FOREST BATHING

‘FOREST BATHING’ by MELINDA MARSHMAN
6 – 17 March 2019

EXHIBITION LAUNCH
Thursday 7th March, 6 – 8 pm

Exhibition in conjunction with Art Month 2019

Melinda Marshman is an artist currently living and working in Sydney, recognized for her spare and reductive style, whose painting practice reflects her unique way of seeing things. Following on from her successful 2018 exhibition at Saint Cloche ‘ROAD TRIP’, this new body of work is inspired by the concept of Shinrin-Yoku, or ‘Forest Bathing’ applying the concept to the Australian Bush.

“I wanted to invoke the sensation of forest bathing applied to the local landscape. Making studies for this painting en plein air became a mindful practice and revealed layers, colours and beauty not previously seen. It was medicine received, looking and listening with imagination. These works are landscapes of the imagination but inspired by the light and geometry of the landscape – be it Australia or the collective. I am seeking a universal language that speaks of the Australian Landscape.”

Quoting naturalist John Muir, “Between every two pine trees is a doorway leading to another life,” Melinda illuminates the philosophy behind the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or ‘Forest Bathing’. Exploring the idea that humans have grown increasingly separated from the natural world that sustains us, the disconnection from nature alienates us from ourselves. Our life force is sustained by nature; subtle energies are embodied in the vivid sensory and meditative experience and feelings derived from being in nature. In her spare and reductive style, Melinda takes the studies made en plein air and reference photographs, and concentrates on feelings – leaving only what is needed to invoke an emotive memory, such as the flicker through the bush of the last blush of sunset.

In 2014 Melinda graduated from the National Art School with Honours. Melinda has been the recipient of numerous awards and residencies, including the NG Creative Residency, Provence (2018), The Storrier Onslow National Art School Paris Studio Residency, Cite Internationale Des Artes (2015), The Ravenswood Womans Art Prize (2018 and 2017), The Chippendale World Art Prize (2017), The Doug Moran National Portrait Prize, semi-finalist (2014), The Robin Gibson Gallery New Talent Award (2013) and The Mosman Art Prize (2011). Her work is held in private collections and the National Art School collection.

CATALOGUE

Click to view Catalogue & Price List (1.8 Mb PDF)

For more information, please contact: info[at]saintcloche.com