We’ve been a little quiet lately as we’ve had to make a hard decision. Most regrettably we have decided that we can no longer keep itchypod going. Whilst www.itchypod.com.au was successful in promoting our artists online, taking it to the next level would require more time and effort than we can manage.
All the artwork on itchypod is still available online until November 15, 2010 – if you see a piece you like, now’s the time to buy! Don’t forget the fabulous rose artworks created for our recent ‘War of the Roses’ competition are also available for sale.
Some of the itchypod artists can also be followed online at:
Natalia Bondarenko (jewellery) http://www.etsy.com/shop/realisationcreations
Paul Buchecker (furniture) www.flyinghoops.com.au
Shannon Cornish (jewellery) http://www.ethosgallery.com.au/
MaccyArto Arts http://www.battunga.org.au/directory/The-Arts/MaccyArto/details
Tara Seekamp (textiles/painting) http://seektarart.blogspot.com/
Thanks to all the artists who supported our initiative – we wish them all very the best with their future artistic endeavours! To all our fans and supporters, we thank you and hope you will continue to support South Australian artists.
And finally, a HUGE thank you to Francz Varga, of Neo Tribal, our good friend and web developer, who took our vision and made it a reality.
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Canvases were splattered with red, metal was sharpened and shaped and ‘Poor Rosa’ disappeared without a trace. The War of the Roses artists were well matched and their achievements will be recorded in history – well, in this blog anyway!
As with most great battles, ‘to the victor go the spoils of war’. Sally Heinrich, Judge of itchypod’s ‘War of the Roses’ online art competition, reveals not only the winner and champion but other honourable mentions and the factors she considered in making her decision. Over to you Sally –
“Well the time has come, the battle has been raging and for a moment calm has descended on the battlefield while the contestants await the final result. It can no longer be avoided, a decision, hard as it may be, must be made.
This contest represents for me an exciting coming together of art forms. The art in the contest represents a wide range of traditionally handcrafted pieces – jewellery, sculpture, painting and drawing – which itchypod has combined with technology by bringing them into the virtual realm in their online gallery.
It also brings together writing with visual art – and isn’t it interesting how often when people are discussing art they cross those lines – I mean, a piece of writing may be praised for the way it ‘paints a picture’ of a scene or event, while a picture, in the words of the familiar proverb, can be ‘worth a thousand words’.
It was a difficult choice to make. All of the participants summarised their thoughts succinctly, with clarity, elegance and occasional humour. Some gave a glimpse of the personality of the writer in the way they related the art to themselves and to their lives.
Many contestants evoked the other senses, beyond simply sight, some weaving metaphor into their statements, while others, no less effectively, were more straightforwardly descriptive.
One captured their thoughts in a mere dozen carefully chosen words. Being myself the type of writer who always excessively over-writes, meaning that much of my writing process consists of carving away so many unnecessary words, such discipline and focus is to be admired!
Eventually, I managed to narrow it down to five pieces of writing, each championing a different artwork. I also would like to mention a line I especially liked for the image it evoked, from one of the entrants who said, should she win ‘Poor Rosa’, it would be ‘. . . much loved and admired, and all my other art will look on in envy!!!’
I would like to extend a special mention to all of these: (please see these comments at the bottom of the post)
I liked the many different connections Cleopatra Kerckhof made and managed to express in so few words, in admiring ‘The Catherine Window’. I enjoyed the gentle contemplation of ‘Evening Rose’ by Wendy Avis and the evocative description of ‘The Colours of a Rose’ by Bernadette Spencer and the way Mary Davis expanded on the War of the Roses theme in the description of ‘The Shiny Gathering’.
Finally though, there could only be one winner, and this is it. I think that it speaks for itself.
Meredith Reardon’s winning entry reads – “The Fragile Beauty, by Karin Foxwell, is a stunning work of art. This evokes passion and fragility, freshness and frailty at the same time – like life itself. You look in the mirror and see yourself growing older but step back and you feel just the same as you ever did, fresh and youthful. The harsh reality is the creeping years, like a vine, engulfing youth and beauty. Yet the thorny ride of life wraps around us and offers some protection as experience and wisdom gives us strength and comfort.”
War of the Roses Champion Artist, Karin Foxwell's 'Fragile Beauty'
Congratulations to all of the contestants on a battle well fought!”
Congratulations Meredith on your winning comment! Meredith gets to take home Karin’s painting ‘Fragile Beauty’ and Karin is not only crowned ‘Champion Rose Artist’ but gets to take home the prize money of $250!
Sally’s honourable mentions:
Cleopatra Kerckhof: “I like Natalia’s ‘The Catherine Window‘ for different reasons. First of all: nostalgia. It made me think of one of my first French lessons when I was in art school. The subject was the Cathedral in Chartres with its famous stained glass windows . The pictures were breathtaking and filled me with joy. Colours jumping right at you and drawing you in – just like the colours in this pendant. Second reason: something that you consider art is best held closely to your heart. Third reason: it looks like a mandala. Together with the soothing colors, it gives the impression of peace and calm. Fourth reason: I’m a big fan of her work and would love to own a piece made by her two hands.”
