Three places

Presented by Kevin Crowe

The Meehan Range, Pontville and Surry Hills, Sydney, each gave rise to a visual puzzle.  How to depict the blue-teal spring growth of the Risdonii slopes against dull Stringybark? What would the resurrection look like at Pontville? How the dark cavern of street trees contrasts with the scorching Sydney  sun?

“Inspired by my landscape painting practice, recent classes with Jake Walker, and visiting my daughters, Three places explores the relationship between place and person. How our perception and depiction of place is redefined by its connection with people we know.

The works have their origin in three very different locations. The Meehan Range as a backdrop to Flagstaff Gully and Mornington, the historic township of Pontville, and the inner city, Sydney suburb of Surry Hills.

The Meehan range is partly suburban (my eldest daughter lives close by), partly tamed countryside. Mountain bikers cross it. Yet it is home to eucalyptus risdonii which seems to require a stony, dry, north westerly aspect. Only this allows it to survive and gives rise occasionally to a brilliant blue flush of growth amid the dull greens of other gum trees.

Pontville – Brighton is a mixture of historic graveyards churches, and emerald green sporting areas. Scenes enjoyed by our second daughter.

Surry Hills with its nineteenth century dock workers terrace houses is a place in transition. The street trees are a constant but add a dimension of change when providing deep shade or filtered light over the Victorian facades. Our youngest daughter’s home is here. 

I have used a less descriptive, partly abstract method to try to communicate the transformations these places show and their meaning for those who observe them.

“Transformation” and “meaning”, has taken me towards an attempted portrayal of the magic or spirit of the places, while speculating on the relationships between place, the people there and the observer. St Matthews Cemetery Pontville is the frame for the ultimate transformation, the resurrection!”
– Kevin Crowe