A number of emerging artists showcased their works recently during the launch of Chisholm Institute’s Little Landscapes 2008 exhibition at Brightspace Gallery in St Kilda.

The 9” X 5” works were orchestrated while surrounded by natural landscapes during the Institute’s annual art camp on the banks of the Murray River at Barmah State Forrest.

Diploma of Arts (Visual Arts) student Jodie Van Gameron (Balnarring resident) says the opening of the Little Landscapes 2008 exhibition will be the culmination of an incredible creative experience.

Around 50 students were inspired both individually and collaboratively to forge their work using either oil and acrylic paints, environmental sculpture or relief printing. The Age Illustration Editor Robyn Cowcher also joined the students as a guest artist / instructor to inspire and assist with traditional and contemporary styles and techniques.

“[Robyn] stayed the whole camp,” said Jodie, “and gave a workshop on watercolour painting. She spent a lot of time with students which was amazing – it was just great to have someone who’s currently working in the industry.”
Jodie describes her four days amongst some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes as a highlight.

“I was able to complete two night paintings, two collages and a series of oil paintings - about seven or eight works all together.

“With the oil paintings, I used a lot of the landscape structure from the surrounding river and trees and the camp also provided a number of focal points to use. I’d never done night painting before though. We set up our easels and we had little miners lights on with little gas lamps around the camp – it was great.

“It was really all about the light and the light which was thrown up against the night. You had light catching people’s faces and things on the table displaying glimpses of different colour.”

Also completing her Diploma of Education, Jodie says she would like to go on to teach art while finding the time to continue with her own painting and sculpture.

Little Landscapes 2008 is an exhibition of students’ works from Chisholm Institute’s Creative Arts Department and will run from May 22 – June 1.