It’s that time of year for the Annual Self Portrait Exhibition at Glenn Eure’s ‘Ghost Fleet Gallery’ in Nags Head, North Carolina.
This is the 28th year the show has been running and my 6th time participating. This year was special as I have recently relocated my family to the South Island of New Zealand and was unsure if I would be eligible to enter. As it turns out, to my delight, I received an invitation from Pat Eure to participate despite being off shore.
It makes me smile to think that as an Australian artist, now residing in New Zealand I can continue to exhibit at Glenn’s, Ghost Fleet Gallery.
Glenn had a special place in his heart for Australians and New Zealanders having served alongside them in the battle of Long Tan.
He made lifelong friends on the field, with whom he stayed in touch with over the years since.
In fact, the Aus and NZ Embassies sent over high ranking officers to read a letter from the Commanders in the battle, at his memorial service. Something he would have been very proud of and also meant a great deal to his wife Pat, family and friends to hear.
This year the shows theme was ‘I am where…’
I admit, my entry was hard to execute this year. I had just relocated and was still awaiting the shipment of my art supplies as they sailed a 14 week journey over the Pacific Ocean from the US to NZ shores. I had a bare minimum of ‘emergency art supplies’ to keep me going for which I am grateful. I generally paint in Oils on Canvas but had some ink and acrylic and small artist trading cards so set about making something different this year.
I created a small abstract work, the size of my Tiny Talisman series (2” x3”) on card and framed it to send.
I can be found as a figure in Alizarin Crimson among the magic green and clouds, embracing the energy that envelopes me here. Alizarin Crimson is an all time favourite color of mine to denote life and humanity. It may be the fact it is the colour of blood and unites us all, or just that it is such a colour of incredible depth but whatever the impulse, it feels wonderful to use in a self portrait.
The theme for this years exhibition had me reflect on where I am, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
New Zealand is often thought of as a small country at the bottom of the globe and it is, but it is also a country full of wonderfully kind people and of magic.
The magic of the long white clouds for which is is famous, verdant pastures, rolling hills, pristine shorelines and a sense of time and simplicity reminiscent of years gone by.
‘Sandfly Bay, NZ at dusk’
I am finding a sense of peace in the slower pace of living and the size of the towns and population. It has allowed me to stop and smell the roses, so to speak and delight in the smaller things, the things where magic is so often found.
Hence my entry title: ‘I am where small things hold magic’.
‘I am where small things hold magic’
2”x3” Mixed media on canvas card
I am also proud to share, the work sold to a well known artist from OBX, Doug Brannon, prior to the opening. Many thanks for collecting Doug!
If you get a chance to head down to ‘Ghost Fleet Gallery’ before the show closes May 11th you will be treated to 54 fabulous artists’ entries to view, and the bonus of a new category this year for Literary artists…9 entries to enjoy there.
You’ll find them at: Ghost Fleet Gallery-
210 E Driftwood Street, Nags Head, North Carolina.
Situated in the middle of The Outer Banks, (OBX) a well known US holiday destination admired for its beaches and it’s art!