Botanicals I
STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS
Botanical themed oil paintings on burlap
First solo exhibition, 5th Passage Gallery and Performance Space, March-April 1992
Botanical themed oil paintings on burlap
First solo exhibition, 5th Passage Gallery and Performance Space, March-April 1992
A child of high-rised living,
What do I know of gardening?
Just this...
My paints - my seeds,
My brush - my little spade,
My canvas - my garden,
My heart - the sun and rain...
...my garden grows...
What do I know of gardening?
Just this...
My paints - my seeds,
My brush - my little spade,
My canvas - my garden,
My heart - the sun and rain...
...my garden grows...
I started painting professionally since 1992. Prior to that, I was well aware of my inclination towards the arts but never entertained the possibility of being an artist. My ambitions consisted of nun, doctor and teacher. However, after reading Irving Stone's Lust for Life, a biography of Van Gogh, I was inspired and filled with courage. I remember putting the book down when I had completed it at about 2am one day and thinking, "It is possible to be an artist." Then it hit me like an epiphany, "I am going to be an artist."
Thereafter, I bought a 'How To' book on oil painting and painted my first series of 17 botanical themed oil paintings on burlap (gunnysack). My then boyfriend, who was completing his National Service at the time, supplied me with my first gunnysack from the army. It was to be used as support because I could not afford linen canvas. Later, I scoured Jalan Besar for used gunnysacks which I bought for 50cents. I opened, cleaned, sunned, stretched and painted on them.
With that, I approached Suzann Victor who curated the now defunct 5th Passage Gallery sponsored by the National Arts Council. She was receptive to my works and so, I had my first solo exhibition.
I sold all of three paintings at $70, $100 and $300. I kept two; the rest I gave away. And that was my debut as a painter.
Becoming an artist has fulfilled all my childhood aspirations because I believe that art takes care of the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional well-being, and has so much to teach us about ourselves, others, the world around us...life.
Thereafter, I bought a 'How To' book on oil painting and painted my first series of 17 botanical themed oil paintings on burlap (gunnysack). My then boyfriend, who was completing his National Service at the time, supplied me with my first gunnysack from the army. It was to be used as support because I could not afford linen canvas. Later, I scoured Jalan Besar for used gunnysacks which I bought for 50cents. I opened, cleaned, sunned, stretched and painted on them.
With that, I approached Suzann Victor who curated the now defunct 5th Passage Gallery sponsored by the National Arts Council. She was receptive to my works and so, I had my first solo exhibition.
I sold all of three paintings at $70, $100 and $300. I kept two; the rest I gave away. And that was my debut as a painter.
Becoming an artist has fulfilled all my childhood aspirations because I believe that art takes care of the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional well-being, and has so much to teach us about ourselves, others, the world around us...life.
Preparatory Oil Paintings & Sketches
Available for sale - some foxing
Copyright 2016 Geraldine Schubert