Artist in Residence
Gerald Ashcroft
"From a film lighting cameraman, painting with light to create depth on a film set, to composing and painting landscapes and abstracts with pigments. A natural transition in visual language.
Many years ago I experienced the stunning beauty of the Australian landscape for the first time. The intense light and vivid blue sky was a stark contrast to the drab English weather that I had grown up with. So began my journey to capture and interpret this challenging and ever changing landscape.
Painting ‘en plein air’ provides me with an immediate connection to my surroundings. I attempt to capture the atmosphere of each scene with spontaneity giving the painting an almost unfinished appearance. Whilst at the same time maintaining a fresh and vibrant approach to each study completed in one session
My success as a realist has challenged me to investigate the unrestricted possibilities of expression through my works into abstraction. My journey continues as I explore the deeper layers of my creativity.
The rich colours and textures of the rural landscape combined with the cooler tones of the coast contribute to the opening moves of a new abstract. With no subject in mind but rather a colour theme, my stage is set to explore and develop the layers of depth. Darks against lights warm against cool.
Loading my brush with acrylic paint I set up the darks to establish an immediate contrast to the white textured canvas. Rags, sponges, brushes and spray bottle each play a role in pushing and pulling colour and tone as organic shapes freeform and depth layers emerge. The challenge of the unknown from making those first marks on the canvas provides an exhilarating place to express and allow the storytelling to unfold. The journey continues!"
About the Program
Vision
Our Artist in Residence program aims to provide creatives with a working studio space to develop new work, to interact with the community and to provide the community with an opportunity to see artists at work. Art Sales are not permitted through the studios. Artists are encouraged to provide stock to the gift shop for sales.
In this instance a residency means the use of a studio space for the making of works, there is no accommodation facilities on site.
We welcome proposals for Stable 2 from interested artists wishing to develop their practice. Open to all mediums from musicians, writers, painters and whatever you are working on.
How do I apply and when?
Applications for future intakes of Resident Artists are advertised by newsletter and online. Potential resident candidates should subscribe to the Old Courthouse monthly newsletter and/or watch the Old Courthouse Complex Facebook site for call outs. Selection Criteria will include but not be confined to the following:
SELECTION CRITERIA
Suitable applicants will be recommended for endorsement by the City of Busselton Council following assessment of the following:
a description of your art practice and statement of intent to develop your practice through the creation of a new body of work for exhibition or performance – outline any projects, exhibitions or performances you are working towards
a curriculum vitae listing previous exhibitions or performances, projects, awards, collections, commissions, arts-related qualifications, and other relevant information
two letters of support
visual artists – eight to ten (8-10) jpg images of recent work with an image list including titles, medium, dimensions
sound artists/musicians – samples or links to recordings
writers – samples of published works or unpublished manuscripts.