Spirit of the Highlands is an exhibition by local artists Nadia Kliendanze, (pictured above right) and Pam Gleeson (above left).

The exhibition opened recently at The Old Auction House in Kyneton and presents two starkly contrasting perspectives of the diverse landscapes of Victoria’s Central Highlands.

From the rugged majesty of the Macedon Ranges to sprawling, tranquil farmlands, through cloud-shrouded winters and dry, sun scorched summers, the artists take people on a visual journey that transcends the canvas they work with.

Nadia’s surreal interpretations and Pam’s moody realism embrace qualities of time and place which resonate with all those who know and love this unique region.

Both Nadia and Pam feel a deep responsibility to raise awareness of the fragility of this beautiful place and its need for preservation.

The Central Highlands faces numerous challenges including habitat loss and the wider effects of climate change. Through their art, the artists hope to inspire a sense of stewardship and appreciation for this region.

The Sprit of the Highlands exhibition runs until November 11 and is open daily from 10am to 4pm at The Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton.

There will be a Meet the Artists afternoon on November 2 from 2pm to 4pm. Entry is free with refreshments provided.

A huge success is how artists have summed up last month’s From Behind  Closed Doors fundraising art exhibition.  

Staged by Daylesford Regional Arts Co-operative in the town’s renovated  Stanbridge Hall, the event has raised $2200 for Backpack Bed for Homeless Australia.

“That’s 15 backpack beds and sleeping bags for the homeless of Hepburn Shire,”  says Pam Gleeson, a Glenlyon artist who is also treasurer with the co-operative.  

“Our target was $1000 so yes, we smashed it. We had over $10,000 of art sales.  Not bad for a very small group of 12 artists.

 “Stanbridge Hall proved to be the perfect space to hold an exhibition. We had  over 180 people at our Gala Opening Night and close to a further 300 people visited  the exhibition.  

“We’ll definitely have a major exhibition every year.”  

Pam had suggested that funds raised from the debut event go toward assisting  people contending with homelessness, after becoming aware of the extent of the  problem.  

“I think a lot of people may not even realise that homelessness is an issue even  here in the Hepburn Shire where it’s a problem that is not openly on display,” she  says.

“Many of the homeless find shelter in hidden corners of the towns and villages  or live in the Wombat State Forest.  

“Homelessness can affect anyone at any time. People suffer illnesses, loss of  employment, marital breakups or the need to escape domestic violence. All these  factors can mean loss of home and employment.  

“Backpack Bed for Homeless can’t keep pace with the demand. They supply a  backpack bed every two hours, but, in fact, need to supply one every 11 minutes.  

“Child & Family Services office in Daylesford is the access point or first point of  contact for people at risk of or suffering homelessness. In the past 12 months Cafs  has provided assistance to 111 individuals, families or couples in the Hepburn Shire,  providing tents, swags and backpack beds.”

_{Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Supplied}

GLENLYON artist Pam Gleeson brings her background discipline as a professional photographer to her creation of imposing landscapes that reflect her deep love of the land and its stories. Pam is no slouch
when it comes to observing detail. She’s previously worked as a medical scientist. Here, she chats to The Local journalist Eve Lamb about her art.

Eve: How do you prefer to describe your artistic style?
Pam: I would describe my style as a combination of realism and impressionism,
though at this stage I am still in the process of exploring other styles including more
stylistic representations of nature and abstraction.
Eve: How did you come to art?
Pam: I have always had an interest in art from a very young age and have pursued
some form of artistic expression over the years. I studied art at matriculation level
and later completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania. My focus
at that stage was photography which I chose to follow professionally for the next
two decades. It is only recently that I have returned to painting as an art form and
my practice of photography has informed my painting on many levels, from the
importance of light and how it can totally change the mood of a painting, choice of
subject matter, colour, composition and perspective.
Eve: Which artists – current or historic – have influenced your own work?
Pam: I have mainly been influenced so far by the works of the Heidelberg School,
namely, McCubbin, Roberts and Streeton who all captured the quintessential essence
of the Australian bush. I currently use oils and pastels.
Eve: What is/are your subject matter of choice? Why so?
Pam: My subject matter has mainly been landscapes, often including partially
derelict sheds and houses and also seascapes. This reflects my love of the Australian
landscape which has been informed by travels around Australia and is an extension of
my landscape photography. I am keen to explore more stylistic representations of the
natural and man-made worlds.
Eve: Do you work in any other area besides your arts practice?
Pam: I spent much of my life working as a medical scientist in the fields of
forensic biology, pathology and research, though art was always there for me, albeit
often in the background.
Eve: What are you working on at the moment in your current arts practice?
Pam: I am keen to start on several series, whether using oils or pastels. These
series will involve exploring a particular element that will dominate the artwork, for
example birds in flight or stormy skies. The possibilities are endless.
Eve: To date, what have been your career highlights as an artist?
Pam: Since I have only recently returned to painting, the highlights have been
exhibitions as a photographer, the high point being a major fundraising event
that I held in Tasmania where auctioned art photography of my own and other
photographers’ works raised thousands of dollars for World Vision and Rotary’s fund
following the 2004 tsunami in South East Asia.
Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or special arts events coming up?
Pam: Not at present, but I am part of the Daylesford Regional Arts Co-operative
and we will be having regular group exhibitions.
Eve: What are the challenges and rewards for artists today?
Pam: The main challenges are finding a suitable place to exhibit works and
attracting people who will truly appreciate your work. The main rewards are fulfilling
the need to be creative and having others truly see the value in your work.