A Scanning Electron Microscope reveals the internal architecture of a Magnetic Island Casuarina tree. Across the water, ink and paint expose the hidden life scrambling beneath Townsville’s tidal mangroves.
Three local artists are bringing these unseen habitats to the surface.
Karen Landt-Isley, Margaret Robertson and Lynn Scott-Cumming’s new exhibition Kaleidoscope Habitat has opened at Gallery 48. The trio share a long history.
They hold visual arts degrees from James Cook University and they are now also devoted members of the Umbrella Studio Art Group and spend days each week working on their experimental prints.
They skip the standard postcard views to document the messy, vibrant reality of their environment.
Lynn Scott-Cumming knows the estuarine fringe.
She has lived in Townsville for over three decades and identifies deeply with the marine environment.
She builds her pieces through small drawings and unique state prints to capture the underside of local mangroves.
Her dense linework creates tunnel-like bowers of interlaced branches.
Lynn believes that the best way to garner support to protect the environment is by explaining its vital role in our lives.
She does this through her visual art, multimedia art and literature. She believes nature is wonderful and awe inspiring and that the environment is as important as the people living in it; that failing to respect and care for it will lead to large scale catastrophe.
She argues that “the environment is as important as the people living in it” and uses her art to explain its vital role in our survival.
Magnetic Island-based Karen Landt-Isley takes a highly clinical route to her art.
Her background as a medical and scientific photographer introduced her to abstract images produced by the Scanning Electron Microscope. She used the machine to discover the internal structure of local trees, plants and mud crabs. She digitally flips these microscopic images to build repeating shapes and complex symmetries.
“I would like the visitors to stand still and take time to look and activate their imagination,” Landt-Isley said. “I hope the visitors will feel a calmness and enjoyment by taking time to look and explore the artwork, knowing that the light blue will emotionally create a sense of tranquillity.”
Karen says the longer people look, the more their imagination will reveal hidden faces and animals.
“As the artist, I am an observer of beautiful shapes and forms in the natural landscape and habitat on Magnetic Island. A characteristic of the Kaleidoscope is symmetry which is the dominant design element created in the composition of my artwork.”
Margaret Robertson applies a similar focus on detail through experimental relief printing. She watches how natural elements shift over time and builds her pieces using colours coming through from behind.
Margaret focuses on how a simple pattern, shadow or form transforms to create its own story.
“I have learnt to see the beauty in almost everything and I like to capture this in my interpretation of what I see,” she says.
“My work is an interpretation of what I see and feel at the time.
“I would like to invite the viewer to stop, observe and rediscover the hidden treasures often displayed in plain sight.”
Kaleidoscope Habitat runs until July 31 at Gallery 48, Unit 2/48 The Strand. The launch opening will be held June 13 between 3pm and 6pm. Gallery 48 opens Wednesdays and Saturdays from midday to 5pm.