Recent Artists

Meaghan Shelton

“ My intention is to capture, through the exploration of opposites that which can only be glimpsed fleetingly in a kind of peripheral vision. The occularcentrism of vision in twentieth century thought has held sight as being the dominant sense. My intention is to instead, convey a sense of wanting to touch, wanting to feel. I have found the process of my art practice has become more about not looking than actually seeing.”

Shelton’s works are at once frivolous and epic, natural and artificial. By their very playfulness the viewer is invited into what may seem at first a fantasyland from a childhood storybook.

The work reveals a fascination with surface, particularly in reference to inanimate objects in the home. Questioning notions of home and investigating tensions which arise from confinement and the desire for freedom. The home has become a metaphor for the self. From the point where the backyard ends and the wilderness begins, the ambivalence associated with the home and all its trappings provides a constant tension between the natural and the artificial. The morphing of the animal and the domestic through the process of the work reveals in essence a kind of becoming, becoming animal. “

SEXPOTS

Pit fired femme

LOCAL POTTER GETS SEXY IN SECRET

Highly sought after by discerning collectors, weirdos and fetishists all over the country, SEXPOTS ceramic explorations of the female form, combine bold shape, intense colour and refined texture to form the distinctive body of work sometimes referred to as “neurotica”.

This SEXPOT is no flash in the pants. Well established, and well loved for his sensitivity, intensity and high standard of technical ability, his preference is to create to order. The majority of pieces on show are examples of his practice designed to inspire you. Sexpots creates works that are tailored to the individual. The more individual the better!

“I believe that workmanship has been treated with disdain, as though it was an attribute which anyone could easily obtain for themselves. Quality of workmanship is critical in my personal application. I also believe that a good piece of artwork has the capacity to survive outside the context and able to succeed within its own medium, rather than relying on rhetoric or written material intended to make its interpretation easier.

For me, an authentic piece of art requires that I am always inventing. One should not have fixed ideas about art….
Art is always the beginning !

AMOS DUGGAN

In "Portraits of Humanity" Amos explores a specific perception of the human race, stepping away from common political perceptions of humanity, and instead examining the raw emotional and psychological depths of the individuals' personality.

Integrated into this study is the curious connection drawn between human and bird behaviours.

The humanistic traits shown by birds in disagreements & aggressive displays of instinctive selfishness, as well as their blatant enjoyment of sharing company – chatting, feeding and singing feed this collection of character studies.

Despite the evolution of social behaviours and codes, it is still considered entirely appropriate for birds to act upon instinct. A luxury no longer afforded their human counterparts, as we continually distance ourselves from our more primitive urges.

Amos expresses our core similarities, and questions our fundamental tendency to assume as humans we are of a "higher status” than other animals. As we discard the simple instinctive knowledge of how to create our own happiness and comfort.

Edward Dregg - Anthropornologist

Small Man with Big Cock

Portrait of the Artist as Young Pervert

From Papal censorship of classical statues, to the recent outcry that followed Bill Henson’s latest exhibition; public attitudes towards morality have always been volatile.

Edward Dregg the phenomenon, the legend, the activist and wicked alter ego of a prominent local artist who’s identity remains shrouded in confusion; despite a relationship with the Sunshine Coast that spans more than 20 years. On the down-hill run of a charmed life and lengthy career as a successful artist, Dregg’s works have never previously been exhibited on the Sunshine Coast. We weren’t ready, we may still not be…

The artist in question has permeated polite and impolite society at many levels. As a university lecturer and published author, accomplished in commercial art and film, fine art, public art and pornography, his work has infiltrated private and national collections. Pin up boy of the EROS foundation he has also been featured in MAD and PENTHOUSE, back in the day when the articles covered a diverse range of topics including, art, politics, finance & sport.

An artist with an unique perspective, that has lived life to the fullest, and managed to diffuse criticism with the skilful use of humour. It’s this humour and sense of play that informs his entire body of work. Edward Dregg was born as a product of his early fascination with sex and technology. Exploring man’s long relationship with the synthetic woman. In the early 90’s Dregg created a “Virtual Reality Loverbot”. A challenging
concept that unsettles us just as
much now, as it did then.

Nao Umemoto Rock & Roll Silver

Solid Silver Skull Bracelet ($1265)

“From the time I was exposed to the legends of Silver jewellery making such as Gabor, I have had a desire to create wearable silver art. I create gender neutral pieces that are hand made. I love chunky, textured, oxidized silver that can be worn all day everyday. I produce the entire product from design to polish in my workshop in Brisbane.”

