Artist’s Statement – Sarah Weaver

I am a Tasmanian artist, born in the UK. In 1963 my family migrated to Tasmania. Vivid childhood memories of an exotic adventure in an ocean liner - of endless seas and flying fish, the trepidation of arriving in an unknown land, accompany me along my painting journey! Thrilled upon encountering Tasmania’s wild beauty, we enjoyed exploring her wild coastlines and rainforests and eventually acquired a shack on the South East Coast at Marion Bay, where my fascination for wild seas was really set in stone. Kinship was also found with the European trees - imports like us! My background has been an important influence in my painting style and choice of subject. Solace and inspiration is found in nature - whether she be calm and serene or wild and unpredictable - my intention in painting is to mirror the twists and turns of life through my portrayal of nature (life – a work in progress!).

I use a vibrant orchestration of colour, form, texture and light to produce work with a brooding sense of emotion. Using a defined palette, I use techniques which have evolved over the years, my favourite tools being palette knife, fingers and rag, with limited brush work. This combination produces a tactile environment, one which takes on a life of its own - one that dramatises and brings forth my passion for nature - its vitality and importance, and my sense of place in this ever-changing world.

In younger years I attended many Adult Ed classes in painting and drawing, and am partly self taught through experimentation. I have been a long standing member of Robin-Mary Calvert’s art group and have cut my teeth on exhibiting whilst developing what has become my unique style of portraying the world. In 2010 I completed an Artist in Residency through term one at Ogilvie High School with Grade 9/10 Studio Art students - this culminated in an exhibition at the Moonah Arts Centre which was highly successful all round. I thoroughly enjoyed mentoring these wonderful and talented students, through what was for many their first oil painting and experience of exhibiting at a gallery. I am looking forward to a repeat performance in 2011 with the theme of the ocean.

Having exhibited extensively in Southern Tasmania in a variety of venues, both solo and group shows, I am now delighted to join the Goulburn Street Gallery and am looking forward to holding a solo exhibition there next year, opening 16 September, 2011.

Thanks so much for your interest and support.

“With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.” Desiderata