Fibre Art
Artists Palette|No 172
This artist feels that the hardest lesson she had to learn was to believe in herself … and once she did that, everything started to fall into place and her confidence grew.
Caroline Sharkey
Fibre Art

I work at my home studio/workshop in the beautiful seaside village of Urunga, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the New South Wales coast.

I made my first quilted project at the age of 12, with my grandmother who was very crafty! ‘Australiana’ has been the most important influence on the direction I have taken with my fibre artwork.

I spent time growing up in the west of New South Wales at Narrabri, and I remember the colours and textures from that side of the Great Divide – the heat and dryness of the land will always be a part of me. I was also influenced by tropical colours while living in Papua New Guinea as a child, where the vivid contrasts in the fabrics and unique patterns of the Chinese trading stores were fantastic.

I can hear the ocean from my home at Urunga, and I love to go walking amongst 100 year old trees in nearby forests. I am blessed to be able to retreat to this place when I return home from teaching or exhibition trips.

I attended Coffs Harbour TAFE (1989), to complete an Advanced Fashion Certificate, Millinery, Wearable Art, Fashion Drawing, and Small Business Management.

I am passionate about Australia. The colours, the places and the people. I am very proud to be Australian and that is what motivates me artistically … with a lot of the themes I create and the colours I use to design with.

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Denne historien er fra No 172-utgaven av Artists Palette.

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FLERE HISTORIER FRA ARTISTS PALETTESe alt
Eye of Observation
Artists Palette

Eye of Observation

Draw, draw, and draw some more; develop your artist’s eye of observation. Sterling advice from a lady who believes that seeing shapes in paintings requires a truly ‘arty’ eye.

time-read
6 mins  |
No 172
Pelicans To Portraits
Artists Palette

Pelicans To Portraits

This lady has painted everything from pelicans to portraits. She has completed commissions including cats, dogs, horses, possums, numerous beach scenes … and even a Scottish piper.

time-read
5 mins  |
No 172
Gregory John Brennan: Lost Profession
Artists Palette

Gregory John Brennan: Lost Profession

Looking back on his early career as a bulldozer driver, this rural New South Wales painter laments the days when he was too young to appreciate his outstanding potential as an artist.

time-read
3 mins  |
No 172
Pastels: Once We Were Important
Artists Palette

Pastels: Once We Were Important

A simplified and well named painting tells a powerful and interesting story. This clever pastel artist is delighted to share her techniques for the benefit of others.

time-read
4 mins  |
No 172
Fibre Art
Artists Palette

Fibre Art

This artist feels that the hardest lesson she had to learn was to believe in herself … and once she did that, everything started to fall into place and her confidence grew.

time-read
5 mins  |
No 172
Water Lily Magic
Artists Palette

Water Lily Magic

Instead of paper and paint, this artist uses fabric and threads … and she uses a sewing machine instead of a brush. The textures, colours and prints of fabrics thrown together with threads fascinate her, and often give inspiration for her designs.

time-read
2 mins  |
No 172
Loading Wheat – 1920s
Artists Palette

Loading Wheat – 1920s

It is rare to see an artist displaying this level of skill and understanding in capturing the activity and atmosphere of bygone days from Australia’s agricultural history.

time-read
1 min  |
No 172
‘Jama' – King Cheetah
Artists Palette

‘Jama' – King Cheetah

This exquisitely talented lady believes that every artist has failures … but it is important to remember that every success is better than the one before.

time-read
5 mins  |
No 172
Blahuta's Ute
Artists Palette

Blahuta's Ute

Early in the year we ran a feature about ‘Utes in the Paddock’ – a landmark project by several notable artists. In this article, one of those artists shares his story and some of his views … and describes the process of creating his own piece of an amazing collaborative work.

time-read
4 mins  |
No 172
Artists Palette

Artists' Easels

Many important tools are employed by artists in creating their paintings. Artists’ easels are now available in a host of styles and configurations to enhance the creative process. Some of your favourite art materials suppliers are more than pleased to highlight a selection of the many products being offered.

time-read
7 mins  |
No 172