IN early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic started to affect communities, an idea was formed amongst a group of artists to collaborate on a new artwork style.

Tea Gardens’ Galleries in the Gardens are excited to bring a brand new exhibition to the Gallery (Marine Drive) – Clay to Canvas.

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Sculptor David Matheson originated the concept for the exhibition, with each piece beginning life in Matheson’s kiln.

“Clay to Canvas is an exhibition exploring the intricate connections between mankind and nature, and between humans.

“The result is an exciting, unique exhibition showing diversity and individuality of expression,” David said.

Inspired by the Australian Red River Gums, the collaborative works depict sturdy tree trunks morphing into delicate human forms- a metaphor for how the natural and the corporal worlds are reliant upon each other.

Ceramic figurines were created by David before being handed over to individual Galleries in the Gardens’ artists as a canvas on which to add their own interpretations, thus further extending the theme of interdependence.

The brief and only directions being- experiment, innovate and let talent have full rein.

Artists worked on their pieces through months of lockdowns and COVID restrictions letting their creativity flow, and now they’re excited to present the result to the community.

“These months of creation and collaboration brings a vibrant ‘art forest’ of amazing work to the gallery,” David said.

The Clay To Canvas exhibition will run from 1 December to 31 December from 10am-4pm Wednesday to Monday at The Gallery in Tea Gardens opposite the waterfront.

By Tara CAMPBELL