WOODY PEAR

BIOGRAPHY            

Born:
Wongan Hills, Western Australia

What I Do
I create artworks using the mediums of drawing, etching, reduction lino cuts and painting.
I am excited by the constant diversity of the landscape.
I study Australian flora, collect botanical specimens for the WA Herbarium and photograph Australian flora.
I teach people to use printmaking as a creative medium to explore visual ideas.
I want to create more understanding of the necessity to conserve our unique environment.
My current and ongoing works are hand-coloured etchings and reduction lino prints exploring the flora of Australia. Other works include those inspired by cruising  around Australia for two years on a  yacht.


Studies (way back when)
1985-1987    
Diploma of Printmaking, Perth Technical College, Western Australia

1974-1984     
Studies in ceramics and general art studies in Geraldton TAFE, Midland College of TAFE and Perth Technical College, WA

Some Art Experiences
2008             
Currently developing an area in our historic cottage in Greenough, WA in which to run art workshops in drawing, painting and printmaking

2000 -2007    
Part time studio manager for WA artist, Leon Pericles
Multi-skilled duties: painting and completion of editioned prints, studio sales, liaison with galleries, staff supervision, organisation of studio records, exhibition organisation, internet research, gallery management, print design, framing sales, packaging and anything else necessary at the time


1998 -2000    
Fulfilled a lifelong ambition to cruise by yacht around Australia from Hobart to Fremantle. I want to go again!

1996 -1997    
Relocated to Hobart, Tasmania. Re-established Waterpress Print Workshop in Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart. Worked with unemployed youth creating a mural, painted a union banner and was inspired by the wonderful Battery Point architecture and exciting Tasmanian landscape

1995 -1996     
Created Waterpress Print Workshop, an access studio and art retail outlet, A Shed, Victoria Quay, Fremantle.

1995              
Course Coordinator and Lecturer, Visual Art Management, Western Australian School of Art, Design and Media, Central TAFE, Perth


1989 -1994      
Lecturer - Foundation Studies, Fine Art and Visual Art Management, Western Australian School of Art, Design and Media, Central TAFE

1987 -1990      
Studio Assistant to Leon Pericles, Western Australian Artist

19
87 - 1989     
With business partner, Gary Tait, created and ran the Bridge Gallery in Northbridge, WA

'Miscellanea Botanica', a 16 plate, hand coloured etching, was selected as a finalist in the 2004 Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize which is held annually at the Museum of South Australia

'Rose of the West II', a reduction linocut, was purchased by Alcoa World Alumina as the centrepiece for the 7th International Alumina Quality Workshop in 2005 in Perth, Western Australia

'B. Coccinea', a reduction linocut, was awarded the Kalgoorlie Art Prize in
2006

'Dryland Mallee', a hand coloured etching, was awarded second prize at the Endangered Species exhibition at Mullalyup Gallery, 2008

Throughout my career I have maintained active community involvement among printmakers and as a community artist, having more recently conducted a number of printmaking workshops at Mullalyup Gallery in WA.

I have gallery outlets in Queensland, Northern Territory, Victoria and Western Australia and I take part in many community exhibitions throughout the year.
 
My most recent solo exhibition was at Mullalyup Gallery, WA in June 2007 with the next planned for 2009 at Kingfisher Gallery, West Perth.


Website updated July 2008             © Helen Clarke
Helen working in the studio
Exhibition at Moores Building, Fremantle, 2007