Just recently I exhibited in a local art society show that was new for me. Blackheath Arts Society is in the upper Blue Mountains, about 45Min. drive from my home in the lower B.Mts. It was a lovely experience with friendly encouraging organisers, a beautiful exhibition space and cheerful opening event. What made is extra special was to be recognised in these ways:
“Jennifer Gardiner ‘Lyrical Afternoon’ wins both the People’s Choice award AND the Curators Choice honourable mention”
This painting was a finalist in the Blackstone Paper prize in Newcastle in 2022, and hadn’t been exhibited elsewhere since, so it was a special honour to have it on show once more. Sometimes I look back at work I have done, and am unsure I would create it the same way, however, with “Lyrical Afternoon” it stills sits well with me. Thank you to all those who voted it as a people’s choice, I am humbled by the honour.
On a personal note; when it was on show in Newcastle, we also had our daughter Beth with us at the opening. Beth was undergoing treatment for cancer at that time, and died 9 months later. So it held a special memory for us as well.
