LAKE AND BEYOND EXHIBITION

8 September to the 20 October 2024

Yarralumla Gallery and Oaks Brasserie

36 Robert Boden Grove, Yarralumla, Canberra.

Gallery Opening Hours : Sat – Sunday 8.30am – 4pm AND Mon to Friday : 9.30am-4pm.

Free parking directly outside with good wheelchair access.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

The exhibition includes a selection of over 50 artworks by two local Canberra artists Sylvie Carter and Claire B. Cusack. Oil, watercolour, pastel paintings that explore life on the lake and beyond on Ngunnawal, Ngambri and Yuin country of Southeastern Australia.

The exhibition is a culmination of over three years of painting by local artists Sylvie Carter and Claire B. Cusack. The exhibition features paintings of life on and around Lake Burley Griffen and Lake George, as well as numerous rare and beautiful birds, possums and other wildlife local to this region.

Come and immerse yourself in a world of inspiration.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Sylvie Carter

Sylvie Carter is an Australian contemporary representational artist.

Working with oils, watercolour and mixed media, Sylvie believes that at the heart of her practice is her passion for storytelling. Her landscapes are inspired by the beauty of the Australian bush, where she immerses herself to capture the interplay of atmospheric light and the narratives of her subjects.

Growing up in Canberra and nearby historic Gundaroo Village, Sylvie appreciates nature and the ever-changing subtle colours that continue to fuel her creativity. Her understanding of the palette of rich earthly tones, and her impressionistic brushstrokes evoke the essence of her surroundings.

Whilst Sylvie excels in landscape painting, her passion for portraiture also shines through in her work. Her portraiture works often delve into the themes of human fragility, connection, and the limitations we face in our contemporary lived experiences.

Sylvie shares, "I’m driven to explore the story behind each of my subjects and their connections to the land and human life. I'm captivated by the fleeting passage of time and the importance of cherishing our fragile existence with nature."

Sylvie started her artist journey when she was in her teens, sketching and creating large figurative sculptures in clay. She pursued her passion for painting in 2007, going on to study in workshops and mentorship programs with world-renowned artists, including training in the classical techniques and methodologies of the Dutch masters. She studied in Barga, Italy and with other European experts to expand her artist experience.

Sylvie’s works are held in both private and public collections. She has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions nationally and has been consecutive finalist in multiple art prizes, most recently in the Gallipoli Art Prize 2024, 2023 and 2022, The John Copes Portrait Prize 2023 and The Waterbrook Prize for Drawing 2023.

You can explore more of her work here www.sylviecarterartist.com

Instagram: @sylviecarterartist

Claire B Cusack

Claire B Cusack is a Canberra painter whose work is a vibrant testament to the world around her.

With a passion for authenticity, Claire's canvases are windows to her soul, capturing the essence of her current life and the people within it.

Her medium of choice is as varied as her subjects, ranging from the rich textures of oil paints to the delicate hues of pastels and the bold lines of charcoal.

Each piece she creates is a narrative, woven with the threads of her experiences, emotions, and the subtle stories of everyday life.

Claire's art is not just seen; it is felt, inviting viewers to step into her world and see through her eyes. Her work is a celebration of the present, a timeless capture of the now, and a heartfelt expression of life's fleeting moments. Through her art, Claire B Cusack invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of our own lives.

Claire’s accolades are impressive, with consecutive wins at the Silver is Gold COTA ACT Art competition and most recently a finalist in the Percival Portrait Prize 2024, Gallipoli Art Prize 2023 and the Waterbrook Prize for Drawing 2023.

These achievements not only highlight her skill but also her dedication to her craft. Claire's work, undoubtedly, resonates with a wide audience, reflecting her personal growth and the universal themes of family and perseverance.

Claire always finds a way to make time for art in the busy life that she has with her husband and kid’s activities.

You can explore more of her work here www.clairebcusack.com

Instagram: @clairebcusack_art