“Allure” is a new exhibition of enchanting and evocative paintings by celebrated artist Wendy Arnold opening on December 27.
Ms Arnold was born in New Zealand and grew up in Perth where she started her fine arts studies in painting and printmaking.
As a teenager she was encouraged by her late father to pursue her love of fine art. “He is my genetic link to the arts, the most creative man I’ve ever known,” she said.
In the 1980’s after a few years of extensive travel, Wendy together with 2 partners launched the highly successful fashion label Studiobaker Hawk in the UK.
Her embedded passion and foundation in fine art drew Wendy Arnold away from the fashion industry in the mid 90’s to settle in Sydney where she has been painting full time ever since.
I can knit, I can sew, and I’m dangerously good with a hammer, but it is the practice of painting that has allowed myself to be me… the me I wanted to be since I was a very small girl....I feel so lucky to be an artist.
- Wendy Arnold
“I can knit, I can sew, and I’m dangerously good with a hammer, but it is the practice of painting that has allowed myself to be me… the me I wanted to be since I was a very small girl,” said Ms Arnold.
“I feel so lucky to be an artist. To have the time to smell the roses, to watch and wait, and catch beauty out in the most surprising circumstances”
The artist continually pushes the boundaries of her techniques, using gold leaf, lace, print, French papers, methods of sanding, re-working and other decorative skills.
Asian imagery laced with historical reference is a consistently strong element in Ms Arnold’s work, interweaving birds, flowers and rich patterning with the female form.
“I have named this special edition of paintings for JahRoc Galleries “Allure” because all the figures are beguiling, mostly hidden.
“Many reveal the nape of their necks, which by Japanese terms is the most sensual part of a women’s body. I have enjoyed my little collection… and hope you do too.”
“Allure” is showing at JahRoc Galleries in Margaret River from the 27th December to 20th January.
View the collection online at www.jahroc.com.au