Originally from Osaka, this young Japanese craftsman now resides in Brisbane. He favours lost wax casting to produce solid silver sculptural forms. His Rock Roll designs and high standard of craftsmanship have built him loyal following in several exclusive boutiques in Japan. We are very pleased to stock Nao’s powerful pieces exclusively on the Sunshine Coast.
Classic rock and roll wear that’s so cool and so tough, it will probably out live you…

STU FERGIE

HiStory 91 x 91 cm acrylic on canvas

Expressing himself through many mediums, Fergie's work is as diverse as his Scottish/ Asian/ Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander heritage. His exposure to a broad range of cultures, and strong connection with his heritage, people and country, provide a common thread through his diverse practice.

Using vibrant colour and intricate totemic designs, his works of art are collected throughout the world. Fergie is well established as an exciting indigenous artist and musician.

While visual arts consumed him from young age young, he pursued various careers from professional sports to Graphic Design. In 1998 he began a year long traineeship at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), which further fuelled his interest in diverse styles and mediums.

HiStory encapsulates Stu’s unique perspective, marking a temporary departure from traditional painting. An exploration of urban Nu Skool motifs, resulting in a powerful series of stencil works.

Jose Eduardo Martin Yanes Printmaking & Photography

El Desnudo del Alma

Martin Yanes is a Cuban artist living in Havana Vieja. With over a decade of experience in printmaking, painting and photograhpy, he explores contemporary existensial issues, and the violence of everyday life with his provocative explorations of the female form.

With a wide expressive capacity and flair for mixing techniques, he captures the suffering, frustration and pain which shaped his past and lingers in the present as a citizen of Cuba.

Following a sucessful residencey at the QLD College of Art in 2007, we are very pleased to have obtained a small number of his works and hope he is able to accept our invitation to visit Australia again later this year.

SHAUN PASCOE

LIPS 30cm x 45cm digital on canvas

Born in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to Australian parents. Shaun has always been fascinated with photography, pursuing a technical path with his own camera repair store for 13 years before returning to study to hone his creative skills.

His training in photo-imaging has strongly influenced his style and passion for fine art and human form. Drawing inspiration from Patrick Demarchelier, Shaun captures often unusual subjects with great warmth and power; building a loyal client base of heavily tattooed subjects who are drawn to his distinctive style and creative use of light and colour.

“My passion for photography grew from my father. We never went anywhere without taking photos. I enjoy many styles. I’m particularly passionate about Human Form images but also enjoy Glamour & Fashion. My intention is to inspire people with the unconventional.”

DAVID HOUGHTON (CPHO)

Robert Smith 91cm x 61cm spray can on canvas

David began experimenting with graffiti in 1993, before moving on to study graphic art. 2000 marked his return to his true love. Armed with new skills David was able to merge his passion and skill, returning to the graffiti scene as a council endorsed artist, producing murals, signs and commissions.

A strong advocate for legal graffiti walls, David is invloved in numerous graffiti based youth initiatives around the Sunshine Coast area.

“ I am currently focusing on gallery works, canvases and major commissions. I recently
painted a large underwater / graffiti themed mural at the Beerwah swimming pool. It was great to hear positive feedback from the local community on covering a grey wall!”

The Sunshine Coast is home to a well organized collective of grafitti artists. David edits and publishes the glossy mag Clouded Thoughts showcasing the latest exploits of these inky avengers. YES WE STOCK IT.

Damian McGrath Photography

Fire Dancers -Arnhem land

My major passion and love of photography stems simply from the ability to observe light and then manipulate it”

A commercial photographer for more than twenty years, McGrath is accomplished in many facets of the industry, including fashion, food, travel and portraiture. His client list boasts such publications as Harpers Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Australian Vogue, Bambini, Black & White, and Playboy (back in the day when the articles really were interesting). Most recently his work adorned the front and rear cover of a new publication entitled The Brett Whiteley Studio Handbook.

A contemporary and associate of David Gulpilil and Brett Whiteley, McGrath views each subject/scenario with an uncompromising eye, rigorous intellect and dry wit. Documenting the special relationship between the land and the people that honour it.

The recent national apology has only added to the importance and significance of this work, which documents parts of the Marndiella ceremony. One of four age grading ceremonies for young men in the township of Ramingining, Arnhem Land.

