Market Friday. 'Inspired Aboriginal Art.'

'Inspired Aboriginal Art.'

This is my entry for this week's Market Friday challenge organized by @dswigle

I was very excited to discover a very talented local artist by the name of Maggie Gleeson Briscoe during the Traditional Trade Fair held at 'Old Petrie Town' in Queensland, Australia.

Old Petrie Town is a restored historic village replicating life, pre 1930's. In 1978, a local landscape architect was requested by the Pine Rivers Shire Council to submit ideas for development of the former Hyde Property in Dayboro Road, west of Petrie. The council also requested that a reserve be made available to for historical buildings around this homestead. It was given the name, North Pine Country Park but in 2000 it was renamed, ‘Old Petrie Town.’

If you'd like to see two of my previous posts about old Petrie Town click here

And here:

Maggie's creations are exceptional and every work of art tells a story and is painted with passion. Maggie is a quietly spoken women but when she talks about her art, her face lights up and eyes shine and it is obvious to anyone who has the pleasure of listening to her talk about her love of art, that it is very much embedded into her DNA.

In fact, she does have Aboriginal heritage and she even began painting on the floor which is traditional for Aboriginal artists........but as the years (and her art) have progressed, she had to give that up as it became hard too hard on her knees and back.

And when you want to paint, you'll make necessary adjustments in order to do so. I was in awe of her paintings and I'd categorize much of what she produces as 'masterpieces.'

(N.B. All Maggie's work is protected by copyright.)

Her gallery is situated in a shaded spot on the expansive grounds of Old Town Petrie in an old heritage building. I was drawn to this place like a magnet, (being an artist myself) and after asking Maggie for permission to take photos, I asked her a few questions.

Such as......."How long does it take you to complete an average sized painting?" My curiosity stemmed from the fact that I have created a dot painting and I know from experience that it is very time consuming. She told me it takes 2 to 3 days.........and I was very impressed.

This is a closer view of the Gallery.

Colourful, headless models greeted me as I neared the entrance.

And then a world of delight and wonder awaited me! I hope you enjoy viewing this superb art as much as I did.

Maggie writes:

"Painting has inspired and enriched my soul. For many years I had a yearning to connect with family from the dessert. This journey bought me to Alice Springs where I met my Central Australian Briscoe Family and I realized my calling to country and rich ancestral ties. That coming together rekindled family bonds and through art has connected me with my ancestral family, stories and homeland.

I grew up in Adelaide, and hold a passion for painting often fueled through my love of colour. I get inspiration from stories of country and my indigenous families culture. When I paint I am transported into the story and colour where it comes to life on the canvas or medium.

I have been given permission to paint certain aspects of my cultural connection and am honoured to be able to share some threads of this deep and rich Australian historical tapestry from the 'Anmatyerre' first nations people."

A variety of beautifully painted spectacle cases were on display.

And an array of lovely vases, urns, bottles, and jars looked stunning on dark wooden shelves.

This inspirational woman can paint on ANYTHING........ In fact, I think if I stood still long enough I'd get painted too. That would be interesting! (lol) Look at those gorgeous eggs!

This inspirational woman can paint on ANYTHING........ In fact, I think if I stood still long enough I'd get painted too. That would be interesting! (lol) Look at those gorgeous eggs!

I love the aqua and blue colours in this painting.

And there is a lot of intricate detail in this one.

And last but certainly not least.......here she is! Maggie, I take my hat off to you (Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind Aboriginal artwork on a fashionable sunhat!) Your work is extraordinary and I thank you for taking the time to share your passion with me and I wish you every success in your artistic endeavors.

You admitted to me during our chat that you cannot stop painting. I hope for your sake and that of art lovers everywhere, that you never stop painting.

THANK YOU FOR VIEWING. HAVE A GREAT DAY.

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