'The Catherine Window' by War of the Roses artist Natalia Bondarenko
Wendy Avis: “Later in life – still beautiful. She is open to the world and not afraid to display her special individuality. It is important that you take the time to appreciate her now because inevitably her days are numbered. However, her essence is preserved in this painting and continues to be inspirational.”
'Evening Rose' by War of the Roses Artist Gordon Thurmer
Bernadette Spencer: “These soft pastel colours are as beautiful as a rose could be. Looking at it, I imagine to smell the sweet scent, hear the bees humming and feel the wind in my long, thin hair – like the sun warming my hands, one beautiful rose warming my heart.”
'The Colours of a Rose' by War of the Roses Artist Julie Moller
Mary Davis: “The Shiny Gathering is the war of the roses, the Tudors and Stuarts white and red roses are symbolised by the silver roses of this piece and the rose gold for the red roses. The silver brings to mind the steel swords and the colour of the armour of the era. Most importantly the name ‘Shiny Gathering’ evokes the continuous gathering of the best young people, the youthful white and red roses of that time. A sad time of war but a shiny gathering during the war of the roses.”
'Shiny Gathering' by War of the Roses Artist, Shannon Cornish
All of the Rose artworks are now for sale – to see the full selection and for details on how to purchase, go to http://www.itchypod.com.au/s/rosewar
Filed under: SALA 2010, South Australian Living Artist Festival 2010, War of the Roses Art Competition | 3 Comments
Tags: Adelaide Hills, art competition, drawing, Glass, Gordon Thurmer, jewellery, Karin Foxwell, Natalia Bondarenko, painting, Sally Gibson Dore, Sally Heinrich, sculpture, Shannon Cornish, South Australian Living Artist, War of the Roses, watercolour
Who will win one of these Rose artworks?
Well, the War of the Roses has ended and no more votes will be accepted. It was a good campaign, with much competition amongst the artists. Rules were adhered to, but just as in Canberra, we must wait until the dust has settled and the entries are scrutinized to find out who is the Champion Rose artist and who will win the rose art! Our judge, Sally Heinrich, is pouring over all the comments slowly, pruning down one by one until the winner becomes clear.
We will reveal the winner on September 7th, 2010 here and on www.itchypod.com.au.
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ADELAIDE HILLS SALA ART THEFT
Have you seen 'Poor Rosa'?
The battle for the WAR OF THE ROSES, our online arts competition between 10 Adelaide Hills artists, has taken an unexpected turn. ‘Poor Rosa’ a rather shapely terracotta bust and one of the front-runners in the competition, has fallen victim to a discerning art thief during a Blues Brother’s revival night in Macclesfield. ‘Poor Rosa’ is suspected to have gone missing between 9.30– 10pm last night and was wearing a revealing lace bodice and little else.
Ceramicist Sally Gibson-Dore says of her missing artwork, “In a way what an honour, in another way how sad. All I want is for Poor Rosa to be returned unharmed.” Not wanting to disappoint fans that have already voted for her piece, Sally will be creating another bust similar to ‘Poor Rosa’ as a replacement.
Any sightings or leads to ‘Poor Rosa’ may be left anonymously on the itchypod website, via our email contact form on www.itchypod.com.au.
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Tags: Adelaide Hills, art, ceramics, competition, SALA, Sally Gibson Dore, South Australian Living Artists Festival, War of the Roses
‘War of the Roses’ artist battle to be decided by Adelaide author/illustrator, Sally Heinrich
Sally Heinrich, War of the Roses Judge
We’ve thrown down the Gauntlet, 10 Adelaide Hills artists have taken up the challenge and our judge, Sally Heinrich is on the sidelines, making sure the battle is fought with honour. Over the next couple of weeks, art lovers will be sending in their comments on their favourite Rose art piece. Sally will be scrutinising each and every one, looking for the most creative comment that decides the Champion Rose Artist!
Sally Heinrich is a celebrated Children’s Book Author and Illustrator from Adelaide, South Australia, with one junior novel “Hungry Ghosts”, four picture books and a series of information and activity books on various Asian countries. Sally has also illustrated over 20 more books for other publications. Her writing reflects her interest in the relationships and connections between Australian and Asian cultures. This interest led her to be commissioned to undertake a large illustration for the Singapore Zoo. Sally’s illustration appears as a mural in the Zoo shop, on the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari buses, on textiles and also for packaging and merchandising. Along with writing and illustrating, Sally paints personalized children’s furniture and makes limited edition lino-prints. Sally’s artistry has been recognized by the prestigious Waterhouse Natural History Prize – she received High Commendations (2006/7) and was Finalist in 2008.
This year, Sally is exhibiting as part of SALA at CIBO in Henley Square, Adelaide, and at Gallery M Marion Cultural Centre, 287 Diagonal Road, Oaklands Park 5046.
To find out more about Sally Heinrich, her books and illustrations, please go to her website – www.sallyheinrich.com or her blog – http://sallyheinrich.wordpress.com/. Contact her through either link to commission her or to find out where to purchase her books.
