Inspiration in Melbourne

Driving towards Melbourne City.

I went to Art Melbourne 07 last night.

It was an interesting experience to see so much work on display, but it is a tricky environment to sell in I think.  The mind tends to spin a bit – and one moves on to the next gallery (booth) trying to keep those works that had a voice in mind, but then something else calls…….. Though plenty of people were carrying works out – so things were obviously being bought!

Spotted Melinda Ransom (we exhibited together earlier in the year), who said she had sold well, which is great.  I know she was preparing hard for that show.

I totally fell in love with some very rounded stylised sculptures, found another little sculpture which was of a wide pregnant lady with little stick legs.  Completely fabulous and $1,000.  I would have bought it if I had the money in the bank – but as I’m trying to clear my credit card I bravely resisted.  My eyes sting thinking about it, and I wish I’d taken a card.

As an artist, it was an interesting experience to see how my own interests have changed.  I’m much more drawn to abstract and ‘brut’ these days – something that hit me at Art Fair last year, and was confirmed for me last night.  There is something in that way of working that seems like it has come straight from the soul to the canvas.  It’s pure and deep and primal.  Though my charming companion didn’t agree.  It was also interesting to see the size of canvas she was drawn to – much smaller than is natural for me – and infinitely more saleable I suppose.  I’d rather have one huge piece, she’d rather have several.  It’s all so subjective!

I found one gallery that someone had mentioned might be a good fit with my work – and I did feel completely at home there.  So that’s on my wish list to contact later in the next year.  So nice to see the beautiful work on show there, and dream about all the possible futures.

On the whole, it was an interesting and worthwhile experience. It was interesting to see Hazel Dooney’s ’sex tourist’ installation, and great to be in front of some Anthony Lister works in real life.

Last year’s Art Fair was more interesting to me because it represented artists who were well into their careers and gave a real snapshot of current Australian Art at its best and most surprising.  It was thrilling and inspiring, and absolutely HUGE.  Art Melbourne 07  was smaller, and while there was some great work, there was also some that was purely decorative – which is not art to me (and I know that’s completely subjective too).

Go see!