Landscape, emotion and art collide at The Sands

ACCLAIMED Anglesea metalwork artist and art consultant Cinnamon Stephens has taken on the role of curator for The Sands Resort in Torquay.

She has chosen to launch her tenure with a showcase, Anatomy of Landscape, celebrating the abstract works of respected local artists printmaker Gaye Nieuwenhof and painter Elaine d’Esterre.

Operating from their studios in Portarlington and Anglesea respectively, Nieuwenhof and d’Esterre have been producing emotive pieces in response to their local environment for decades.

Some of d’Esterre’s work, for example, features tuffs of locally gathered marram grass, creating what she describes as a “microcosm surrounded by a macrocosm of imagined landscape”.

“I highly respect both of them. They’re really amazing women who have long, incredible careers and their work is just breathtaking,” Stephens said.

“They work individually… but share a great many things including a deep emotional connection with the land, a love of creating emotive, abstract art, and they seem to both create in an intuitive state, often using a variety of materials and mediums in the one artwork in order to convey their feelings.

“When displayed together, you can see the similarities, including colours chosen and various mark making techniques.”

There are many meanings to derive from the abstract works of Anglesea painter Elaine d’Esterre, including a reflection on the fleetingness of life.

As part of the showcase, the three artists will host a talk on June 1 between 1pm and 3pm about the inspiration for their works and art techniques, with all invited to attend.

Every two months, under Stephens’ keen eye, the walls of the The Sands’ main thoroughfare, which spans the hallway between reception and Spike’s Café, will be refreshed with the works of other local artists.

Each showcase will be centred around a theme, with a focus on bold colours and textiles set to shape the venue’s next two art displays.

Stephens praised the venue as a wonderful way to showcase local and larger pieces of art in a professional setting accessible to all.

“I love this space because it takes art out of the gallery setting and literally puts it right in front of people,” she said.

All displayed artworks are for sale.

For more information or sales enquiries, phone Cinnamon Stephens on 0400 436 308 or email [email protected]