Putting Mother Earth in the picture

A confronting but endearing solo art exhibition now up at the Ballan Library and Community Hub is winning the affections of viewers.

“I’ve always wanted to paint a story on the wall for the library,” said the artist behind the 11 paintings hanging, Ballan’s Lou Callow.

“It’s all about the land and the earth and the animals.

“People have responded to it really well and 10 of the 11 works have sold.”

Entitled While Mother Earth Gently Weeps, the exhibition opened late last month as part of the Ballan Feast, and will remain on show through to 26 June.

“It is a story on the wall, consisting of paintings that reflect my thoughts and feelings about the energy Mother Earth is absorbing,” Callow said.

“It was my intention to stir emotions in the viewer through symbols, strong images and colour.”

Each painting is accompanied by a short written piece, including messages Callow hopes will prompt others to take time out to appreciate the natural world.

“The central painting is quite challenging, as it features Mother Earth weeping blood in a war-ravaged surrounding,” she said.

That particular piece was, nevertheless, snapped up by an admiring woman who said she loved the colours in it, while other works on show point to hopes for a more positive future.

Callow has a list of orders to fill for similar works.

“I was shocked. A bit overwhelmed to be honest,” she said.

The artist is known for her work in arts initiatives locally, including as a founding and current member of the Wombat Regional Arts Network, affiliated with Arts Victoria.

She has an extensive background in arts education, pastoral care and art therapy, and previously taught at Bacchus Marsh Grammar for 24 years.

“This is my first solo exhibition in a long time,” she said.

“The last was 13 years ago. This is unfinished business.”

After obtaining a little woodworking know-how from the local men’s shed, Callow also framed all of the pieces in this show and is already working towards her next.