Artist in Residence
Art Workshops Montville & Exhibitions September 2024
Art Workshops Montville
In September, Margaret had the privilege of being the Artist in Residence at @art_workshops_montville.
Immersed in the creative energy of Montville, she connected with an inspiring community, including the curator Janine Delgos, who also serves as a mentor and organizes art workshops for all ages.
During her residency, Margaret created artworks inspired by the stunning local landscapes and had the opportunity to lead a workshop where she shared insights into her practice and creative process. The residency culminated in an exhibition that included SUN MOON by Janine Delgos and Fragile Fingerprints & Lilies by Sydney-based ceramic artist Helen Heathwood, whose delicate vessels left everyone in awe.
The month was filled with creativity, connection, and memorable moments, making it a truly enriching experience for Margaret and all who participated.
Artist Statement for SUN MOON Exhibition
Many suns and moons ago, I met Janine at college, marking the beginning of an exciting artistic journey that has continued to this day. The SUN symbolises the light of discovery, while the MOON reflects our achievements and what is yet to come.
Creating art has been a constant companion of mine, always guiding me to new places for inspiration, which I then interpret into colourful artworks and memories.
Travel is also an essential part of my life. In recent times, Queensland has become my winter escape from Melbourne, a dedicated time to paint in the warmth of the SUN. The light is distinctly different from that of Melbourne, with colours bouncing vividly off the canvas.
One of the greatest joys of these escapes has been reconnecting with Janine after so many years and creating art together again. She is the MOON, and I am the SUN, and we now proudly present our collaborative exhibition for you all to enjoy.
““Margaret settled into an inspirational month of being our Art Workshops Studio Artist in Residence prior and during her collaborative art exhibition ‘Sun Moon’ in September 2024. What does an artist do? How do you get inspired? What art materials do you use? All these and more were questions Margaret was happy to impart her knowledge and experience to answer. A ‘Paint the Scape’ acrylic workshop also gave a beautiful insight into the creative processes and unique style that gives Margaret’s artwork its recognisable signature strokes and techniques. A chance to share a rare artistic insight was felt by many who spent time visiting the Studio in Montville.””
Eagles Over the Maribyrnong
Overnewton Anglican Community College
Margaret had the great pleasure of being employed as an Artist in Residence at Overnewton Anglican Community College for the second semester of 2022.
With Year 5 Technology students and their teachers and Technology Coordinator Jill Livett, Margaret created a new 2.5 metre x 5 metre decorative metal wall panel, Eagles Over Maribyrnong for the college.
The artwork was inspired by what a wedge-tailed eagle sees while flying over the Maribyrnong River and the surrounding valley. The wedge-tailed is the totem of the aboriginal people of this land.
The trees that feature on the wall panel are the students aerial designs of the gum-trees of the valley.
“‘Eagles Over the Maribyrnong’ metal wall sculpture has now been installed at Overnewton Anglican Community College Keilor Campus thanks to Ivan & Jill.
Rob, Head of the Maintenance team at the College, will install the wall panels in the New Year.
It has been a fabulous Artist in Residence Program funded by the College Parents & Friends Association & coordinated by Jill Livett, College Head of Technology & Year 7-12 Technology teacher.A
huge thank you to all the enthusiastic Year 5 students who all drew unique trees designs for the wall panels. ”
Stay up to date with Margaret on Instagram.
Four Oaks
CAREY BAPTIST GRAMMAR SCHOOL
(KEW CAMPUS, MELBOURNE)
Margaret had the enormous pleasure of being offered an Artist in Residence at Carey Baptist Grammar School in Semester 2, 2018.
This Artist Residency involved working with the Head of Junior School Libby Russell, Senior Art Teacher Mikl Longstaff, Junior Art Teacher Lauren Verde and grade 6 students which would be a lasting memorial to the students of 2018. FOUR OAKS wall panels were installed on the walls of Marion Metcalfe Hall.
They decided on FOUR OAKS for the wall panels as there are many oak trees growing in the school grounds. The oak leaves would represent the students and teachers in their classes. Each panel is 265 x 160cm x 1.6mm weighing 45kg with an oak tree in each panel representing the four grade 6 classes.
Each oak tree symbolises the growth, development and learning each student has achieved in their primary years at Carey.
It is around each of these oak trees the student’s designed their own oak leaf that can be seen by all that pass.
The panels have an acorn each with the class’s name in it. And each panel has four different groups of Australian fauna represented.
6DS Butterflies / Eagle
6P Lyrebird / Kookaburra
6F Possums / Koala
6DF Magpies / Owl
First week of Grade 6 project FOUR OAKS…introduction to making cortensteel artwork and the design process for the students making their own oak leaves.
Final classes with 6F & 6P discussing the importance of The Oak Foundation & what it means to them & the wider community as well as exploring the elements of drawing.
Student leaf designs drawn onto 110 metal oak leaves
Arranging student’s oak leaf designs on the steel then cutting-out…
Cutting out the oak leaves
Site drawing for FOUR OAKS installation on Marion Metcalfe Hall.
Chalk drawing one of the wall panel
Cutting out one of the oak trees.
One wall panel with an oak tree finished and three different stages to achieve this.
Attaching the students oak leaves to a wall panel with rivets.
One of the wall panels completely finished.
Detail of one of the wall panels with a possum climbing the oak tree.
Wall panels in the laneway near the workshop.
“We couldn’t be happier. Now for the installation on the wall at Carey and all is done!”
What a wonderful project!
Thank you to Carey Baptist School for your support and involvement (especially the Grade 6 students of 2018)!