Lynne spoke to us about her art practice and inspiration while creating her latest body of works. She says of her process;
Drawing mainly from memories and working intuitively and reacting to the marks on the canvas keeps the work spontaneous and fresh. I might occasionally refer to photos, but this is usually prior to a session to remind me of a particular area that I’ve been in and what the conditions were like at the time. I really value the quiet connection that I can have with my natural environment and the beautiful landscapes where I live in Mirboo North. With rainforests and stunning views surrounding me how can I not be inspired to create?
Back in the studio I use materials which are varied and offer me a wealth of effects which aid me to recreate what has impressed me visually. For instance, the richness of the inks I use help me to depict the same richness I’ve seen in the bark strips, the oil sticks aid in the generation of texture. I utilise my drawing skills using charcoal and intense pencils to create the scene as I imagine it.
My favourite areas to explore are where the towering Mountain Ash trees are found. These species are unique to Victoria and Tasmania. This magnificent tree is known as the worlds tallest plant, reputed to grow a metre a year, and so in a relatively short amount of time they can reach a hundred metres soaring from the forest floor. My first encounter with this species of tree has left an indelible visual impression and my current work largely consists of depictions of these rainforests and the mountain ash in particular.
I admire how the bark of the Mountain Ash hangs in strips from the trunks catching the light and seeming to drip from the branches as it’s caught on its way to the forest floor. On rainy days and in the mist it has a glorious rich colour that is exciting to recreate back in the studio. On the forest floor the tree ferns, wildflowers and general detritus of leaf litter and fallen bark form a glorious tangle. As you walk through the forest you often hear the scurrying of wildlife and the calls of the many varieties of birds. It’s a rich experience and one I never tire of. Creeks and rivers flow through and you’ll often come across waterfalls and sheer drop offs into gorges filled with tree ferns which provide a rich green base from which these trees soar up to the sky.