Colin Heaney Ceramics & Glass

Colin Heaney, the name synonymous with the best of Australian glass artists. Colin is probably best known for his exquisitely beautiful hand blown goblets. Whether you're an astute collector or purely enjoy the combination of beauty and functionality, each piece is an individual work of art, signed and dated by the artist.

Recently retired, Colin's works will undoubtedly continue to be sort after by future collectors of the very finest glass.

From his Byron Bay studio Colin began combining metal powders in his glass blowing. After years of experimentation he launched his Vitrolith series. A long and painstaking journey, resulting in an end product that has raised the status of Australian glass blowing.

Dr Norris Loannou ( international scholar and author) quotes, ‘dazzling through to subtle colour hues, sensuous patination and rich textural details, combined with refined yet powerful form, demonstrate an integral purity in contemporary glass art that is compelling and seductive’.

Ute Dittrich Painting & Ceramics

My Paths of ever widening circles lead me to headlands, mountains, swamps and desert plains. Inspiration comes from amongst the many images and details places hold.

Features that mark time, like a trace of a scar, a line or the patterns on the surface of a rock are of particular interest to me.

After exploration and intimate study, I create a true-life impression of part of the scene. Maps with a network of paths criss-crossing the land, carry with them memories of places and occasions.

A highly regarded and established local artist, Ute communicates the topography of concrete and emotional landscapes through the various media at her deft disposal. Responding to her adopted land, with richly textured vessels and muted scarred aerial perspectives of the earth.

The vessels featuring clay derived from Stumers Creek and sculptures formed from casts of the rocky outcrops that define our coastline. Sections of the earth are preserved for our scrutiny, like tiny memorials.

MAXINE STIBBE

Black & White Mermaid acrylic on board

Maxine joined the Queensland art scene in the late 1980’s. Her passion for Community Arts and Indigenous Arts, has led her on a journey spanning the globe, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and appreciating the world’s diverse Art Collection.

From New York to Cape York she is constantly inspired by people, the land, animals, the ocean and the city; feeling that it is all a wonderful insightful research program to help her creative currency expand and prosper. Life is art and she takes it to heart…

A multi platform artist and activist, skilled in Paint, Paper, Ceramics, Stone, Metal, Photography, Text and Performance. Maxine has a strong interest in space and light. Outer space and inner space. Recycling, Poly-culture, the blending of myths and stories, Spiritual quests, new technologies, Symobology and Textuality.

Her works feature in private and corporate collections nationally and internationally.
City Scape forms part of a body of works exploring urban landscapes.

Nici Wright

Her Room Ink on Belgian Canvas 140cmx80cm

“My abilities with anything creative started early (thanks to a Steiner education) & most particularly in clay.
Many sculptures large & small littered the house & garden. The love to create & make from whatever lies in front of me, & with whomever has always been there.
I never stopped creating things, large outdoor mixed media installations, sculptures, murals, jewellery, tattoo designs & clothing.
My methods and process at this time involve the repetitive motion of construction. The feeling of this process generates stillness & space for more ideas.”

Nici is a multi-platform artist, working across diverse mediums and scale. Her contribution to the arts scene on the Sunshine Coast over many years has been invaluable, freely sharing her skills and her passions across many sectors of the community. A strong advocate for the arts, you’ll often find her behind the scenes when something cool is going on, from Film Festivals, Street Festivals Dance parties, and Exhibitions all over the coast.

She’s a living a treasure, more than worthy of your admiration and support.

For your convenience Nici is offering digital reproductions on Belgian canvas of the inks on canvas on display.
They can be ordered stretched,
un-stretched or framed.

Amy Clarke

Tinbeerwah Forrest (1 of 9)

Our understanding of ourselves is reflected in our interpretation of the landscape we inhabit. We once used a definitive line to concisely position the horizon in our imagery, thereby positioning the viewer at a distance from the landscape - and this same device was also utilised to present a singular view. A gradual flattening of the picture plane over time has meant we no longer perceive ourselves as separate and disconnected from the terrain. We are synonymous with the land, as The Dreaming has known all along.

