Henry fell in love with the Queanbeyan River when he first arrived a year ago from Alice Springs, a place where the sandy dry Todd River flows only very occasionally. He found the contrast was exciting. It became the subject matter for a series of paintings in which Henry explored the visual aspect of the river, and the feelings that it evoked in him. It seemed fitting when he learned the original colonial name of the river, Quinbean, had been phonetically derived from an aboriginal word meaning ‘clear water.’
Henry strove to show the visual possibilities of the colours, shapes, and textures that changed daily on the river, through the interplay of light and the changing seasons. Henry wondered how he might interpret this kaleidoscope of ideas and feelings from his river walks? He pondered what approach he could use to express the individual elements of the river? And what of the histories and mysteries of this old river and its pathways were?
Henry paints in an impressionistic and slightly abstract style and named his exhibition ‘Evocation’ for its meaning – ‘The act of bringing or recalling a feeling, memory, or image to the conscious mind’.
Henry endeavoured to capture something of the essence of the Queanbeyan River in paint, he enjoyed the challenge of doing so and hopes visitors to the exhibition will also enjoy the journey.
All works on display are framed and for sale. Henry will be giving an Artist talk about the exhibition and his process – Saturday Dec. 4 at 2pm – light refreshments will be available.
Evocation is on show at:
Rusten House Art Centre – Queanbeyan NSW
87 Collett Street
November 19 – December 18
Wed – Sat 10am to 3pm
Artist talk – Sat December 4th– 2pm
Eventbrite bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/artist-talk-evocation-by-henry-smith-tickets-215449113097
