Lucy Culliton: Weeds of the Monaro and Others

Overview

Think floral art and the likes of Martha Stewart, Preston Bailey and your aunty who did that flower arranging course might pop into your head. Think refined, disciplined, unique, and delicate floral art, and only one name should come to mind: Lucy Culliton. She’s won the Portia Geach, Mosman and Kedumba drawing prices and is part of the National Gallery of Australia, Australian Parliament House and the Gold Coast Art Centre collections. In 2012, her exhibition Bibbeluke Flowers was a sell-out, and her newest, Weeds of the Monaro and Others, is likely to receive the same reception.

The paintings of Culliton stem from an artistic contentment she’s found in her home and garden, and her collections of work reflect everything from it’s blooming beauties to its pests. It was through constant weeding, that Lucy discovered the wonder, intricacy and inherent beauty of the flowers, shrubs and weeds she was pulling out. While paterson’s curse, dandelions, deadly nightshade and thistles were a pest, and had no place next to the petunias, Lucy found a happy home for them in striped milk jugs, chinese vases and jars, they became obvious subject to paint.

The Hold Artspace will be hosting Weeds of Monaro and Others for three days only from August 20.