Two women, Alice Halden and Ayla Young, will feature in Narrandera’s Artist of the Month in the Wide Open 2022 program, which features a variety of artists’ work each month throughout the year.

As reported in the Argus last week, their creations will be on display at Narrandera Arts and Community Centre.

Alice spent most of her life in Leeton, but is now based in Sydney for study, while Ayla currently resides in Leeton.

Ayla will have 10 charcoal drawings on display while Alice has 10 photographic prints, seven watercolours and two oil paintings in the exhibition.

Alice said she was grateful to be featured alongside Ayla in the exhibition and that her interest in painting started at an early age.

“What an opportunity, I feel really proud to be a contributor to the art culture and community of our rural area,” Alice said.

“It has been great connecting with people about art and having those important discussions.

“I love being able to say I work across a number of mediums.

“When I was very young, my mum would set myself and my sister up in the backyard with our smocks, easels and fresh blank paper; we would be out there for hours in the sunshine.”

Alice, who conducts art sessions via Zoom, said she had received favourable feedback, “with beautiful words of support” from people who had witnessed her artworks”.

“I think people are intrigued and moved by my exploration of the female form over different mediums.

“I am passionate about art for its ability to reveal and capture truth that sometimes is difficult to articulate.

“My inspiration comes from the natural landscape, especially the Riverina and from my lived experience.

“I hope I can continue to bring this passion to my future art therapy clients.”

Some of Alice’s water-colour prints are available to view at Timeless Treasures in Leeton and The Hive in Narrandera.

For details of Alice’s sessions contact alhalcre-ative@gmail.com.

Ayla, whose favourite medium is working with charcoal, said the Wide Open program’s success was a huge credit to the passionate creative community in the area.

“Providing initiatives such as Wide Open 2022 is so valuable for emerging artists such as myself to be able to share my work for the wider community to enjoy,” Ayla said.

“I have always been a creative person and majored in Visual Arts for my HSC.

“In November last year I decided to start drawing and creating more frequently and started up my art business, Waratah St Studio.”

Ayla has also been pleased with some of the comments about her artworks.

“I’ve had some great feedback about the photorealism and details that I capture within my work,” Ayla said.

“My large drawings of animals are always a favourite with all ages; the emotion, details and the size of the drawings often receive lovely comments.

“It was great to talk to new and familiar faces at the launch and hear how my drawings connected them to time spent on farms and living rurally.

“I’ve always been inspired by rural landscapes, flora and fauna and being able to exhibit my work as an artist in our local rural area is something I’m very proud to do.”

A self-taught artist, Ayla takes much pleasure in drawing subjects she loves.

“I think that’s the most important thing about being an artist and connecting with your audience,” Ayla said.

“I’m passionate about sharing my art journey, as you don’t need to be trained in the fine arts to do something you really enjoy.
“Find your passion and start taking the opportunities that come your way.”

People can discover more about Ayla’s art journey at her website: www.waratah-ststudio.com.au.

Both women’s art works can be viewed at the centre from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, Saturdays from 9am and 3pm and on Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

The program has been made possible with the support of the Narrandera Branch of the Bendigo Community Bank and Narrandera Shire Council.

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 14 July 2022.