Sketchbook
posted by David Burge at
7:01 AM
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Previous Posts
- Critters of The Desert Part 1 - Scorpions
- The Crossroad
- Journey to the Red Centre
- Mojo Workin' III
- Mojo Workin' II
- Tools of the Trade
- Mojo Workin' I
- "Private"
- Sus Green
- Brides By Design
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17 Comments:
Cool. Well, actually the trip looks pretty hot. Amazing landscape and opportunity to travel through it. Lovely studies.
You're right about the heat Clive, it just doesn't let up here!
Thanks
Hi David, ...very spontaneous instinctive sketches ...can really feel that dingo is 'scrapping for something'! (Masterful, imo) Also, really like the lowest-most image: has great rhythms and inner line-loops in the drawing that echo the roundedness of the landscape.'Direct immediately-responsive drawing' is what i feel in these sketches, ...they communicate the spirit of the subjects so well imo,
cheers,
ω
Thanks Wayne, 'responsive' is The Crux as I see it at the moment.
Love the sketchbook David. A wonderful keepsake/record in addition to your photos and journal no doubt.
Hi PG, Yes all this blogging makes for a good record.
The sketches, like life, are things of the present. Like the old "foot in the river" adage. Each footstep is the destination never again to be arrived at.
DakO, I like that dingo too, and what a place to be - definitely worthy of keeping a sketchbook/travel journal, makes me want to go off on some adventure to do the same. Nothing quite like an untamed continent, though. The only equivalent terrain here would be parts of the southwest, but the distances and sq. mileage pale in comparison to where you guys are. Nonetheless, I'd hope you might make a provision for seeing the Grand Canyon on your visit to the States, it's the most unforgettable thing I've seen and you have to be there to (dis)believe it.
I'd like to see you become a bit more Steve Irwin, let's see some more up-close encounters with the indigenous creatures. (non-fatal)
Hey NX,
I have thought about the US southwest wondering about the scale in comparison to here, and of course the one and only Grand Canyon.
Arugably the worlds most remarkable natural feature. I guess when we get to the US we'll have to check out both sides of the country.
As for the Steve Irwin thing...look where it got him!
I'm NOT going to tangle with anything with more, or less legs than myself!
Been busy with work, it's been a challenge adapting to the place. I'm forming opinions every day I never knew I had.
Realism is stark here.
"I'm forming opinions every day I never knew I had."
spill!
Where do I start?
Indigenous art perhaps?
Never really gave more than a passing nod to indigenous painting before. From a distance we(us from the cities and insulated areas) default to a respectful acceptance and acknowledgement of an idea that there’s something almost sacred about it.
I'm getting to know many Traditional Aborigines here, most speak their own language as well as English to varying degrees, there a numerous dialects within a few thousand Sq Kms. Language groups have varying dreaming stories and symbols used in their pictorial story telling. There are symbols that have cross-pollinated across the country, but some are more regional,a few are just shy of unique. Gender variables are great amongst painters, with different motivations and designs for painting between men and women.
Materials have significance. Naturally derived Ochres from certain regions may not be used for commercial purposes, certain colours also. Red Ochre in particular is considered sacred and is certainly banned from any commercial or decorative painting.
Talk about rules of painting!!
The restrictions upon an indigenous persons artistic oeuvre is weighty indeed.
I don't envy the responsibility to respect and adhere to these intricate laws on indigenous painters.
It's very easy to make mistakes that can cost reputation and social position and even application of 'Law' if you're an aboriginal painter painting outside your mob's Dreaming.
In other words you have to know what you're talking about to survive as a painter.
I've seen perhaps a dozen paintings in Alice that are individual. The hundreds of others are derivations of the few.
I hesitate to say that all of the art for sale is a 'replica' of aboriginal art but it's close.
Traditionally, painting was done to describe ceremony, story telling, or for mapping. To illustrate trails, hunting areas, water holes, community locations etc.
It's a sensitive area for a white bloke with barely a month's observation to form an opinion on, but seeing as you asked.
I might change my mind but I really see Aboriginal Art as a business here.
Having said that I know that many of the people here in the Alice Springs prison are very accomplished painters and derive a great deal of pleasure and therapeutic value from their painting.
Oh, as to what opinions are new!
Don't ever envy a dot painter!
**All** commercially available aboriginal art is a replica.
I pop in for the second time...It's really great..I love your drawings really...hope you pass by to see my stff too...bye for now...kis isa
Hi there again...
What a lovely surprise to have you then in my little art space...
I'll put your blog & site in my lien...ok?
kis then & see YA....kis
I am enjoying the pen and ink wash work from the sketchbook. They give me the feeling you really enjoyed getting it down on paper. Nothing lack-lustre - and the expressiveness is way up a few notches. I suspect some of the critters come from off continent (I wonder how many Americans know Australia is a continent or can even spell the word). Keep the sketches coming David .. always eager to see them.
Hey Dake! I have been following your travel journal as time permits. it is pretty neat stuff. have loved all the photos and steak stories - but the sketchbook really is great!
-- Joel.
G'day Bill, yes camels are ferral as are donkeys, goats, foxes, horses and cats.
Even the Dingo is a relatively late arrival to Australia but not too recent to be considered vermin...until europeans arrived and started raising stock.
Almost any mammal on the mainland without a pouch is introduced.
Mice, rats and bats are about the only placental mammals that beat the white man to Australia, and we're certain the rats swam from New Zealand:)...still are!
Thanks Joel, Been thinking of you down in Victoria, a tough time for many huh?
Today in Alice is a cool 32`(a great relief)
Came to work the long way this morning and pulled into Emily Gap. Did a sketch ot two and may be at last hatching some ideas for some paintings. Must remember to keep the formal work stressors at arms length.
The MacDonnall Ranges have some really interesting nooks when it's cool enough to get out and find them. Emily Gap has great spiritual significance to the Arrente people. It certainly emanates such when you sit there and soak it in.
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