Roma on Bungil Lines and Designs exhibition

While the art on display in the Lines and Designs exhibition at the Roma on Bungil gallery is exceptional, the story behind the artists is truly inspirational.

Lines and Designs artists. Left to right: Wendy Fry, Cate Edwards, Fiona Hayes, John Hardie, Lesley McLennan, Ann Stirling, Joan Morrison.

Roma on Bungil art gallery is currently exhibiting a a collection of work from 11 individual artists, and Monte Lupo, a studio operated by Multicap which employs artists with disabilities.

While the work itself is exception, the artists are almost more colourful and dynamic as the work they create.

Lines and Designs artists. Left to right: Wendy Fry, Cate Edwards, Fiona Hayes, John Hardie, Lesley McLennan, Ann Stirling, Joan Morrison.

The exhibition has been co-ordinated in a coalition between Roma on Bungil secretary, Sandra McDonald, and experienced art curator, Cate Edwards.

Ms Edwards was the director of Miskin Gallery in Brisbane, which was a space for local artists to showcase and sell work.

While Miskin Gallery closed its doors in 2008, Ms Edwards stayed in contact with many of the artists she worked with during her time there, and has rallied some of them together now, when one of her close friends was in a time of great need.

Ms Edwards said she has known her friend Leith Dillon for the better part of 65 years.

“(Ms Dillon) was my neighbour when I was growing up,” Ms Edwards said.

“I’ve known her since I was one.”

Ms Edwards said she brought the group of artists together to support Ms Dillon, after tragedy struck her friend.

One of those artists was Lesley McLennan.

Ms McLennan said she felt humbled to be part of the group.

“In the last couple of years (Ms Dillon) had some major personal tragedies and ill health,” Ms McLennan said.

“(Ms Dillon) is an eminent artist in her own right but she lost all her confidence.

“It’s so amazing to think ‘oh my god, you do this exquisite work’ ... you look at the art and you laugh, and you admire it.

“Very few art pieces can be humorous.

“And you think, how the hell do you lose your confidence?”

Ms Dillon’s art has featured in exhibitions and galleries across Australia. Her pieces are mostly functional ceramics, decorated with lively images and decals.

Ms Dillon references what she does and why in her artist statement for the exhibition.

“I enjoy making functional pots and decorating them with quirky insects from my imagination,” Ms Dillon wrote.

“There is no soul-searching about my work and, if you find yourself smiling and amused when viewing my one-off pieces, then I have achieved my main aim.

“I love doing what I do.”

Ms Edwards said she was warmed by the energy the group brought to the exhibition.

“There was an amazing comradery,” Ms Edwards said.

Ms Edwards said she found the project challenging and rewarding, especially coordinating 11 artists.

“I’d forgotten the amount of time and effort it was to put together,” Ms Edwards said.

“I didn’t know who was actually going to be part of the exhibition.”

Ms Edwards said Ms Dillon was especially impressed with Wendy Fry’s commitment to the project.

“This is the most work that Wendy’s ever produced,” Ms Edwards said.

“(Ms Dillon) was so proud of Wendy.”

Secretary of Roma on Bungil gallery Sandra Macdonald said the gallery has also been a great commercial success.

“The Roma on Bungil gallery was thrilled to have such an array of esteemed artists provide their lovely art for us to display,” Ms Macdonald said.

“It was a complex exhibition to curate due to the variety of art and the number of artists however they all worked well together with the aid of amazing curator, Cate Edwards from Brisbane, and it has come together as a stunning display.

“It has been a great success with many pieces sold and hopefully more sold over the Easter weekend.

“There was a great opening event with well over 100 people in an attendance and many people have been viewing the art works over the past months with favourable comments.”

The exhibition will be open over the Easter Weekend from 10am to 4pm, with Easter Monday the last day it will be open.