Respected local artist Catherine Tait embraced the opportunity to open a pop up gallery at 21 Main Street, Maldon during the recent Goldfields Gothic Festival.
Catherine has been creating all her life and exhibiting professionally for more than 35 years. She has won over 40 awards and in 2019 exhibited in New York and Venice in 2022.
The prolific artist created numerous large scale works during the covid lockdowns and needed a large space to exhibit the works.
“It was a shame to see some shops empty in the heart of Maldon during the new festival, so I contacted the owners to see if I could create a pop up gallery,” Tait says.
Her latest body of work centres on the use of warm highlights and darker undertones to create depth and emotive constructs. Her subjects vary, from portraits through to vast natural landscapes and intimate still life compositions.
“The exhibition tied in perfectly with the Goldfields Gothic Festival theme and includes a portrait of Maldon’s own goth Clover and some Victorian themed pieces,” she said.
The exhibition also includes designer furniture created by Catherine’s husband Neil and industrial designs and sculpture by the couple’s son Tristan Tait.
“The Maldon folk have been very embracing and delighted to see an empty shop occupied. I have also met new people to the town that are now venturing out after covid lockdowns,” Catherine said.
The pop up gallery continues for one final weekend, today Friday July 15 through to Sunday July 17 and is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm.
The exhibition coincides with the launch of Catherine’s latest series of online drawing and painting classes.
Catherine is a teacher of various skill levels from beginners to the more experienced in the arts.
“A lot of people tell me that they cannot draw. I can only do stick figures. I wish I could draw or paint like you.
“I am here to inform you that I can teach anyone to draw. All that is required is the desire and wish to have a go,” she said.
“My blog offers some great tips and insights for artists of all abilities,” she said.
This unique online approach is a way of reaching out to her students, avoiding cancellations of workshops or classes due to the impacts of covid.
Catherine also embraced the covid lockdowns by furthering her knowledge of the artist’s mind, she is currently completing her diploma of art therapy by correspondence.
A learning experience of what makes artist’s tick, thought patterns and analysis of art work will also be explored when joining the lessons with Catherine.
“People do feel intimidated in classes, feeling they’re on show.
“My classes are designed not only to develop your confidence but also so you can proceed at your own pace. You can be flexible and repeat classes until you are ready to move on,” she said.
Visit www.catherinetaitartclasses.com.au for further information.