Lives of the Artists

My posting habits are strange. I post frequently for a few days, then there are gaps of a few weeks. I post more when I am feeling happier with my work (which I am now after a great studio visit yesterday), when I'm behind schedule or I'm just not resolving anything, I feel a little deflated and can get quite obsessed with my work, and don't think about much else! I'm sure I'm not the only one.

I picked up a fabulous book the other day "Lives of the Artists" (Calvin Tomkins) to add to the expanding collection of artist biographies we have. I find these books so inspiring because no matter how famous, artists seem to hit the same old obstacles when producing a body of work, all the time. This book profiles artists such as Cindy Sherman, Damien Hirst and Jasper Johns (wish I was the one who dreamt of a painted American flag one night). My fav would have to be Julian Schnabel who is a painter turned film director but desperately wants to be known for his painting, more so then his films. In an interview when someone asked whether he was going to make films now instead of paintings, he answers "Listen, I've made a thousand paintings and I've made two films. I'm a painter. Does that answer your question?"

Loaded Zone

Thought I better post the painting! (re below).

BELLE August/September

My work "loaded zone" appeared in Belle magazine this month. Very exciting! It has been so nice to have collectors contact me and congratulate me. They are part of my journey, they always had faith in me so THANK YOU. One of them has 5 of my works in her home - she was so excited and so proud!

(bottom left in the pic)



I am on track with my works for the solo show at Gilligan Grant in September, what a relief! The show opens on the 5th September and I can't wait to see all of my pieces hung. It's such a great space.

A familiar place..

My work is about the rush of bodies, the sense of isolation and yet the exhilarating nature of a city space. When I moved to Rye I thought I might have some issues with inspiration, considering I was now leaving inner city Melbourne where I took my inspiration and ideas from to a lot more quieter / smaller town of 8,500 people!. Rye is bustling in summer, but with a different set of people.


Set me free (on paper) 2008

I was in Collingwood last week and said to my husband "I do miss inner city it's so exhilarating!" he replied with "What do you mean you miss it - you can be here at least twice a week if you want to, it's an hour and a quarter away!" he was right. I just need to be more organised, maybe if I do it's going to mean more to me when I create something inspired by a trip which has taken just a little bit more effort.

Hey, it's well worth it!

Painting from the Source.

My solo exhibition at Gilligan Grant Gallery will be earlier then first thought - instead of October / November, I am looking at early September for my show.

I have now cleared out part of the double garage which will be my temporary studio until we have the whole space turned into a full studio for me and office for my husband. I love working there already - the weather is still warm enough to leave the garage door open and the space is totally private, on top of a small hill with lots of trees and birds.

I have discovered a strange thing. I have actually noticed this in the past: when I am painting and someone is talking to me (about something totally unrelated) either in person or on the phone, it works really well for me! I seem to..well..paint better! I twittered this today, and another artist mentioned the book "Painting from the Source" in relation to this. Her thoughts (my twitter friend) about my discovery made sense. She said I must have been working from 'within', so my conscious mind restricted by rules wasn't active. This makes so much sense to me. I tend to think way too much when I paint which can stunt the flow of creativity.

Tomorrow I'm looking forward to the first full day I have had in my studio for a week!

Back in the game!

Oh at long last I have created something! the long legged chick with green shoes squashing co-workers (not really) Untitled at this point.

Make sure you visit: Gilligan Grant Gallery for new works.

My statement which will tell you about my works in general including this newie.

"Baiguerra works with the concept of space and relationships within a space. She examines the contrast between the wide open physical space of the country with the confined closed spaces within a city environment. Baiguerra's work explores the idea of open spaces creating closer connections compared with confined city spaces creating a sense of bustle, business and sometimes isolation.

Baiguerra writes, " when I lived in the country it seemed the more space we had, the closer we became. We depended upon each other. Living in the city and being closer physically, we seem further apart emotionally and we seem to care less about the people we share space with. The subjects in my paintings share a space. I am fascinated by their inner lives and their external expressions. I'm intrigued with how we choose to present ourselves and what we disclose to friends and strangers".

Baiguerra although dismayed with the distance sometimes felt within a city space she is also intrigued with the hustle and the bustle of city life. Baiguerra spends most of her drawing time seated near Flinders Street Station at peak hour and the surrounding areas observing passers by, conversations at coffee tables or at a bar. Baiguerra records her sights through a series of drawings. The fluid nature of the final compositions represent the rush of bodies, the sense of isolation and yet the exhilarating nature of a city space."

My San Fran Man

The figure on the right of this painting is a little like a muse to me. I found him in a magazine. Whenever I am struggling with a painting - I add him and BAM! it works. I don't know anything about him apart from the fact he lives in San Fransisco. I often wonder who he is, I would like to thank him haha.