Contours: An Exhibition at Milk Factory Gallery, Bowral, NSW

Inspiration for the exhibition of works by Penelope Oates and partner Darren Oates derives from their respective disciplines as both artist and artisan and the commonalities they see in each other's output.

Penelope’s works are characterised by layered, textural and etched surfaces where the contours of the landscape often merge the delineation between land, sea and sky.

This layering of mixed media with the predominant use of coloured inks on timber shapes, perfectly cut to size by Darren in his workshop, allow Penelope to explore varying shapes and contours as a painting surface, rather than always adhering to the more conventional and restrictive size and shape of a canvas.

Darren’s furniture is characterised by a strong use of curves that are achieved by moulding timber into forms that mirror the shapes and contours found in nature. These curved elements are largely a result of using bent laminations.  Darren prefers to keep the lines of his furniture simple in form and functional.

The old adage ‘less is more’ rings true with Darren’s work and gives his pieces integrity of form whilst paying homage to the reclaimed native Australian timbers that he uses.

When: October 7 – 10, 2017
Where: Milk Factory Gallery, Bowral