No matter how busy my life is, I still make time to paint most days. Having the choice to do so is my interpretation of freedom. I am now represented by The Cooper Gallery (formerly known as The Beachside Gallery) smack bang in the very middle of Hastings street - set right in the middle of a street full of little boutique shops, surrounded by the gorgeous vibrant colours of nature; luscious green tropical plants line the streets, soft white sand and the cool blue ocean sits directly in front. There is an abundance of wildlife fossicking and frollicking around. There are even sleepy Koalas in the national park at the end of the strip of shops. This all combines in intersting synergy along with many little boutiques sporting the latest up-to-date fashion labels all at matching glamorous prices. The best dining experience can also be had, with artistic-chefs who take great pride in the presentation and content of the foods they serve. Only the freshest ingredients are used and cooked to perfection. The whole feeling of the big city consumerism with all the glamerous shops and oppulence nestles inside a wonderful Nature Womb of greenery.
There is something for everyone in Hastings Street…..and that gives the whole experience a kind of surrealistic feel, as though you are stepping into another world. This is the mysterious world of the vacation, holiday or otherwise known as ‘the great escape’. The oppulence, the frivolity with our purse strings as we swing our bags on our fingertips and dance amidst the aloofness of ‘no worries in the world’ removes any thoughts of guilt about the excessive purchases we are making.
All of this activity provides a massive platform of intrigue to me as an artist. I have been fascinated with the mainstay industry (tourism) in Noosa ever since I arrived here four and a half years ago. I have been painting about Noosa and the Hastings street lifestyle for about the entire time, because I have many questions to ask about this behaviour many of us choose to perform (including me at times.) Do we have the right to flaunt our money or should we be donating huge sums to charity and living like paupers to help others? Are we right in buying not one but ten hats, shoes and bags - one for every occasion. Take a look at the painting I created titled “Shop Till You Drop”
It’s in The Cooper Gallery in Hastings street, or go to www.thecoopergallery.com.au. this picture sums up my curiosity. I am not commenting, I am just asking questions like why do we shop till we drop on holidays and anyway where do all these things fit in our suitcases to travel home? I love the feel of Hastings street and often become engrosed in that breath-taking experience that ‘high’ at the thought of dining in the fabulous restaurants along the beach (and often do so). But that feeling is sometimes counter-balanced by emotions filled with pain as I am reminded of the greed and pride that is also there as well.
In summary, I think it is great to enjoy the best in life, and yes we are entitled to nice things - we do have the right to feel smooth soft textures on our skin in the clothes we wear. We do deserve to enjoy soft succulent oysters slithering down our throats and swirling portions of soft juicy crabmeat in our mouths, but once again, it’s all about balance. There is a place for indulgence, just not all the time. There is time to give back too. A time to contribute (in the form of work or time) as well as tithing. To give a portion of our income is so important - even if we all gave just ten percent of everything we earn, to a good cause, we could make a difference. Thankyou Hastings street, for being an intriguing place to investigate human behaviour and well done on accomplishing such a fascinating integration of nature and man-made lifestyle. It’s fun to walk the Hastings street strip, have an icecream and admire all the beautiful objects of human design as well as the natural beauty.
Published July 10th, 2007
The trip to Goondiwindi was another great adventure, but the one thing
that really stood out for me during this special time was the
wonderful people we met. The 28 girls who came along to the workshops
at the Goondiwindi Cultural Centre were so full of enthusiasm and
ready to have a go!
I love your attitude girls and I am very much looking forward to
returning in September. Thankyou to all of you who have emailed me, it
would be wonderful if you could also hop onto this forum so that
everyone can read your lovely stories. I was so fortunate to meet you
all, you have such beautiful souls. There was so much peace and
happiness in the room the whole time! It was lovely to have Leoni and
her precious pup Scruffy Murffy Smith in attendance.
It was an honour to be showing you all how to paint, especially since
most of you hadn’t painted since a child. You all produced fabulous
artworks and I am sure that when Stuart finally gets a minute he will
pop the photos up on our site. (yes they are here now. Stuart)
Thankyou to all of you, for making it
an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all of us! A very special
thanks to Carolyn and Shawn of Fairway Studios for arranging the event
and also to the Nook and Cranny bookstore for their involvment in the
book launch, and sales support of ‘Paint In Your Pyjamas!’
Published June 30th, 2007
Here are the images from “Paint In Your Pyjamas!” Book Signings and Paint In Your Pyjamas related events.
(images stored on Picasa Web Albums)
23rd & 24th Jun - Goondiwindi Cultural Centre
arranged in association with Fairway Studios and
the Nook and Cranny Bookshop, Goondiwindi
13th May - Maryborough Library - Author Talk
5th May - Annual 2007 StuartCindy Art Student Awards
30th March - Noosa Library
Book Launch, Author Talk and Book Signing.
