Surface to Air

Beth Gibbeson

3 – 14 July 2024

Saint Cloche is delighted to present the vibrant abstract and expressionist paintings of Beth Gibbeson in the exhibition 'SURFACE TO AIR.' Through her brightly hued paintings, Gibbeson narrates her travels and life experiences from rural Victoria to Egypt and the suburbs of Melbourne. Her work explores the abstraction and decoding of landscapes, inviting viewers to form their own interpretations of what they see.

Gibbeson has recently partnered with ceramicist Sally McCredie for a special collaboration showcased in 'SURFACE TO AIR.' This collaboration emerged from their long-standing professional relationship and mutual curiosity. They experimented by applying Gibbeson's painting techniques to McCredie's ceramic bowls, resulting in a striking synergy that has driven an exciting and fulfilling creative journey.

The duo has enjoyed exploring countless permutations of clays, glazes, stains, underglazes, shapes, and forms. Each creation represents their shared vision and the extensive hours dedicated to experimentation and discovery. This process has pushed both artists beyond their comfort zones, leading to the creation of unique and innovative pieces. The fusion of their distinct artistic languages is evident in the playful and passionate works produced through this collaboration.

Surface to Air

"My paintings aim to express emotions from my present and past experiences in a tangible, physical manner that bypass verbal communication. Through years of practice, I have developed a glossary of shapes that represent the intersection of this dialogue.

Lately, I have been drawn to the spectacle and drama of sixteenth century Baroque painting. I have delved into chiaroscuro and jewel like colours that fold repetitively over themselves and reach into the co-extensive space of the viewer. I painstakingly build-up layers of oil paint and use my brush with rhythmic force, so that the surface of the paint builds depth and the folds created interact with each other as though the paint has a life of its own.

This is an influence of the present evolving within the realms of the re-emergence of the past and a continued discovery of how past and present blend into each together. It is the result of physical force that reveals itself through my painting process in the building of an illusionist space that I aspire to absorb the viewer into."

Beth Gibbeson currently lives and works in Melbourne Victoria. She has completed her Bachelor/ Honours Degree in Fine Arts Painting at RMIT University, Melbourne.

Beth grew up in Sale, Gippsland as a child and lived in Egypt Cairo as a teenager. Later in her life, she lived in Castlemaine after finishing her university studies, bringing up her family of four children. Her memory of living in these diverse landscapes is a huge influence on her work.

Currently, Beth lives and paints in her home studio in Frankston South overlooking the beautiful garden she has created over the years.