New artist on The Block

New artist on The Block

EMERGING: Gympie artist Amica Whincop’s work will feature on The Block’s online shop. Picture: Renee Albrecht

A LOT has come from the soulful, stone-like forms that have emerged from Gympie artist Amica Whincop's latest work. The qualified art teacher, who has taken time off to pursue art full time, recently had her work accepted on The Block's online shop.  

Amica's work will be highly promoted, after the shop director behind the popular reality TV show where contestants transform run-down buildings into modern masterpieces, found her work "stunning".   It has the potential to reach a massive audience.   She was also one of 30 chosen from 1000 applicants to exhibit at The Ambience Store Project in Newfarm later this year.  

The modest mother of three, who works from her small garden shed studio at her Gympie home, says it has been a whirlwind since she took up art full time.   "I wasn't expecting any of that to happen - it was a massive confidence boost," she said.  

The contemporary artist said she has always worked on something, but felt like the next level was out of reach.   But towards the end of last year, after working on more than 100 paintings without success, something shifted.   "I had these layers - then I just started marking out these rocks," she said.  

And there they were - pastel, intricate and soothing stone forms floating on canvas.   "It reminded me of when I was a kid and looking for pebbles on the beach and choosing the most special ones," she said.   Amica, whose love for nature was helped by a decent dose of idyllic English childhood beside the rugged seashores of the Isle of Wight.  

She finds the creating process relaxing and meditative, and hopes to convey the same feelings to those who buy her work.   "I just want to see my work in people's home and it be a blessing to other people."