The event was opened by bestselling Author Kristin Williamson
See video highlights from the
Noosa Book Launch
Requires
Windows Media Player
& Broadband connection
150 kbps
4th April - Beerwah Library
Author Talk and Book Signing
Published June 25th, 2007
The Maryborough library had a cosy turnout for the launch of
Paint In Your Pyjamas, we had a wonderful time. One of my previous
students who had moved to Maryborough about three years ago arrived at
the event and was delighted to see that it was ‘her’ Cindy launching
the book ‘Paint In Your Pyjamas!’ She had received a flier from the
Library promoting the event and wasn’t sure if it was the ‘Cindy’ that
had taught her art in Noosa, because she previously knew me as Cindy
White - the newly married surname ‘Wider’ threw her off course a bit.
It was a moving moment to be reunited with Rosanne, I often wondered
how she was getting on in life, because she also had Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome and sometimes struggled to get to classes. It brought a happy
tear to my eye to see her again especially as she was so excited to
see me too! She gave me a copy of her wedding invitation which had a
photograph of the painting on it that she had produced during my art
course.
Isn’t it wonderful to catch up with old friends or aquaintances and
see how they are after a period of time has lapsed. It sometimes feels
as though no time has even passed at all. The experience left me with
a deep gratitude for the joy and satisfaction that I gain by sharing
my love of art with others. It also served as a powerful reminder for
the reason why I continue to teach art in the live tuition programs.
This experience has prompted me to offer my weekend courses again!
Many people along our journey in both Maryborough and Bundaberg have
asked for workshops and seminars so they will begin soon!
Thankyou Robyn Dowling from the Bundaberg Library, your effort was
greatly appreciated and thankyou to all of you who attended.
Published May 23rd, 2007
My ideas develop over a period of time, sometimes days, months or even
years. I paint about the thoughts that are currently going on in my
mind and try to work things out about people, relationships and how to
live a better life. I am always facinated in what people do in their
ordinary every day lives. It seems that an important part of life is
to work hard towards going on a holiday. I feel like I am blessed to
be constantly on holiday - well not really, but that’s how Noosa makes
you feel. You have to be very self-disciplined and self-motivated to
make sure you keep up with your working life here. I like to observe
holiday makers and try to tell the difference between people who are
on holidays or if they live here. If they are on holidays, why did
they choose Noosa? And what do they like to do whilst they are here.
Living in the resort has made it easy for me to observe people on
holidays. It is amazing to watch the way they all seem to do similar
things like sunbaking (even though there is so much cancer awareness,)
and that sort of bothers me, but I don’t want to preach to anybody or
anything, just make a statement. I like to bring certain thoughts to
people’s awareness and leave it there. That’s why I am currently
working on my latest painting titled “Big Red Lives In the Tropics”
it’s supposed to be quirky, the cat has black spots, like sun-spots
but he is in the cool lush leaves of the jungle so he stands out like
a sore thumb. Don’t ask me why I have him in the tropical rainforest
and not the beach because I haven’t worked that out yet, it will come
to me whilst I work on it and provide a solution to the quandary I am
having. That’s why I paint…. to learn from the idea or solution that
comes as a result of painting the image.
I ask myself the question “Why do people continue to sunbake after all
the warnings and cancer scares? After all the research…” My mother’s
life has been saved three times due to Doctors removing melanoma
cancers ‘just on time.’ I used to sun bake too years ago, but now I
keep out of the sun. Cats like to sunbake too, maybe they don’t have
to worry about cancer. I am not afraid of cancer or anything like
that, it’s just that I think it’s important to care about your body.
These are all the random thoughts that are currently occupying my mind
and that form the ideas of my art.
On average I seem to mull over an idea for about 2 weeks, then the
sketches begin to flow and finally the piece that means something to
me, emerges. During this time, I am very contemplative and sometimes
even a bit stressed. I prefer to constantly have a painting on the go,
but it doesn’t always work out that way. I could easily paint a
picture just for the sake of it, but if it doesn’t have an idea behind
it, it isn’t very fulfilling.
Once the final sketch comes to my mind and hand I am very excited and
can’t wait to complete the image. I do quite a few rough sketches as I
am working out the idea and these are often just random thoughts, the
final sketch is more complete but still a rough draft. The image is
formed but needs to be drawn much more accurately before it goes to
canvas. I will usually draw the initial image quite small about a4
size. Sometimes I will work that image up into a finished piece, but
most of the time I will enlarge it and then transfer it straight onto
the canvas.
It’s a beautiful feeling to finally get to the painting stage. It’s
exhilarating! It can also be hard work too, but I am continually
motivated by the thought that I am creating something and it needs to
be completed. I am propelled by the passion to see the piece completed.
Published April 9th, 2007
Dear Friends,
Well, we had a fabulous time at the first official book
launch for “Paint In Your Pyjamas!” at the Noosa Library.
You can find the photos at this link here…
Many thanks to everyone who attended…especially everyone who
dressed
up in Pink and their Pyjamas! A special thankyou to the dedicated
Library staff who made us feel so very welcome.
