Beyond Karijini: The Pilbara and Cheela Plains

New exhibition opening Easter weekend:

Beyond Karijini: The Pilbara and Cheela Plains
One Landscape – 4 Responses
Mel Brigg
Lori Pensini
Joanne Duffy
Simon Hemsley

What started as a dream became a reality when artists Mel Brigg, Lori Pensini, Joanne Duffy and Simon Hemsley collaborated with The Studio Gallery to take up the challenge and immerse themselves into the rugged landscape of the Pilbara. The final results were never going to be anything short of extraordinary—a testimony to both the artists and Studio Gallery.

Their love of the Australian Outback combined with the need to paint was enough for each artist to pack up their art supplies and head to the North-West, namely Cheela Plains Station—a family owned and managed cattle station located in the semi-arid, pastoral rangelands of the Pilbara in Western Australia.

Some arrived by plane, landing in Paraburdoo, while others made the 3-day drive up from Perth - anticipation was high as the stunning landscape unfolded in front of them. The artists, Mel Brigg, Lori Pensini, Joanne Duffy and Simon Hemsley, are as individual as each other—approaching the landscape in their own way, exploring the incredible gorges, waterholes, riverbeds and more at their leisure. They set up easels and tables at their favourite spots, sketching, painting and photographing the amazing colours and shapes surrounding them. Some settled under trees listening to the bird sounds coming from the environment, all walked and photographed—thousands of photos were taken!

For directors of The Studio Gallery—Sandy and Steve Tippett—sharing this experience with these four artists has been extremely rewarding. All four of them are true artists, each accepting a challenge and an opportunity to step outside the box; they were united by the privilege of sharing and absorbing this incredible landscape with like-minded people.

Each holding a different interpretation of their experience in The Pilbara, the artist’s many sketches and photographs created on location have culminated into an extraordinary exhibition. Viewers of the exhibition will sense the underlying soul and passion felt within each artist, offering a unique insight into what The Pilbara holds both physically and spiritually.

Please join us at 6pm Saturday 20th April for the official opening oF Beyond Karijini: The Pilbara and Cheela Plains One Landscape – 4 Responses.

Meet artists Lori Pensini, Joanne Duffy and Simon Hemsley while enjoying fine wine and canapés from the Bistro.