Sculptor Kashmir Rouw has unveiled a collection of his favourite works at Margaret River’s Payet Gallery.
“I am excited with my display of sculptures, and the sculpture trail we’ve created. I am honoured to contribute to this beautiful gallery landscape space,” Rouw said.
“The unique aspect that the gallery takes up in the landscape is paramount to me and in perfect synergy to my artworks.”
The gallery offers a well designed space which showcases fine jewellery, ceramics, paintings and sculptures by local artists. It is those features along with the natural surrounds which drew Rouw to this intimate space.
Gallery owner and jeweller Francois Payet was thrilled when he turned up at the gallery one Monday morning after Rouw had set up his collection.
“It was a total transformation of the garden,” Payet said. “Sculptural treasures set beside low bushes and placed on rocks and around the decking have raised the energy of the gallery to a new level.”
Rouw was raised in Margaret River and is an avid photographer, environmentalist, gardener, surfer, karate practitioner and bike rider.
His works, inspired by his natural surrounds, have a great sense of energy to them which command attention whether in a gallery environment or in one of the many public spaces where his creations are displayed.
“My works are centred around found materials of stone, wood and steel. It’s the placement, carving and connection between these elements that make you think and encourage your own personal dialogue or just make you look and stare,” he said.
Several of Rouw’s works are on display and for sale at Payet Gallery, with pieces ranging in price from $100 to $5,000.
He said his favourite piece is a painted tree sculpture sitting prominently on the veranda of the gallery, overlooking the sculpture trail in the grounds, but doesn’t know why the piece is his preferred choice.
“It is partly to do with how the paint brought life back to a dead tree and gave it a reason to be. The tree of life in all its random myriad of colour and forms.”
Visitors to the gallery can also find a selection of Rouw’s ambient water sculptures placed in and around the space.
“My bird baths and water bowls were inspired by the idea of wanting to hold energy or life. Water is a source of life and also holds energy. I also like the way the sculptures inter-relate with their surroundings. By adding water, it forms a direct conduit sustaining life. I find this concept and the connection with nature paramount to why I make art works.”
The gallery and gardens are open every day 10am-4pm and located at 611 Boodjidup Road, Margaret River.
