JAN Clark, Bronwyn Greive, Fiona Pfennigwerth met while studying Natural History Illustration at the University of Newcastle.
Their new exhibition “Natural Friends”, marks their first collaboration as a trio and their debut exhibition at the Gloucester Gallery.
“Collaboration is less intimidating than working solo,” Fiona told News Of The Area.
“Different styles don’t need to compete; they can engage in conversation.”
Her preferred medium is watercolours.
“There’s a sense of being one partner alongside paper, pigment, and water.
“I enjoy layering pigments in thin washes to build up colour, depth, and nuance.”
Fiona also uses her art to create borders to accompany text.
Several panels featuring scenes from her book “The Book of Psalms Illuminated” will be showcased during the exhibition.
Bronwyn Greive said all three artists love nature and drew inspiration from the environment.
“Our unique approaches to our subjects highlight the endless possibilities of art.
“I have never met a medium I don’t like.
“I love to work with paper, paint, textiles, ink, charcoal, printmaking, and sculpture.”
Jan Clark said it was “fascinating” to see how each person expresses their passion for nature.
Hers lies in fabric and she identifies as a textile artist who also paints acrylic abstracts.
“I also love creating scientific drawings of insects using coloured pencils and graphite.”
One of the reasons Fiona, Bronwyn and Jan enjoy creating art is the range of possibilities within the process, from selecting a subject to choosing a medium.
“It’s also an excuse to visit beautiful places and take the time to savour them; to sit with a found object and discover its details and patterns,” Fiona said.
Bronwyn describes art as “beneficial for the soul and psyche”, while Jan says it “brings me joy and peace.”
During the exhibition, Bronwyn and Jan will conduct workshops, while Fiona will serve as the artist-in-residence.
A soft opening is scheduled for midday on Saturday 24 May 24, with the artists’ teacher and mentor Trevor Weekes officially opening the exhibition.
By Wendy BUSWELL