The miniature works exhibited here investigate Amy Clarke’s connection to her surrounds, in particular her response to a workshop taken with artist, Kim Mahood, during the Noosa Long Weekend, in which she aims to express a sense of place. These paintings are a direct response to working in the Tinbeerwah forest, west of Noosa. As with all of Amy’s paintings, these represent a journey into an observation of the natural world and herself as a part of it. “Painting is a language for me. It is a way to express thoughts and feelings that are otherwise inaccessible – often it is the process of painting that actually reveals them. So in that way, the landscape provides a metaphor,” says Clarke.

Sally Garrett

Olde English Countryside (ink on paper)

Sally completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Illustration from Queensland College of Art 1991 and has exhibited nationally and in the UK.

Her painstaking works are a reaction to the generic sameness and lack of individuality in our society. Her general aversion to technology only serves to emphasize the care and attention taken with each of her works. Comforted by the knowledge that each work encapsulates it’s own beginning and end, and will not continue life as a t-shirt.

The six pieces on exhibit (ink on paper & acrylic on canvas) form part of an impressive and very well received collection of works entitled Wallpaper, exhibited earlier this year in Brisbane’s Doggett St Studio.

Jivan Leela

Calling All Tribes

“To breathe is art…to experience is art…to Be.. is art…and from this space of nothingness, I find all things are possible….what I love about creating is the space between thoughts where a piece will birth itself onto a canvas….. The sense of anticipation as I open to the experience of a blank canvas, seeking what lies beneath the surface, watching, breathing, waiting for the moment to be called into manifestation, brought forth from the void with pen, canvas or chisel…”
Jivan’s journey as a creative soul began with a strong attraction to performance arts at an early age. The theatre enabled her to engage with multiple mediums, allowing her to try her hand at costume, puppet, mask and prop design, before moving into community based training, events and recreational therapies. A deeply spiritual individual, Jivan draws on her shamanic and esoteric roots, often incorporating natural elements, of stone, shell, feather, and hieroglyphic script in her pieces.

“Life is Art, a moment to moment creative expression of the passion that lives in me. Art is how I inhabit life”

Maria Sheehan

Original Sin (mixed media on canvas)

“My ‘Child’s Play’ series reflects my memories of childhood. Pretty plastic dolls with painted faces lined my shelf, yet the most fun was to be had playing with my brother’s matchbox cars downstairs in the dirt.”

Maria Sheehan studied visual arts at the Queensland College of Art. Following a 1 year artist residency at Ipswich Boys, Maria moved to London, spending much of the next four years travelling throughout Europe, The Middle East, North Africa, North and South America before settling in Florence in 1990, where she studied Italian language and Renaissance Art History at the British Institute of Florence.

Since returning to Australia she has completed a Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood at QUT and has taught in several primary schools across Brisbane. Maria now lives in Coolum Beach with her husband Nick and her two children, Edie and Luca, working part-time as a teacher. Her spare time is of course spent working in her art studio, where her experiences serve as rich fodder.

In her latest series, the hapless babes have matured a little, straying from the safety of the beach into new terrain. Their little bodies tattooed with original sin as forrest nymphs and angels assemble before us.

Bronwyn Lloyd

Hand cut paper original

Primarily known as a paper artist, Bronwyn is also an accomplished sculptor.
Paper Virgins is a series of paper-cuts and three-dimensional works by Bronwyn Lloyd. Bronwyn lays her Catholic subconscious out for all to see in stark black and white. Simple darkly humorous cut outs, are loaded with feminist irreverence. Shades of grey lay beneath in the murky subtext of society, religion and female iconography.

“I see many traditional images of women as the propaganda of social control. The Paper Virgins depicted are empowered by their own physicality and possibility of change.”

Paper cutting as an art form has been practised for hundreds of years in the East and West, each cultural group developing its own particular styles and symbolism. The method used to illustrate Paper Virgins is primarily a combination of silhouette and Chinese free cuts where the inside of the design is cut into. The challenge of working in black and white is to convey nuances of meaning that would otherwise be expressed in greys.
“Previously my creativity had been sporadic at best, dropping out of art school, writing and directing student films, acting plus dabbling in oils, pastels and numerous craft mediums. But the whole time I was constrained by my upbringing to be a 'good' girl, not to ask questions and be polite! It was a trip to England and Europe where I saw loads of religious art that finally made me question my need to be perfect in the eyes of all I met.”
Returning home I began on The Foolish Virgins just for fun, then Seven Saints and lastly The Life of A Virgin. It wasn't until I'd finished that I realized my unconscious had unrevealed itself in black and white for all to see!