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The Garden Curator

Garden designer | Landscape designer | Landscape illustrator

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pause…look…see…

 

Conceived by artist, horticulturist and garden designer

Colleen Southwell, The Garden Curator is a creative celebration of all things found, inspired by and cultivated in the garden.

Blue Leaf illustration by Colleen Southwell

"Contemporary life has us on a quest seeking elusive contentment in manufactured perfection. My work challenges this pursuit, inviting the onlooker to slow, look closely, engage the imagination and connect with the cycle of life around us, whether it be in our own backyard or the great wide open. In doing so we rediscover perfection in its purest form - emerging buds, the veins of a leaf, the wings of an insect.

As an artist and garden maker, my creative process requires me to do just that. The more my work develops, the more I find myself marvelling over the smallest details.  The daily walk through the paddocks has become a study in plant forms and insects and the garden provides endless inspiration. Even the “imperfections” are beautiful when observed closely and with an open mind.

Only through slow and mindful attention to detail can I create.  The fragility of my work requires a gentle and respectful hand – the fragility of our environment requires the same.

Pause, look, see. What a lovely relief from these crazy days!"

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Colleen Southwell

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Fungi, a world where growth comes from decay, and Fungi,  a world where growth comes from decay, and opportunity from decline.  Endlessly fascinating to study and to represent in paper.
You've probably met him already, but this is Hugo You've probably met him already,  but this is Hugo, Could we get ever tire of that beautiful face? He's an old soul,  loves to collect stuff (ie he's a hoarder), picks snow peas so gently between his front teeth, and wriggles in pure pleasure when we have guests. He LOVES having visitors, he's even excited when the man comes to read the electricity meter...hmmm, unlike his human housemates. He's just like Doug in the movie "Up'..."I don't know you but I love you". Pure unconditional love, a soft and gentle soul. and my studio friend. You never know where he'll pop up...stay tuned.
Do you have a Hugo (or equivalent) to share your days? I hope so, do tell! ♡♡♡
At times I can't help but feel envious of fellow a At times I can't help but feel envious of fellow artists who so cleverly, fluidly and freely produce bold and beautiful wall-filling statement works.
Here the process is slow. Time consuming, intense and meticulous.  By the end of a studio day I'm bent like a question mark,  and by the end of a week I have a piece the size of a postage stamp (well, nearly), to show for many hours of eye straining attention.
As a dear friend and fellow artist @sculpturesbypeter once said to me, " you are not running a sausage factory"... indeed he's right, churning artworks out is not an option.  Just like the garden, my work is as much about the process and the storytelling as the product itself, so I feel tremendous gratitude to everyone who connects with the story and understands the commitment behind each piece. Thankyou.
I'm off auto, though still playing with my new cam I'm off auto, though still playing with my new camera  trying to work out how to make it focus on the things I choose,  rather than the things it wants to.  It's quite an opinionated camera it seems. I'm doing my best to show it who's boss. 
So, once again to indulge my happy snapping, here's some garden spam,  this time of the front terrace this week. Salvia Indigo Spires, Silver Ghost roses, Japanese windflowers and plenty of seaside daisies are flowering, plus there's a Lollipop dog peeking from behind the buxus balls. Can you see her? Perhaps she's scared of my camera induced frustrated feet stomping. Poor love.
Fungi, moss, lichen and beetles...dwelling in a pa Fungi, moss, lichen and beetles...dwelling in a papery undergrowth. The collection for the fungi exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney @rbgsydney is growing!
The Carex "Brunette" is rocking sumptuous long gin The Carex "Brunette" is rocking sumptuous long ginger tresses this season. It's such a great grass - tough through the drought,  frost hardy,  a handy mid size and so lovely with the blues and purples of fellow garden friends. I love the little Carex Frosted Curls too (2nd photo bottom left), with silvery swirls of fine foliage.
Perhaps oddly, the Brunette Carex reminds me of my 2nd grade teacher. I adored her. It was the late 70s Dancing Queen era, and she had the most glorious hip length auburn hair. Her name so appropriately was Miss Star, and she was beautiful. I've often wondered what happened to her, she was probably barely 21 at the time. Miss Star, if you're out there, you are fondly remembered!
Chuffed that this littlie has been selected for th Chuffed that this littlie has been selected for the @cornerstoregallery Inside this Box exhibition! Doors open this Wednesday, BUT online sales open TOMORROW Tuesday 16th Feb at 8pm AEST. Follow the link to the gallery website on the gallery feed...you know the drill. It's 30 x 30, expertly framed by the masterful @framingmarvellous behind museum grade glass (the super good stuff), and features penny gum, flannel flowers and more. And if it's something else you're after,  the line-up of works is brilliant.  Take a peek at the catalogue, online now.😊

© Copyright 2019 Colleen Southwell

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