Castlemaine artist Heather Murrowood was thrilled to launch her inaugural exhibition at the Grist Bakery gallery space at Wesley Hill on December 8.
The event was attended by friends who have assisted and inspired Heather along her journey.
Heather dedicated the exhibition to her former support worker and friend the late Luca Royle who helped start her on the path.
“Luca hosted radio program Art Swank on MainFM and really encouraged me to to purse my passion for painting, introducing me to Sarah Wallace-Smith of Art on View Bendigo who taught me how to use a pallet knife on canvas and it grew from there.”
Heather has had a challenging life suffering from various illnesses and a debilitating spinal cord injury. She is gearing up for what will be her 33rd surgery shortly, but despite all the incredible hardships she has faced she continues to tackle each day with a positive attitude and a determination to succeed in everything she does.
“From early childhood, despite many health struggles, I’ve always loved gardening and creating things.
“When I moved to Castlemaine in 2017, I decided I would seriously search for someone to teach me to paint. Luca and I found Sarah and it wasn’t long before I was painting!
“I have kept my first piece, My Peony Roses, and enjoy reflecting about how far I’ve come. As my confidence grows, and with the encouragement from my support workers and friends, I continue to challenge myself. I enjoy painting a variety of subjects, all close to me heart, from Jesus to flower filled gardens. I love to include other items such as doilies, china and other special pieces in my works,” she said.
“I have since set up my own studio space. I love it. Painting is my great escape and simply the best way to combat my ongoing health struggles,” she said.
“I was thrilled to sell at couple of my works at the shire’s Winter Art and Fringe Festival’s Frida exhibitions at the Market Building and two of my latest works sold shortly after the exhibition was hung at Grist. I’m truly grateful for these sales and commissions that have enabled me to continue to paint,” Heather said.
Entering the gallery space you are struck by an explosion of colour and each piece radiates pure joy.
Be sure to pop out and catch Heather’s exhibition at Grist before it wraps up next Tuesday December 23.