden Plains Shire art into the arcade, I will,” she said.

The gallery space is the last shopfront on the left before the Myer entrance.