Meredith Yeoman: “How I found a fulfilling retirement pursuit”

Meredith Yeoman’s retirement has ushered in a new-found passion for art, culminating in her solo exhibition “Flora,” a tribute to the Australia’s native flora. See the pictures.

Artist Meredith Yeoman at her first exhibition at the Jezzine Art Gallery. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Meredith Yeoman’s retirement has ushered in a new-found and vibrant passion for art, culminating in her solo exhibition “Flora,” a tribute to the beauty and diversity of Australia’s native flora.

Her journey into this creative world blossomed during her retirement when she moved to Saunders Beach from the Lockyer Valley in mid-2020.

In seeking a fulfilling post-retirement pursuit, Meredith found solace and joy in crafting intricate thread sculptures, transforming her lifelong sewing skills into stunning artworks.

“I was 61, and I started looking for things to fill the void. Ever since I started this art form, flowers were my happy place,” Meredith told NQ Weekend.

Yeoman’s art exhibition, “Flora,” is a vibrant celebration of Australia’s native flora, capturing its diversity and enchanting beauty through the unique medium of sculptural embroidery.

Known for her intricate and lifelike recreations, Meredith describes her art as both an homage to nature and a source of immense personal joy.

‘Flora’ is Meredith’s first solo exhibition in Townsville, and it’s an exhibition of thread sculptures depicting some of her favourite native plants.

“I want people to be in awe of our native flora; its diversity, its colours and its unique beauty, and I want them to fill their world with its beauty.”

Artist Meredith Yeoman's 'Stuck in a Moment' displayed at her exhibition at the Jezzine Art Gallery. Picture: Shae Beplate.

The exhibition is characterised by what Meredith describes as “unique, colourful, magical and intricate .

Australian natives, particularly gum blossoms, inspire Meredith’s work, cultivated perhaps by the verdant garden her husband tends.

Her husband’s gardening efforts have accidentally provided her with an abundant source of inspiration.

“Unfortunately, I then pick them and pull them apart to see how I can recreate them in thread.”

Meredith’s artistic endeavours have not only filled her personal void but also garnered recognition.

After selling her art at Renegade Handmade markets and the Drill Hall in 2022, and earning accolades like the Supreme Exhibit of Show, her confidence in her path as an artist grew. Winning the People’s Choice Award at the St James Cathedral Arts and Crafts Show in 2023 was the catalyst for ‘Flora’.”

“I knew I was on the right track, but I needed to create a large body of work to show off my wonderful art form. It has taken me a year to create the 16 main piece for “Flora”.

Meredith has always considered herself a crafter rather than an artist as she had always sewn and worked on macramé.

Artist Meredith Yeoman's 'Yellow' displayed at her exhibition at the Jezzine Art Gallery. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“I come from a family of artists. My house is full of artworks from family and friends. My Mum was a botanical artist, my sisters paint and draw, but the gene missed me for some reason. “Try as I might, I just can’t draw, and definitely can’t paint like they do.

“But I can sew, and the fact that I can sit down at my sewing machine and create something so beautiful and lifelike still astounds me, and I can confidently say now, I am an artist.”

Meredith said her favourite part of creating art is witnessing people’s reactions:.

“They stare at it intently, trying to work out exactly what it is they are looking at. Then comes the ‘Wow’.”

Support from the Townsville and North Queensland art community has been pivotal.

“They have encouraged me, and believed in me, long before I did. My artwork is unique. Each piece takes weeks to create, and I work at it full time. The Townsville Art Society have been particularly encouraging and helpful to make “Flora” a reality.”

Artist Meredith Yeoman's 'Summer Breeze' displayed at her exhibition at the Jezzine Art Gallery. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Though Meredith turned to art later in life, her passion is unmistakeable.

“I’ve turned to art very late in my life, but I am thoroughly enjoying it.”

She now cherishes her daily creative session.

“If you find something you love and are passionate about, its never a chore.

“I look forward to going to my creative space every day and just letting it flow. “

Meredith has recently started to teach her art, and she said she would love to create a community of stitchers so this art form would become more mainstream.

Flora is on display at Art at Jezzine Gallery, Howitt Street, North Ward until February 26.

The gallery is open daily between 10am and 4pm.

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