Wildlife, 2023. By Bev Aisbett.
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Artist Bev Aisbett is known for celebrating the transformation of the humble doily into a diverse range of art forms.
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These include jewellery, wall art, and 3D sculptures.
The Benalla community can take a look, and even purchase some of her one of a kind creations in the Benalla Art Gallery Shop, throughout February.
The exhibition is called Doily Digressions and features intricate jewellery pieces, such as necklaces, brooches, and earrings, all crafted from doilies.
The wall art includes framed doily-inspired motifs of iconic figures like Frida Kahlo, as well as mixed-media paintings that incorporate doilies into vibrant collages.
The 3D sculptures take on the form of whimsical animals and plants, further exploring the doily’s versatility as a medium for artistic expression.
Aisbett is a widely exhibited visual artist whose work has been featured in numerous galleries, including the Dancing Dog Café Gallery, SmartArtz Gallery, Without Pier Gallery, and the Tasmania Shop Gallery Salamanca.
Doily Elk Fern, 2025. By Bev Aisbett.
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Most recently, her work has been showcased at Rennies of Acheron and MiRa (Marysville), along with numerous group and solo exhibitions.
In addition to her visual art, Aisbett is a well-known author and illustrator of 19 best-selling self-help books.
She is particularly celebrated for her illustrated guides on managing anxiety and depression, including Living with IT (now in its 33rd year in print) and Taming the Black Dog (in its 30th year), with all titles published by HarperCollins.
Aisbett made the tree-change from Melbourne to Alexandra in 2018, where she continues to create and inspire through both her art and her writing.
“As an artist who has transitioned from an urban environment, I have a great appreciation for the amazing range of talent in rural areas, which is championed by galleries such as Benalla Art Gallery,” she said.
“I am thrilled to have my work exhibited here.”
Benalla Art Gallery Director, Eric Nash, said the works on display were a vibrant and diverse selection.
“(They) speak to (Aisbett’s) creativity and the versatility of the medium, and provide an uplifting and engaging focal point for all visitors upon entering the gallery,” he said.
Doily Digressions is on display in the Gallery Shop until March 13, 2025.
All works in the Gallery Shop are available for purchase from Benalla Art Gallery, or by calling 760 2619 or emailing gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au.
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