What about my writings?

I've written lots of non-fiction. 

I write a newsletter for Somerset Art Society Inc, I write a long weekly email update to family in Australia, PNG, Canada and The Netherlands and last year's personal journal had 200.000 words.

About two years ago, after some courses with the Australian Writers Centre  I started a novel. Early this year I learned how to get to the finish from one of my favourite authors:  Jodi Picoult, 

"And – here's a critical part – when you finally start to write something, do not let yourself stop…even when you are convinced it's the worst garbage ever. This is the biggest caveat for beginning writers. Instead, force yourself to finish what you began, and THEN go back and edit it. If you keep scrapping your beginnings, however, you'll never know if you can reach an end."

I use Scrivener to write my novel and here's is yesterday's effort.

Mini Masterpieces

This was an initiative of the Hampton Festival Committee.
Artists could collect up to two A5 canvasses. There was no charge, no entry charge either. They would be offered for sale for $30, $5 commission.
After asking around, we entered eleven pieces by 6 artists. Two were sold, including one of mine, which was amazing.

I had neither the time nor the motivation to create something totally new.
I found a glasses case I had made from a piece of textile art done at a workshop by Gabriella Verstraeten, many years ago. BTW: a wonderful tutor!
I covered the canvas with some fabric and simply glued the piece on and titled it 'Gabriella'.

For 'Pansies' I covered the canvas with a pink

velvet. Next I found some yoyos I had made years earlier and glued them on. Initially I was going to leave it at that, but then decided to use acrylic paint to give it some extra effect. Inspired by Somerset Art Society president, Jan Godfrey, who, in turn, learned it in Morocco. That was really fun...I should use that technique again,


'Pansies' was sold! The whole exhibition of about 100 of these Mini Masterpieces looked fantastic and we will file the idea away to use sometime in the future.

Somerset Art Awards 2015

As well as an independent textile artist, I am also treasurer and newsletter editor of Somerset Art Society Inc. which is based in Esk, Queensland, Australia.  This is a dynamic organisation and  we're right in the middle of organising our second Biennial Art Awards.

Here's a photo of the 2013 event, held in our beautiful Somerset Civic Centre. 



Important dates: 
1 July: entries close
24 July: Gala Opening
25-26 July Exhibition: free admission
25 July Art and craft market in the foyer
Go to website for more details.

My art in general

Deb's new classes started last Tuesday and we're doing textures. I chose leather this week, she had a picture of a leather boot and I am having a go at that and then I may go back to my earlier "boots and hat" subject. I started the drawing at class and will work on it through the week.
I have stopped going to the Friday class, at present it doesn't seem to suit me. I have joined the newly formed Somerset Art Society. We're having an exhibition tomorrow to coincide with the Multicultural Festival and I've put in "The Chariot" and "Wheel of Fortune".
I didn't take a job. This is a bit unusual for me as I always enjoyed being part of making something happen. But right now I am enjoying my freedom of commitments just too much! Those who did take on jobs seem full of energy and enthusiasm which holds great promise. The ultimate goal is for Esk to have its own Art Gallery.