“A Tribute To Patience and Persistence” by June McCotter and Paul Musk
“Life often tends to throw hurdles at us. In the Australian Bush, this is particularly true. The land is tough – truly “a land of drought and flooding rains”. Only the tough survive. Only the exceptional excel. This exhibition is our attempt to produce a tribute to the essence of Queensland, and Queenslanders.”
June McCotter and Paul Musk are proud to bring their collaborative exhibition to the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre – opening January 8 and open to the public until April 1st. Please take the opportunity to meet the artists on January 8th!
The artists both have a love for the Australian Bush. One was formed by it and continues to be inspired by it. The other came from a softer, damper climate, but has chosen to make it home, and has also come to love its hard beauty. Some images give a nod to the earlier pioneering days. Some remind one that our state has a more ancient history than that of western civilization.
June’s favourite subject is her cattle station, “Alcheringa” nestled in the little country town of Mt Perry. Inspired by the natural beauty surrounding her bush home, McCotter paints plein air landscape compositions directly from life impressionistically. Setting up her easel in and around her cattle station, June creates engaging landscapes that invite the viewer to walk right in. This artist paints from a ‘core’ that reflects her life observations and personal response to her diverse cultural, emotional and visual view of the world that surrounds her. McCotter’s distinctive style and mastery of paint has received international recognition. Her works have hung in galleries in New York and Florence.
Paul Musk has the great good fortune to grow up in the English countryside, very different from the Australian Bush. Much of his youth was spent exploring “the combes and caves of North Devon, in England’s West Country. On the edge of Exmoor, it is a land of rolling hills, caves, cliffs and sandy beaches, with the odd old tin mine throw in. Altogether an adventurous boys paradise”. Musk has received competition award recognition in Sydney, Brisbane and Cairs. Musk has an eye for beauty, in its many forms, and a love for photography, leading to a collection of images from around the world.
For those unable to make the opening this exhibition will be open to the public until April 1, 2021. For further information please contact the friendly Centre staff on 07 4165 7272 or info@rmwilliamscentre.com.au
