Before talking about the Perth Fashion Festival designers there are a few other things to let you know about.
Having lived with an artist for several years, I’m immensely aware of the significance of an artists studio, a small peephole into their soul. I never tire of watching on as they take a blank canvas and morph their inner thoughts into something we can understand … well something we can usually understand, I must admit there are some styles that still leave me pondering. So I was utterly thrilled when thanks to the Friends of the Art Gallery of Western Australia, I was able to take a glimpse inside the studios of two of the States Living Treasures, Robert Juniper and Richard Woldendorp. First up, Robert Juniper.
Hidden away in the Perth hills Roberts gallery is a creators dream. It’s also a meditators dream, clean air, beautiful vistas, and peaceful birdsong, my shoulders dropped as soon as I stepped out of the car. After a brief introduction it was on to the studio. I’ll let the photos do the talking …
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© The Ponder Room
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© The Ponder Room
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© The Ponder Room
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© The Ponder Room
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The cool air and a recent bout of ill health meant Robert stayed in the gallery, giving us free range to explore the space and marvel over the pieces still under construction. I asked if Robert had a favourite spot in the studio, and he explained that the way the light enters the room means that it doesn’t matter which easel he works on.
Across from the studio was an enormous gallery displaying his mammoth range of work. At the rear of the gallery was a private collection which his wife kindly showed us through. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be for an artist to stumble across one of his or her own pieces hibernating in there e.g. at the entrance was the Archibald entry of Robert by Nigel Hewitt (I hope I have that right).
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© The Ponder Room
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© The Ponder Room
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Archibald entry
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If all that wasn’t enough thanks to the Friends of AGWA we had the opportunity to purchase some pieces (at a discounted price), then step into the heart of the gallery for lunch and a fireside chat with Robert. I could easily have moved in, but it was time to move on to the next studio.
Driving to the next studio I pondered …
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What an absolute privilege it was to have seen inside Robert Junipers studio.
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The quality of the food reminded me of my earlier days travelling around WA visiting Red Cross units … wonderful home cooked food full of flavour, yum.
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Even more delightful was the friendliness of the people around me.
It was a delightfully welcoming morning on every level. I highly recommend the studio visits put on by the Friends of the Art Gallery of WA. For more information go to www.artfriends.com.au
4 Comments
Wow, what a fabulous experience! My husband (occasionally) paints and has recently spent much spare time doing so in our kitchen (where the light, apparently, is good!). It’s been fascinating to watch him at work – I think he used to do it when I wasn’t around but now I’m always there, so there’s no choice! I like being ok with words but I have always had an amazing admiration (and touch of jealousy) for those with an artistic streak – truly amazing.
Glad you get to see your husband in creative mode … hope the kitchen floor survives its new multi-coloured hue. In times gone by I used to stay huddled up in bed on a winters morning and look out into the studio watching magic being made … bliss 🙂
Loved this story and what a privilege to be invited into the dens of Robert
Juniper and Richard Woldendorp Ax
Thanks Ax, yes it’s wonderful that they’d open their places for us