Hi everyone,
I have had a wonderful time hosting this challenge - not only because of the wonderful entries but also because Jane Bennett - the artist I chose for my challenge - has been a part of the journey.
I was very chuffed when Jane saw an image I posted to get people involved in the challenge and commented "I have actually painted on this exact spot several times & had to look carefully to make sure that it really wasn't one of my paintings lol!"
Jane also messaged me saying "I appreciate all the interest shown in my work by all of the entrants. Also it has been interesting to see how many people who participated were not just from Sydney or even the outlying regional areas, but even from overseas. It seems that the themes of loss, transience & memory as well as the combination of the strange beauty of decaying industrial areas mixed with regret for the damage caused to the natural environment, are universal."
So well done everyone!
I asked Jane if she would like to choose the finalists and she happily agreed - so in no particular order - with a comment from Jane - the finalists are......
1 "Industry along the Lakefront"
The texture of the frozen lake perfectly matches the smoke from the dying industry in a poignant record of the end of an era.
2 "Redundant"
Elegaic mood & witty use of barbed wire & a spiders web as a framing device.
3 "Train"
These look like stills from an unknown yet classic film (part "Breaking Bad" , part "Paris Texas" ?) & every time I look at them I want to know more about the unknown man & his strange journey.
4 "Scar in the Landscape"
Lush painterly landscape looks like a Constable painting....until you see the scar on the hill & realise the damage that has been inflicted.
5 "Waterwheel"
Deceptively simple yet strong & dramatic composition. Warm glowing light. Also I can feel how well Hope knows & loves this area, as she has looked so carefully and closely at fragments that would often be passed over.
@janebennet@annied thanks to both of you for a great challenge subject! Jane your work is amazing. Even though we are half a world apart my town looks very similar to your paintings as we have beautiful old architecture and heavily rely on industry, industry which is changing rapidly in the era of robotics! I appreciate you choosing my photo as a finalist. I am very humbled. thanks. I have a couple of favorites but if I have to choose only one my vote goes to 1. thanks again
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
@taffy
@kali66
@jackies365
@overalvandaan
@mzzhope
and a big thank you to @janebennett
Great choice of artist Annie @annied and lovely to have Jane's participation @janebennett
1
My vote goes to 4
2
My vote goes to 1
Thank you Jane for your contributions, sharing your insight and art!