Residency at “Shaper Studio” Tasmania

Tamlyn has been developing work related to our natural world and its entanglements. This is reflected in her residency in the 'Shaper studio' - Tasmania. Time in the 'white room' as it was called, encouraged her to emerge herself among the serenity and slow movement in time. Working on a project of simplicity in line with movement, this technique is harder than it looks - minimising by taking out information?

Tamlyn connected with the Tasmanian art scene and culture and enjoyed her walks along the beaches and countryside. Often picking up seed pods or shells, these 'bits n pieces' helped create sketches that added to her collection and patterns. 

Comfortable in the 'white room' Tamlyn emerged herself with the photography she had taken of the region, often painting scenes in watercolor and experimenting with textures and mixed media. Her focus was on minimising the works to just a few lines and only using colors she had selected as the Tasmanian pallet. The walls soon filled to create a gallery of all different works including acrylic and ink. Works could later be used for reference on returning home to Queensland when developing a body of work. Sketches from the region have been turned into repeat patterns already and will be added as large hanging installations at her next exhibition. 

Photography taken from the Binalong Bay area is where the color palette was derived from for Tasmania and is reflected all over the Tasmanian coastline. A secluded inlet Tamlyn found in the rain and painted in watercolor - that mixed with rain drops and ended up being nothing, was a highlight. "It was like being in a different world, surrounded by large rocks and the only sounds were the waves and rain. The amazing colors on the rocks - the green and orange with the blue black darks in the shadows. The orange on the rocks being formed by lichens living on the rocks and feeding on algae. An ancient and timeless place that she instantly emerged herself in.

Developing works that relate to our natural world, Tamlyns shapes and form come from her surroundings and her love of nature. "I have documented my time in Tasmania so l can reflect on my ideas and develop them further. I enjoyed the process of my work and will continue to look and think and evolve. Simon and Victoria were wonderful residency hosts and with their help l learnt to adapt to my environment, to talk and laugh with the locals and to work hard while enjoying myself."

TamlynG during her residency at Shaper Studio Tasmania