The exhibition is an uplifting selection of bird paintings and sculptures by Brooke Whelan, who transforms spotted gum offcuts into bold images of Australian birds.
Incorporating the use of foraged natural materials, these works highlight the organic beauty and natural qualities of the timber surface, its textures and patterns.
Ms Whelan is a Beechworth-based artist, who completed an Associate Diploma in Art and Design after high school.
She then went on to work in various creative roles including an extensive 15-year career in floral design.
After side stepping into a career in education, she has now returned to painting and art making.
Growing up in the country, Ms Whelen would spend endless hours immersed in creative projects, keeping herself busy foraging, collecting, up-cycling, drawing or making.
With her background in floristry, nature has remained an artistic inspiration, as a subject matter in her work and where possible, incorporating the use of foraged natural materials.
Ms Whelen said she tended to not strictly conform to any one subject or style.
Expressive broad brush strokes and saturated rich acrylic paint colours are used to capture fluid movements and the unique and quirky character of the birds.
“Clean lines and finer details appearing in the works reflect my background and training as a designer and sculptural pieces speak to my desire to get hands on, encouraging a connection to the material origins and association with the natural world,” Ms Whelen said.
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said her works were joyful.
“I’m sure (they) will encourage viewers of the work to view and appreciate their natural surroundings,” Mr Nash said.
“Benalla is blessed with beautiful landscapes and birdlife, and we’ve seen this provide inspiration to many local and visiting artists.”
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