Sheilas showcase personal landscapes

INSPIRED by their local landscapes, and those depicted in works of the Art Gallery of Ballarat collection, all-female art group Sheilas are presenting a new exhibition.

The collective’s fourth show Personal landscapes is currently in the Gallery’s Backspace, featuring 29 artists who have produced mixed media works, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, textiles, lino prints and more.

An original member of Sheilas, Madga Kazmierczac, has a paper-cut work in the showcase.

She said the theme has encouraged the collective to find a greater connection to the land they live and work on, and many have expressed their perspectives through 3D works.

“A real strength has been the 3D works this year. We’ve all been inspired in different ways, and we’ve all freely expressed our personal connections to our landscapes,” she said.

“Our group is always open, inclusive and evolving, with about 60 members. We have some new Sheilas who are exhibiting with us for the first time in Personal landscapes.

“We are artists of all skill levels and exist to encourage women to be interested in art. Women are not always supported enough in art, so that’s why we started.”

New Sheila, Julie Mahnken, is showcasing her ceramic sculpture inspired by the mythological story of Eurydice.

“She’s returning to the underworld, and to follow her own destiny. It’s about transformation in a life that’s always changing,” she said.

“I joined Sheilas because it’s a great opportunity to participate in community art locally, and in the gallery.”

Art Gallery of Ballarat director Louise Tegart said supporting and inspiring local artists is an important part of the institution’s mission.

“We’re really pleased that Sheilas have used the Gallery collection as inspiration, coming in to look at works, and that they’ve highlighted women artists.”

Personal landscapes will be open for the next five weeks.