By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on December 12, 2019
PERTH painter Mark Tweedie is the new artist-in-residence at Vancouver Arts Centre and he cannot wait to immerse himself in the environment he describes as having “endless appeal”.
Hailing from the Pilbara and Carnarvon originally, Tweedie often finds himself frequenting regional locations for new and different inspirations.
He will be at the Albany-based arts centre until January 3.
“My work is highly personal and explores memory, lineage and ageing,” Tweedie explained.
“My most recent exhibition was based on old photographs and embedded with my own childhood memories.
“It’s imperative for me to find a connection to my subject, whether that be a location, person or a shared experience.”
Tweedie recently stayed in the historic ghost town of Cossack for a residency he called one of the best professional and personal experiences he has ever had.
He said with Albany being the oldest colonial settlement in WA and with its “unmistakable ancient coastline”, it had endless appeal to him.
“Albany has an immediate and immense beauty, and a grand scale that I’ve not witnessed before in WA,” Tweedie said.
“I’m quite overwhelmed by the broad visuals of area; everything from the dense, thriving local flora up at Stony Hill, to the huge scale of the Torndirrup National Park’s dramatic coastline.
“Throughout the residency I’ll be photographing Albany and the surrounding areas to develop small painting studies in my Vancouver Arts Centre studio.
“I plan to further develop Albany-related works back in my Perth studio during 2020.”
While he is in Albany, Tweedie is hosting a portrait and palette knife workshop.
Bookings for the December 14 event can be made at marktweedie.com.au
“As a studio-based-artist and workaholic, I’ve experienced first-hand the benefits and importance of artist residency programs,” Tweedie said.
“I’m particularly enjoying meeting members of Albany’s passionate and thriving arts community.”
