Its been awhile since I've updated the blog! So much has been happening - good things. Read on…
RSL Wall Mosaics are UP on the wall!
And attracting a lot of attention. I'm really happy with the way they’ve turned out and the feedback has been fantastic.
From left: John Diprose, Sandy Bolton MP member for Noosa, Sue Hoskin Artist, Frank Wilkie Deputy Mayor, Marty Hunt MP member for Nicklin, Llew O’Brien MP member for Wide Bay. Image: Diane James
Covid 19 restrictions meant the installation in time for Anzac Day was postponed. We finally went ahead on 21st of August.
Initially each of the three mosaics where made on two panels. Different coloured grouts were used throughout to give depth. The installation process changed from installing (on mesh) straight to the RSL building wall, to glueing onto tile underlay at home. I completed the middle section of each design on site, making the two panels into one complete work.
Knowing how many hours went into hand cutting every piece and gluing to the mesh and then grouting, seeing them up was very emotional.
Soon the alley where the mosaic panels are installed will also be given a make over.
While waiting to install the murals on the outside, the inside of the RSL was getting a revamp. I was commissioned 18yrs ago to design and mosaic a large mirror for the front reception which is still looking fantastic with the new furnishings added. Overall I’m very honoured and thankful to now have four mosaic art works associated with the Cooroy Pomona RSL Sub Branch.
A big thank you to John and Beth Diprose who were with me throughout the process and also to
Peter Watts, Denis Thompsen, Jamie Whiteway and John Diprose for the installation. Thank you also to Liew O’ Brien MLA Wide Bay who helped with the funding. I have been overwhelmed by the response from people and thank you all for your fantastic comments.
The official opening and plaque is yet to be given a date. I’ll post the date here on the blog and to my instagram feed (see below for link). Do come along!
Although it’s been a big job in a difficult year, I’ve been busy in between with classes, making works for exhibition, trying out new mediums for mosaic, and a small work to upgrade the surrounds of a swimming pool.
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Wesley Care classes
In June I started teaching weekly to a small group at Wesley Care in Tewantin. These ladies have been making some amazing mosaics over the weeks. They have a new centre opening in Maroochydore, Qld next month and I will be going to will help a larger group with a collaborative piece to hang in the new centre.
Pool surrounds
During July I completed a small commission for a private client in Noosa Heads. An ocean scene with turtles transformed a selection of odd tiles around the pool area into something much brighter.
Exhibition
For the month of August I exhibited with painter Paul Reynolds, his powerful and dark paintings made for a great contrast against my mosaic work. It was a successful month for sales and keen mosaicists booking in for classes. While this was happening, the RSL mosaics went up, which you could see in process from the pop up shop.