Community
17 January, 2025
Artist debuts works on her “back door"
THE new year has marked the start of another year of exhibitions of local artists at the Camperdown Courthouse, with this month’s artist showing her love of her hometown.
Pam Smith’s exhibition focuses on the Camperdown district, with attention to the farming lifestyle across the region.
Ms Smith said the January exhibition was her first, and she felt it would be ideal to start by showcasing her “own back door”.
“Originally, I started about 20 years ago,” she said.
“My job required that I sell art supplies, and I knew nothing about them - I though the best way to learn is to join an art group, and I absolutely loved it.
“I found it quite exciting, fun and found that I had a little bit of talent there.
“I did lots of workshops after that to expose me to a lot of different media.
“I particularly like mixed media, although I seem to paint more in acrylic – I do love oil, but it’s just so messy.”
Ms Smith’s works focus on various farm animals, such as cattle and working dogs, with many of these works appearing in a photographic-type work.
Her landscapes, which feature various local landmarks such as Lake Tooliorook and Camperdown’s clocktower, feature some abstract elements.
“Some of the pieces I’ve done are a bit on the abstract side – not all of my work is photographic-type painting, but some of it is,” Ms Smith said.
“Some of it I’ve used something I call artistic license, and a lot of people find that uncomfortable to look at.
“I like that abstract – as long as it’s got a little bit of reality to it, people can identify with it.
“I’d like to think that people can appreciate the art behind that.”
Ms Smith said it was a “privilege” to be able to exhibit her works locally and feels “very happy” about the exhibition so far.
“I was a bit nervous about it – about exposing myself,” she said.
“I’m happy with the feedback that I’ve had – it’s all been very positive.
“I’ve sold three that I know of, so that’s been very nice.
“Come and have a look, and be open-minded in regard to art.”
The Camperdown Courthouse is open seven days a week from 10am - 1pm at 179 Manifold Street.
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