GEMMA BLACK : ARTIST / CALLIGRAPHER

Last week taught a Medieval Bestiary workshop for my local society here in Tasmania and here is a beautiful photograph of the group.  Thanks to Jane Stanton for the photograph and to Robyn Coleman for sending it through. Once all my camera shots are uploaded, I'll share. Now, let's see if I get everyone's names right: Lyndell, Mark, Robyn, Jane, Anne, Margaret, Kristine, Jo, Gail, Gem, Elsa, Julia & Ailsa. Jacqueline had left the premises!

how wretched is the world how horrible people are why would we want to live here any more … why would we want to exist at all are there no words, thoughts, actions or deeds that will make a difference is it greater than one person to solve such anxiousness to instil ideas of … dare I say it peace, justice, fairness, they feel like flimsy words that once meant considerably more imagine our universe full of respect education love & compassion care & understanding be silent listen now listen to your landscape and you will find your voice the message is simple it all starts here at home “tuppence worth” , a poem, gemma black

It was a wonderful evening last night mixing with our art friends at Rachel Bremner's exhibition opening. I have been asked to publish my opening speech so I thought this would be the best place for it so you can read if interested. I gave my speech a lot of thought, knowing Rachel as I do, knowing how she works and the passion and love she has for her work and her life. I tried to capture a few elements of what it's like to work as a solitary artist as both Rachel and I enjoy our very special time alone in our respective studios.  Obviously in my talk I ad-libbed a lot as is my want to make the talk interesting and a bit of fun as well.  Enjoy these images and enjoy the read it's, not that long, thank you!   Chipping away at the smalti.  Rachel at work. Tools of the trade. With Rachel at the opening. Last night! Hello and welcome to the gathering! As an intro to the exhibition I would like to...