Memory mix inspires art

Award-winning Perth artist Lyn Franke will showcase her impressions of Australian landscapes in an exhibition at Wills Domain winery next month.

Franke, who won her first art competition at age 10, grew up in the Gascoyne, lives in the beachside suburb of Mullaloo and often visits the South West.

She said her upbringing created a mix of memories and imagined landscapes inspiring her works for the upcoming Between Ocean and Earth exhibition.

“I probably used a bit stronger colour in these works than I normally use and tried to depict the colours, textures and patterns in our Australian landscape, which I love,” she said.

“It’s a mixture of ocean, which is seagrass, and there’s a couple of vineyard paintings and fun and colours in landscapes.”

Franke said one of the paintings in the exhibition, Under the Mulga Sun, was inspired by memories of driving from Geraldton to Perth and the harsh landscapes on the way.

She said she used textural elements in many of her works, such as textiles, mixed media and natural elements such as crushed wildflowers.

“I think it’s because of my textile background. I like the texture in the surface. If (people) want to touch the work, it’s tactile,” she said.

Franke said she hoped people would come and see the exhibition after her successful first outing at Wills Domain last year.

“I hope it’s well received by the public. That’s what every artist wants,” she said.

The Between Ocean and Earth exhibition starts with a meet the artist event on December 1 and runs daily from 11am to 4pm until January 31.