Our third and final Artists’Conversation took place last night. It was another cold and damp evening,although perhaps marginally less so than we’ve come to expect of late. Knowing that Thursdays aren’t the optimum night out in Yea,and that’s doubly true of cold and wet Thursdays,I figured it’d be a quiet evening with our panel. Gladly,I was wrong! An audience of about twenty switched off the TV and left the house to enjoy the fire,food,champagne and conversation at Marmalades.
Our panellists were Leone Gabrielle,Joost Bakker and Vicki Tyley. Adele Anderson reprised her role as conversation convenor,once again doing a brilliant job with her gentle promptings. The discussion ranged from issues such as whether the artists showed any indication of their future vocation at seven years old,through ruminations on the source of inspiration,to each artist’s definition of success. The audience threw plenty of questions and ideas into the mix,making it a satisfying ramble through the life of an artist …or in Vicki’s case,someone who defines herself as a genre writer.
After a coffee break,we reconvened to hear Leone talk about how her life and travels play out on the canvas. I learned some things even though I’ve spoken with Leone about her work numerous times over the years,and I wonder if this is a reflection of the development of her work and sensibilities over the last couple of years.
Vicki enthralled us all with her introduction to the world of publishing and the challenges she faces in getting her books to the public. She also amused with her description of how she approaches the creation of a book. It seems that Vicki knows more methods of murder than most people.
Finally,Joost took the chair and spoke about his transition from a flower-growing family to creating flower arrangements for the best restaurants in Melbourne,to creating environmentally sound buildings. On the surface it seems like an improbable journey,and yet it all makes sense when Joost tells the story. A lengthy Q&A from a very engaged audience ensued,until I called time on what had been a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Kudos and thanks to our indefatigable interlocutor,Adele Anderson,and also to our panellists for contributing their time. We really,really appreciate it.