Very many thanks also to Kristin Williamson who launched the event.
Wonderful!
warmth,
Stuart and Cindy
Published April 5th, 2007
Everyone is welcome…it is free entry, you are invited to attend!
Come and meet other ‘Paint In Your Pyjamas Women’ and view their
beautiful artworks. You can stay and buy yourself some dinner at the
restaurant afterwards if you like, and make a night of it. Full bar
facilities are available for drink purchases.
The details for the annual student exhibition are as follows, note the
time change; The Exhibition will also be open on Sunday 6th May from
10am to 4pm, I will be there to speak with you about the art tuition
program and to sign books.
When: Saturday 5th May
Time: 5.15pm for 5.30 start sharp
Where: South Pacific Resort Function Room
179 Weyba rd Noosaville
See you there,
Cindy
Published March 23rd, 2007
Hi there fellow Paint In Your Pyjamas people! I am very excited about
the first official book launch for ‘Paint In Your Pyjamas!’ It will be
hosted by the Noosa Library on Friday March 30th at 6.30pm. The cost
is $6 which includes supper and bubbly afterwards. You can pay at the
door on the night - it is paid to the Library. Bookings are essential
because seating is limited. Please call the Library to book before
Wednesday next week on
5442 4411.
It’s going to be so much fun, you are all encouraged to wear pink or
pyjamas - I’ll be wearing my pjs of course! Kristen Williamson is our
guest speaker. In case you don’t know who Kristen is, she is the
author of several best selling books. The one I have recently read is
titled, “Women On The Rocks.” It is a historical novel that was based
on a lot of well-researched facts about things that really did happen
‘On The Rocks.’ In Sydney. When I was reading the book, I was reminded
of how far women have come since those earlier settler days, but I
call also relate to their strength and determination.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down, I just had to read
about the plight of Mary Jones and how she so bravely overcomes many
obstacles to live a free and happy life….. To quote the back of the
book really sums it up….
“In 1820 Mary Jones is wrongly convicted of a crime committed by her
best friend. From their first encounter as domestic servants in Kent,
the two women were unlikely friends, opposite in every way - Mary
trusting, generous and kind, and Maria ruthless, manipulative and
feisty. But their lives are changed forever when Mary is transported
from the tranquillity of rural England to the alien environment of
colonial Australia. The destinies of the two friends entwine through
England, New Zealand and Australia as they forge new lives against all
odds.”
Kristen is a true ‘paint in your pyjamas women,’ she doesn’t paint,
she writes but she certainly follows the principles of the paint in
your pyjamas book. Kristen has an academic background in history,
education and theatre, and spent many years as a teacher and
journalist. Kristin Williamson and her playwright husband David live
on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. They have five grown up children.
Look forward to seeing you on the night! Don your pjs everyone!
Cindy
Published March 23rd, 2007
Procrastination is a strange thing, it sort of sneaks up on you.
Sometimes you don’t even realise it is there, like a big black hole
just waiting to devour all your time, all your energy and even your
passion. My solution to overcoming the procrastination monster is to
‘just show up at the table.’ Once I get there, I take a look through
my sketches if I am beginning a new project, or if I am really being
clever, I already have a new painting on the go. I try hard to keep a
painting on the go at all times, that way it is easier to continually
paint and it helps to avoid ‘artist’s block.’ To do this, I start
thinking about the next one (just in spits and spurts) towards the end
of finishing the one I am on. One painting rolls on from the next,
sort of like a continual movie projector. I don’t actually begin a new
painting though until the previous one is completely finished, I just
start pondering ideas. that’s how I avoid procrastination.
Published March 13th, 2007
Sometimes it’s the; “time out just for me” that gets put very last on
the list of things to do for the day, if its even on the list at all.
It is often shoved into the background and even postponed or swapped
for something else considered more important. Funny isn’t how we might
just by chance discover a little bit of spare time for ourselves and
somebody else conveniently fills it for you.
The result is that we miss out on re-charging our self-nurturing
batteries and the resentment begins to bubble and boil! We feel a
sense of loss at missing that special time and are ready to attack
anyone in our path because we feel cheated. The fact is we need that
time out! We have to realize that it is not an option, not a luxury,
just a simle fact; in order to live a healthy, happy life we need to
spend at least a little bit of time every day, doing something special
just for ourselves. This applies to men too of course.
Setting up a table ready for you to start your activity at a second’s
notice is the best way to make sure you regularly do something for
yourself. It is your special corner and shouldn’t be shared with
anyone else. It is a place where you can get to know yourself better
and begin to feel at peace being alone with just you for company. The
happiness and fulfilment you gain from spending just and hour or two a
day at your special table can bring the balance back into your life. I
always make it a priority to ‘just show up at the table’ every single
day, and sometimes I just read when I get there, have a cuppa, or even
take time to do nothing but look at the trees outside, gently blowing
in the breeze. It is my place to feel at peace.
Published March 6th, 2007
