Are you a bit perplexed when a building disappears?
I am! And sometimes I find it hard to recall the form of the building that was demolished or removed from its site. Eeek! I may have passed it dozens of times over the years. Then suddenly it isn't there and I think "Why can't I remember?". I also feel a tad guilty for not admiring what's around me quite enough.
This realisation has prompted me, since 2015, to record places that I admire: including old garages, corners stores and homes.
Garage Glamour
Sexton St, Tarragindi
Soft Pastel on Archival Card. Framed under glass.
44cm wide x 54cm high
Was $320
Now $180
As land becomes more precious and the need to build up and out becomes more urgent we see the little places disappear. Yes I could be described as a ridiculous romantic. But those places were a part of our fabric.
Like Garage Glamour in Tarragindi. A pair of house entry doors graced its front. I wonder where they came from? The garage had that classic 1940's steep roof pitch typical of the suburb. It was a classic! I captured it in an energetic style in soft pastel on archival card. Then a year later it was gone.
And poor old Yeronga Slice. A painting whose title was partly a nod to the famous local bakery not too far away, but more importantly to the fact that the 100 year old Queenslander home was being cut down the middle to be taken away. It was being removed from its large corner block to make way for 3 story townhouses. I rocked up to take reference photos as one half was already mounted onto the semi truck to be freighted away; the other half on blocks looking rather forlorn. The side verandahs were already removed to the left and right. It's a sight we see quite often in this part of the world. Recycling at its finest perhaps? But also a stirring up of the suburbs character.
Yeronga Slice
School Road Yeronga
Soft Pastel on Archival Card. Framed under glass.
44cm wide x 54cm high
Was $320
Now $180
For years I dreamt of converting the former City View General Store into an art gallery and studio. With its stunning Art Deco facade it reminded me of Napier - a New Zealand city where I spent part of my youth.
The building's awning which stretched from the building's facade to the curb had been removed years earlier after a truck ran into it. Looking vulnerable and unloved, it was finally SOLD after being boarded up for some time. I captured this moment before what was to come next???
City View Sold
Soft Pastel on Archival Card. Framed under glass
60cm wide x 74cm high
Was $450
Now $220
I am now offering these paintings for sale at reduced prices. Sadly they must leave my stable as I have downsized and no longer have space to admire them on my walls.
Purchase/pick up is direct from my studio 15 to 20 min east of Brisbane City.
Please contact me to discuss.