Gecko Studio Gallery Newsletter March April 2018 Kerry Spokes Lost in Reverie – Artist Statement 2018 The innocence of a child is the backdrop for Kerry Spokes in an exhibition exploring the modern world of politics, war, gender identity and other complex themes. Using images of children at play or ‘lost in reverie’ Spokes portrays these ideas with an honesty, clarity and innocence not shown by the media, politicians and the grown-up world. Employing printmaking, drawing and watercolour as her medium, the reoccurring images of androgynous children suspended in spontaneous poses and complete immersion of (in?) their imaginary worlds are a staple of Spokes’ creative vision. Alongside sits another body of work of which Spokes is well known for; employing her other creative passion of digital collage. Using apps on her iPad or iPhone, she weaves a story into each piece she creates. Spokes uses photographs she has taken on her iPhone along with downloaded free to use imagery to build her digital work. Portraits or figures in the landscape….with a twist, using visual quips for the viewer to interpret. 1 Curriculum Vitae Kerry Spokes B: King Island 1960 15 Falls Rd Fish Creek 3959 Mob: 0423721593 Email: [email protected] Education 1985 - 1987 Gippsland Institute of Advanced Technology GIAE Bachelor Degree of Visual Arts Co owner/ director of Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek – 2006 ongoing Publications Digital Arts Collection – Tarwin Valley Project 2013 Imprint magazine – “Iphoneography” – March 2014 Recent exhibitions Known Unknowns – Solo Exhibition – TACIT Contemporary Art, Johnson St Abbotsford, Melbourne – November 2017 Measurement – Group exhibition Gecko Studio Gallery May 2017 imPRESSions – Group exhibition Arts Space Wonthaggi August 2017 Wild Blue Yonder – solo exhibition – TACIT Contemporary Art, Johnson St, Abbotsford, Melbourne – September 2016 ImPRESSions 2016 group show – Meeniyan Art Gallery – September 2016 L’ouevre des Ouefs – The Work of the Eggs group exhibition – Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek - May 2016 Editions – Group exhibition – TACIT Contemporary Art, Johnson St Abbotsford, Melbourne – Feb 2016 Blown Off Course II – solo exhibition – TACIT Contemporary Art, Johnson St, Abbotsford, Melbourne – November 2015 ImPRESSions group exhibition – Meeniyan Art Gallery – Oct-Nov 2015 Bass Coast Art Award Acquistive Prize 2015 Blown Off Course – solo exhibition – Gecko Studio Gallery – May – July 2015 The Gippsland 14 group exhibition –Media House Gallery, Age Building, Melbourne – Feb 2 – April 22 2015 The Gippsland 14 group exhibition – Meeniyan Art Gallery – April – June 2015 Pocket Vistas Mobile Photo Awards 2014 Selected International Group Exhibition, Ontario, Canada Sept 2014 Out There –Solo - iphoneography landscapes – Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek, April/May 2014 Digital Arts Project – Meeniyan Art Gallery – July 2013 Impact 8 International Print Conference, Dundee, Scotland, Collaboration with Kate Zizys, “ivision” August 2013 Gone To The Dogs Group exhibition, Gecko Studio Gallery, May 2013 Letting Go, Solo Exhibition, Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek Dec-Jan 2012/13 2D artist – Sculpture in the Vineyard, Lyrebird Hill Winery – December 2012 Los Angeles Mobile Arts Festival LAMAF – Santa Monica – August 2012 8x8 Show – On Any Sunday Gallery – Fitzroy – August 2012 Its Just One Of Those Things – Solo Exhibition – Latrobe Contemporary Gallery – April 2012 Contemporary Portrait Prize – Latrobe Contemporary Gallery, Morwell – Jan 2012 snAPP – Camera Phone Group exhibition – Gecko Studio Gallery – Fish Creek – Nov-Dec 2011 G8 Collective – Group exhibition of 8 South Gippsland artists at Fitzroy Gallery – Oct-Nov 2011 Impact 7 International Print Conference – Collaborative installation piece - Sept 2011 Finalist – Rick Amor Print Prize – March 2011 G8 Collective – Group exhibition of 8 South Gippsland artists Fitzroy Gallery – Oct-Nov 2010 ARC Drawing Prize – Selected group exhibition – Main St Yinnar – Oct – Nov 2010 ‘Full Play’ exhibition - in conjunction with sculptor Laurie Collins – August – September 2010 Prints from Gippsland – group exhibition – Gallery ARC – Art Resource Collective Yinnar – June 2010 2 Freestone Press Printmakers Group exhibition – Court Gallery Stratford – June 2010 A Fine Line – Selected Group Exhibition - Meeniyan Art Gallery – May 2010 Alternative transport - iPhoneography - Kerry Spokes Walking on Stilts - iPhoneography - Kerry Spokes Kerry Spokes ****************************************************************** Gecko Studio Gallery News “Headquarters”, our café, is still going strong as the crazy times of the ‘high’ season slowly recede and we look forward to the influx of visitors during Easter. Headquarters is serving a unique wood roasted artisan coffee from Melbourne (Ricci Method), delicious teas (including Calmer Sutra), chais, hot chocolates and cold drinks. Headquarters also has a range of sweet and savoury foods to dine in or takeaway - we offer specialty salads (try our sushi bowl!) and delicious vegan raw slices from local supplier “A Seasoned Kitchen” - from amongst a range of culinary treats