SUNDAY 22 marked the opening of Newcastle artist Roslyn Elkin’s ‘Of Earth, Of Space’ exhibition at the Artisan Collective Port Stephens.

In this exhibition, Roslyn shows her versatility with paintings, printmaking, and ceramics.

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Roslyn’s current works are described by the gallery as “paintings of the cosmos that speak of other worlds and can leave one in a meditative state”.

She is also an award-winning printmaker, using intricate detail in her artworks and playing with the graphic element of art – balancing light and dark, line and composition.

Her ceramics are wheel thrown stoneware that range from large platters to miniature vessels glazed in rich layers of colour.

Roslyn’s journey in creativity began at an early age.

“I started when I was six years old,” she said.

“I used to win some competitions in Newcastle and Sydney, then I turned 16 and didn’t really do anything for a long time,” said Roslyn.

In 1990 Roslyn was diagnosed with breast cancer, and decided to enter TAFE to immerse herself deeply in art once more.

“I knew what I was doing creatively yet I had no confidence, so since those few years it has all been so amazing.

“Newcastle TAFE really helped me get back out there and build my confidence back,” said Roslyn.

Roslyn names French impressionist painter Claude Monet, known for his attempts to paint nature as he perceived it, as a major influence on her work.

“Monet without a doubt,” she said, “I even went over and visited his home ten years ago.”

Roslyn started with ceramics 35 years ago hand building, and then went on to master the potters wheel.

“I can basically do pottery with my eyes closed now – it feels amazing,” she said.

Ceramics remain a firm favourite of Roslyn’s.

She enjoys going through the steps – starting with the raw bit of pottery, making it, turning it, glazing it and hoping it turns out as planned.

“It’s always quite a long process,” said Roslyn.

“It’s all about the ability to see the negative.

“What you are going to see isn’t always what you are going to get, you need to think about what it is going to look like on the other side.”

Located in the Marina D’Albora in Nelson Bay, the Artisan Collective is an artist-run gallery with 20 professional members providing their beautiful work for the viewing pleasure of the people of Port Stephens.

“Our aim is to engage our community by offering a space to share in the creative arts of the area and support our artists in providing a space to inspire, share, grow and collaborate,” said Ileana Clarke, the curator of The Alcove art space located in the gallery.

“The gallery at the Marina has been running since 2018 with 20 members changing their spaces every six weeks and a new exhibition by an invited artist or group in The Alcove.

“This is giving the community an opportunity to see diverse art while supporting the artist in their passion.

“We have regular local and interstate customers that love visiting the gallery and we run events, such as artists talks, workshops and openings for Alcove artists,” said Ileana.

The gallery is open 10:00am – 4:00pm every day.

Visit https://artisancollectiveps.com.au/ for more information.

By Pat JENSEN