Local artist inspired by her own backyard

The clock is ticking on your chance to enjoy Seashores and Shadows, a solo exhibition by Limestone Coast artist Yunita Manfrin.

The exhibition will be on display at newly renovated Port MacDonnell’s Community Complex gallery space until Sunday, January 27.

The exhibition highlights some of the region’s beautiful natural environments given the proximity we enjoy to both the coast and bush.

“As an artist you are spoilt for choice and each environment changes as the light moves from dawn to dusk,” Yunita said. “My family and I love to camp in these different places and many of the pieces were captured plein air at all different times of the day.”

The moodiness of a cloudy sunset at Beachport, a walk through the shadowy gums at Dartmoor and the colours of local coastlines are all part of this collection.

It was in Feburary 2021 that the Tenison Woods College digital art and design teacher unveiled her first solo exhibition in the Riddoch Art and Culture Centre, telling a deeply personal story about the difference a guide dog has made in the life of her husband Paul and, in turn, her family.

Yunita has also displayed work in South East Art Society exhibitions and the Casterton Kelpie Art Show.

Yunita has been painting and drawing since childhood, completing a Diploma in Applied Arts in the early 2000s, following her passion for all types of art mediums in both her work and in free time.

“I like both the freedom art provides as well as the control it can have,” Yunita said. “I find the process of creating something relaxing and is my stress relief therapy. It is an exciting process from when you make your first mark on the page and then see it all come together. It’s not always successful but you learn from it and then apply this to the next piece.”

In this new exhibition Yunita’s talent in working with various mediums is on show and includes acrylics, water colours, oil and soft pastels and digital painting , showcasing her unique colour choices.

The gallery’s regular opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday to Sunday 11am-3pm.