on offer. As cooler times approach we will be offering luscious soups and curries. More in the next newsletter. We are always looking at new treats and products so keep an eye on the Gecko / Headquarters Facebook page and on Instagram. Open 9am to 4pm, Thursday through to Monday, i.e. closed Tuesday & Wednesday 3 Headquarters café at Gecko Studio Gallery ● Gecko on Facebook - Keep up to date with our news and events on the Gecko Studio Gallery Facebook page. ● Framing quotes/ consultations – a reminder that it is wise where possible to make a time with Kerry for framing consultations and quotes. Kerry can be contacted on 0423 721 593 or at the Gallery (5683 2481). Kerry is not always at the gallery or we may have an event underway so it helps if you can book a time with Kerry. Especially now that we have the café. ArtHouse accommodation Brought to you by Gecko Studio Gallery - the ArtHouse, fine accommodation in Fish Creek. Entering through the gate, guests are greeted by the lovely private garden filled with interesting plants and flowers and by the ancient apple tree in pride of place in the back yard. The ArtHouse offers guests a stunning and beautifully appointed cottage hidden away behind Gecko Studio Gallery in the heart of Fish Creek. The walls host an array of contemporary original artwork by renowned local artists for sale - your very own private gallery. With an open central living area, full kitchen, a generous sized bedroom and beautifully appointed bathroom, the ArtHouse is light filled, comfortable and cosy. 4 Quality linen and bath towels are provided, just bring your beach towels. We also supply a portable cot with mattress protector, sheet and extra blankets. A library of artbooks and novels, an interesting dvd and cd collection and current art and style magazines have been collected for your enjoyment. Fish Creek is home to 4 galleries, and a suite of lovely cafes' including Gecko's very own coffee bar - HeadQuarters, Gibsons - serving delicious breakfasts, lunches, then tapas in the evening! There is a range of interesting shops and the iconic Fish Creek Hotel with the fish on top. The ArtHouse is perfect as a base from which to visit local wineries, walk or ride on the Great Southern Rail Trail and of course visit Wilsons Prom and the many beaches in the local area. Please note there is a 2 night minimum stay, with 3 night minimum stay on Public Holidays. Single night stays are at the owner's discretion and may incur extra charges. Contact Kerry at Gecko Studio Gallery on 03 5683 2481 or 0423 721 593. www.facebook.com/pages/Arthouse/482648991846293 www.stayz.com.au/accommodation/vic/phillip-island-gippsland/wilsons-promontory/146244 www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2166372 See all the images at www.arthousefishcreek.com.au/ or the 3 links above. Kerry Spokes ● See Kerry’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/kerryspokesartist and website www.kerryspokes.com.au/ ● See www.geckostudiogallery.com.au/kerry-spokes-2/#.VkBxHeTovIU Check this out: ● Biblio fashion https://goo.gl/gWik32 ● Lotte Reiniger The animation genius you've (probably) never heard of - the charming story of how Lotte Reiniger became one of the great pioneers of early animation. View the very charming little film on the BBC @ http://bbc.in/2BxScfv ● How to Draw a Black Guy - CM Campbell https://goo.gl/K6DtRJ ● That’s How Bored Bookstore Employees Entertain Themselves - https://goo.gl/Fu3C5F ● Binding the Kelmscott Chaucer - Hannah Brown. Rebinding a William Morris Kelmscott Chaucer using designs influenced by May Morris’s embroidery designs. https://goo.gl/RTsfrf Prom Coast Arts Council Inc ● Next general meeting will be – Tuesday March 27 at 7pm in the supper room, Fish Creek Memorial Hall, 13 Falls Rd, Fish Creek. Supper room is in the rear of the building. All welcome. ● PCA mailing list – email Michael at [email protected] or text on 0421 209 878 to be put on the list or for more info Local Art Venues and Events The Alison Lester Shop Prints, Books, Cards & Gifts – 1 Falls Road, Fish Creek, Victoria 5683 2352. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for when Alison will be in-store for book signings and other special events. www.facebook.com/pages/Alison-Lester/219864641549443 http://alisonlester.com/ (Psst…all the prints and canvases in the Alison Lester Shop are framed by Gecko Studio Gallery) Stefani Hilltop Gallery Artist-in-residence Bianca Biesuz-Stefani. 39 Keane’s Rd, Fish Creek. Ph 5683 2253. http://members.dcsi.net.au/hilltop_gallery/ Open Thursday to Monday or by appointment. Ride the Wild Goat Workshop & Gallery 5 Falls Rd, Fish Creek. Ph 5683 2661. Paintings and one-off handmade furniture & objects by Andrew McPherson. Open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon – 10.30 – 4.30pm. 0417 370 596 http://ridethewildgoat.com.au/ Check out Andy’s out there Christmas tree 5 The Celia Rosser Gallery and Banksia Café Promontory Rd, Fish Creek. Open hours: Fri, Sat, Sun 10am – 4pm or by appointment. Ph 5683 2628. [email protected] www.celiarossergallery.com.au/index.htm People Places Things Gallery 11 Falls Rd, Fish Creek (between Flying Cow Café and the Fish Creek Memorial Hall).