Filed under: Competitions, SALA 2010, South Australian Art Events, War of the Roses Art Competition | Leave a Comment
Tags: Adelaide Hills artists, art competition, author, competition, illustrator, SALA, Sally Heinrich, South Austalian artists, South Australian Living Artists, War of the Roses
Melinda Rankin Opens MaccyArto's 'Habitat' Exhibition SALA 2010
It was a cold, wet and blustery day, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the MaccyArto Artists and supporters in the picturesque Marker’s Barn, Macclesfield on Sunday. Melinda Rankin, director of the Hahndorf Academy, opened the exhibit with an inspiring speech in which she commented that ‘in many communities, it is difficult to put on an art show as Macclesfield does, as there isn’t the support or the artists. In Macclesfield, it is difficult to find someone who isn’t an artist’.
A ‘must see’ is an amazing miniature house, complete with interior (you will have to go to find out what is inside), that sits by the main entrance of Marker’s Barn. Of course the artwork is wonderful and quite varied, with sketches, paintings, photography, pottery, ‘wooly’ bags, etc., and outside is another art installation – see if you can find it!
In the Melting Pot Cafe you may see some of MaccyArto’s exhibits weekdays as well as weekends. Jewellery is included in the Cafe, along with paintings and textiles. Don’t miss the pieces in the back room beyond where you order!
Many of MaccyArto’s members are involved in itchypod’s ‘War of the Roses’ Competition. While you are in the area this weekend (Sat. & Sunday, 10am – 4pm) you may see some of the pieces in the Foyer of the Macclesfield Institute and also at the Melting Pot Cafe. For more information on the Competition, please go to www.itchypod.com.au/s/rosewar.
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Tags: art, artwork, exhibition, habitat, Hahndorf Academy, Macclesfield, Maccyarto, Marker's Barn, Melinda Rankin, opening, SALA, South Australian art, South Australian artists, South Australian Living Artists
"Poor Rosa" by Sally Gibson-Dore
Sally’s piece, ‘Poor Rosa’ is made from Terracotta with under glaze and measures 470 mm x 290 mm.
For a chance to win this artwork, leave a comment below, using 100 words or less, and tell us why you like it! Full details of our competition can be found at www.itchypod.com.au/s/rosewar
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Tags: Adelaide Hills, art, competition, roses, Sally Gibson Dore, South Australian Living Artists Festival, Terracotta, War of the Roses
"Aria" by Cate Ellis
Cate Ellis’ piece, ‘Aria’ – medium pencil for the petals and pastel background, on Arches smooth watercolour paper. It measures 525mm x 635mm
“My rose is named ‘Aria’. This has several source references and refers to the combination of lace and petals I’ve used in the image. Aria also infers a melody for solo voice, a sweet sound floating like the sweet smell of traditional roses. In Venice, the centre of lace trade in the 17th century, lace was known as ‘Punto in Aria’, meaning stitches in the air, which I think is a gorgeous description. Hence my rose picks up it’s stitches and ‘dances’ to a melody in the air, spreading fragrance as it moves.”
For a chance to win this artwork, leave a comment below, using 100 words or less, and tell us why you like it! Full details of our competition can be found at www.itchypod.com.au/s/rosewar
Filed under: War of the Roses Art Competition | 1 Comment
Tags: Adelaide, Adelaide Hills, art, Cate Ellis, competition, Hills, illustration, pastel, pencil, South Australian Living Artists Festival
"The Colours of a Rose" by Julie Moller
Julie’s piece, ‘The Colours of a Rose’ is pastel on watercolour paper with colourfix primer. Framed, it measures 560mm x 460mm; image size is 360mm x 260mm
Julie describes ‘The Colours of a Rose’ as follows: “I am attracted to the beautiful, intricate forms and varied colours of roses. In my painting I exaggerated the colour variations and used a close-up view to increase the impact of the piece.”
For a chance to win this artwork, leave a comment below, using 100 words or less, and tell us why you like it! Full details of our competition can be found at www.itchypod.com.au/s/rosewar
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Tags: Adelaide Hills, art, competition, Julie Moller, pastel, roses, South Australian Living Artists Festival, War of the Roses
"On Guard" by Sally Werner
Sally’s piece, ‘On Guard’, is made from Copper and Glass and measures 375mm x 240mm x 85mm
“One fine but cold Saturday morning in July, I headed to Woodside to meet my rivals in the ‘War of the Roses’. Finding myself a wee bit early for the encounter, I stopped at the Lions Club shed sale. There I picked up an unusual copper figurine. After popping her in my basket with my other treasures, I continued my journey. Half an hour later my rivals and I were prancing around a rose garden, dueling with red roses…all in the name of itchypod art. I looked again at my figurine crafted by some unknown Artist. She was prancing as we had been just before. I knew then that she would continue the battle and hold my Rose.”
For a chance to win this artwork, leave a comment below, using 100 words or less, and tell us why you like it! Full details of our competition can be found at www.itchypod.com.au/s/rosewar
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Tags: Adelaide Hills, art, competition, Copper, Glass, roses, Sally Werner, South Australian Living Artists Festival, War of the Roses
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