November 3, 2008
I met Helen while I was painting Swan Tafe and she was taking a lunch break. She believes the railway tracks have great importance to Armadale, both historically and to the present day. They are a very powerful metaphor for travel and mobility, the coming and going, and acting as an important connecting point to the outside world.
Traveling canvas showing the railway tracks.
October 22, 2008
detail from portrait panel – in progress
I met Derek when I was painting the council offices. We had a good chat or should I say laugh, as he is a good story teller with a wry sense of humour. He is also very resourceful and seems quite capable of turning his hand to anything. He enjoys working with wood and has made all manner of things, just for the pleasure of it.
A pair of shoes sculpted by Derek.
October 20, 2008
Tim wanted me to visit the Have a Cuppa Group meeting place, a little building sitting on the edge of Memorial Park, he thinks it plays a pretty important role in the area as its aim is to provide companionship. It is open every Wednesday for people to drop in for a cuppa and a chat, play board games and enjoy each others company.
The building is soon to be demolished.
October 17, 2008
John teaches at John Calvin Christian School and wanted to introduce roller hockey to some of the pupils but could not find a rink anywhere locally. He was very disappointed, but undaunted he tried to find a venue they could practice. He eventually found a home for them at the Armadale Arena who agreed to host them. They are now all learning and enjoying the sport.
under painting of the Armadale Arena
October 16, 2008
Clarissa thinks St Matthews has an important standing in Armadale, not only does the building have heritage value but it represents a higher level of being. Although Clarissa is not religious she welcomes a reminder of that ideal which the church gives in its physical presence. She also believes that in providing spiritual and ceremonial functions St Matthew’s plays an important role for the people of Armadale.
St Matthews, detail of storyboard
.
October 14, 2008
Although all the paintings to date have been instigated through the art walking… art talking excursions I have made one exception to this. I don’t think one open day has past by without someone mentioning the heritage tree.
The centennial tree has been added to the traveling canvas.
The heritage tree is not only of importance because of its age and size, but it represents the resolve of the people of Armadale who fought the developers to save it. A wry smile is often detectable as the tellers relate the fact that the tree was saved, the shopping centre having to be built around it.
October 10, 2008
One of the tafe students I spoke to said the train station was important to her as it enabled her to travel to and from tafe and provided a link to the rest of Perth.
The railway station, (top left) in progress.
 | chantalle on Opening night |
 | magnus on Portrait Panels |
 | Jen on Exhibition Catalogue |
 | Lorraine Corker on Over but not out… |
 | Skarofrey Collective on Over but not out… |
