Curious

And the 2D Oil painting award goes to!...

Pip Cleeland (right) with her award-winning work "Curious" and 3 wise men enjoying the roo's company at the Opening of the Inspirational Landcare exhibition on Friday 16th November at Bass.

Pip Cleeland’s work – “Curious”




"As you may know,
Pip is well-known for this style of piece which pays great attention to detail and almost painful precision when capturing the portrait of an animal.
We found the subject amusing,

almost human-like

and saw it seemed to challenge us to look deeply at it,

like Landcare does challenge the community to consider it’s landuse.

This piece is a portrait of an Australian native animal,

though the texture and pattern in the animal’s fur also suggested other aspects of the Australian landscape like a corrugated sandy coast, or rock escarpment.

The subject animal is facing the audience with intensity,
perhaps challenging the viewers to look closer.
We also found her,
the animal,
amusing,
leaning in,
a little cheeky.

The ears are folded, one back listening perhaps,

the other listening forward with attention –

we felt this represented Landcare well,

as does the patience in her style of work,

tireless,

effortful work by both the artists,

and Landcare volunteers alike.

The plain background ensured the subject stood out and was not over-shadowed by anyone or thing. We found that really affecting and engaging.

This piece also represented hope and
growth in the suggested fecundity of the animal –
is there a joey in her pouch?
Is there hope for our natural landscapes? a constant question for all landcarers…




Congratulations, Pip Cleeland, for your work “Curious” is the winner of the 2D oil category."

- taken from the judges' notes, Landcare Inspirational Landcare Arts Challenge 2012





Pip's work is online at http://www.pipart.com.au/animals.html and on exhibition currently at Phillip Island Winery, 414 Berry's Beach Road Ventnor, Phillip Island.