Bulloo Shire mayor, John Ferguson and artist Peta Warner with ANZAC painting. Image courtesy of James Clark, Warrego Watchman, Cunnamulla
A Brief introduction
I grew up in and around Tamworth and Gunnedah in New South Wales. Our beekeeping family travelled throughout eastern Australia enjoying a mixture of rural and urban activities. Seeing numerous new places and meeting many fresh faces. I now live and work with my husband Shane and those of our family who happen to be available, on a sheep, cattle and rangeland goat producing property, 23 km west of Eulo, South West Queensland. Living in rural and remote areas emphasises that history surrounds us, influencing all and has crept into some of my images. Many paintings have depicted working in our environment, recalling the old ways used in agricultural industries. It was exciting to develop "The Fabric of Rural Life" series, in which worn out, mended clothing and other means of patching things together were incorporated within the artwork. Making do with what is available and use of the less expensive option is common to many family businesses. Ours is no exception!
Quite a few years ago we were lucky enough to score three beautifully wet summers, producing a wonderful body of lush growth. Made for a delightful change after ten years of painful drought!
During many dry years I helped with stock work but preferred to study, completing a BA in Art from Curtin University of Technology 2010. This was only possible through tremendous support from my family. It was through study and loss of family members that my concentration upon old items began. This reflective obsession influenced my work for quite a while. It even coloured the designs developed in a tapestry diploma begun through Warrnambool TAFE (which sadly remains unfinished). Not quite a complete melancholic yet but getting very close!
Previously I used my paintings to document how we live and work in the outback but re-visiting drawing has been a wonderful way to inter-relate with grandchildren and items from the past. My work attempts to communicate how isolation and distance can bring mixed blessings. On a more upbeat note. I'm happy to discuss any projects you have in mind. My goal is to create quality, unique work.