Robert Peart Finding the Potential
Charisse Edwards
Phone: 1300 007 662
The Surat on Balonne Gallery, Cobb & Co Changing Station will soon welcome back wood working artist Robert Peart with his exhibition Finding the Potential.
Robert first appeared in the Gallery in 2001 and amazed visitors with his ability to create a striking and functional piece from timber. His sometimes-intricate work fascinated many and now eight years on, the Gallery has been fortunate enough to secure a second offering from this well-known Regional artist.
Robert's interest in wood started as a young boy, winning woodworking awards at school, but the hobby didn't really develop until he came to Queensland. Drawing a Brigalow block with his wife, Nytha, in the Arcadia Valley, in 1963, he became aware of a very rare hardwood tree known as "Ooline". He has used the timber throughout their home in furniture and feature pieces.
Ooline is predominant in Robert's work and with no limit to his imagination he strives to highlight the beauty of the somewhat ‘difficult’ wood. Never one to back down from a challenge, Robert says, “these problems can be largely overcome with power tools but still the wood does not give of its beautiful grain and colour without a considerable amount of elbow grease. Ooline with all its difficulties is still rewarding.”
Robert has attended two schools with renowned carver Don Pownell, a number of Bruce Bell's woodturning schools and in 1996 attended the McGregor Summer School under the tuition of Robert Dunlop who was most inspirational and encouraging.
Robert has exhibited work in a number of galleries in Toowoomba, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. In 1999 he was guest artist in wood at Roma's Easter Art Show.
This exhibition of extraordinary work opens on 31st October and runs until 29th November 2009. For further particulars please contact the Gallery on 4626 5136.
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