Talented local artist Judy Sens has a special birdhouse exhibit at Drying Shed Art Space in the Mill Complex until the end of September – exploring the relationship between people, the natural world and the quiet consequences of everyday choices.
Her exhibition reflects on the tension between affection for domestic pets and the vulnerability of Australia’s native bird life.
“Working primarily in acrylic on canvas and board, I paint on the colours and rhythms of the natural environment to create works that celebrate its beauty,” she said.
“‘Playing” with clay brings back happy memories for me, as early as mud pie making under the white cedar trees on our family farm as a young child.
“It also allows me another way to express the love of a beautiful garden and the curious creatures that live within it.”
Judy said her ceramic journey began with tuition from her daughter Kirby Sens, and it has enabled her to provide a tactile and intuitive way to express her enduring connection to nature and botanical forms.
“After the loss of my mother, whom I considered my best friend and mentor, several years ago, I decided to finally dedicate a space at home for a permanent studio,” she said.
“This is a joyful space that has helped me to heal from her loss and reflect on the massive influence her love of creativity had on me.
“Encompassing both paintings and ceramics. I have tried to make a display that is visually engaging, quietly thought-provoking, prompting reflection. All in the hope of encouraging a deeper appreciation of the fragile ecosystems that surround us and the role we each play in their care.”
Judy’s birdhouses have both wheel-thrown and hand-built components. They are hand-decorated, then finished with underglaze and glaze.
“When placed in a protected location out of direct sunlight, they provide a shelter for a variety of small birds,” she said.
“We actually have quite a few families of spotted pardelotes nesting in my creations in our garden that return to nest year after year.”
The Drying Shed is open Thursday – Sunday from 10.30am-2.30pm.