The gift that keeps on giving...."The Cats Domain" donated to Woollahra Council June 2015

In 2014, I was fortunate enough to be one of the recipients an Artist in Residence provided by Woollahra Council. This was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to fulfil a fabulous and rewarding community project " Project 12" along with the use a space to create my own work. I was so inspired and appreciative of this wonderful opportunity that I decided to donate a work from my own private collection to Woollahra Council in 2015. The work titled "The Cats Domain" was inspired by my time living in George St, Paddington with my cornish rex/burmese cat "Ming". This image is evocative of the hidden laneways and terraces in the area. Although I can paint naturalistically, I opted for a naive simplicity, with texture and reflection created by using impasto and silver leaf in an attempt to create the atmosphere of the intercity neighbourhood after rain. I wanted the viewer to know this scene, to hear the rattle of garbage bins, the cats meow and dogs bark, kids laughter and nearby traffic, the buzz of rain on the electricity lines. This is the cats domain and was the secret lane of my creative inspiration from 2006 to 2013. I feel that of all the artworks in my private collection this would be the most reflective and meaningful contribution I could make to the community and future generations via my donations to Woollahra Council.

"The Cats Domain" 2007 by Rebeccah Dent 122 x 96cm Acrylic, charcoal and mixed media on Belgian linen.

Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize 2014

“It is the role of the artist to communicate in ways that travel beyond the constructs of written language and the rules of conventional engagement. If humanity cannot fathom a way to communicate the importance of protecting our world for future generations it is up to artists to use some deeper way of resonating the importance our responsibility to look after each other and the natural environment that ultimately sustains us…. ” Rebeccah Dent 2014

The work I have submitted for the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize is a direct comment on climatic changes taking place in the Arctic and the immediate implications this has for wildlife and ultimately the planet. The work is constructed from plaster and reclaimed wood through a process of hand carving, sanding and casting.

The hand carved plaster bear was influenced by the art of the Inuit peoples of Alaska who depicted The Great Bear in their sculpture and art acknowledged as a talisman for hunting, protection and magic.  Often carved from stone or bone I have chosen to depict the bear in plaster to represent their current state of fragility.

 The Arctic is currently contracting (shrinking) at a rate of 9 per cent each decade as a direct result of global climate change/warming, which is a threat to the very survival of the Arctic native peoples and wildlife who’s coastlines are being swamped.

 The Arctic is estimated to hold the world’s largest resources of untapped oil and gas reserves. These reserves are currently being explored at great risk to the biologically productive shallows they harbor. The risk of oil spill, blow outs, leaks or shipping accidents will have serious irreversible implications for wildlife and our world as we know it.

I have applied my creative skills and expertise to create a visual message that I hope hits at the heart of those concerned with the possible and immanent danger to a part of the world that should remain a refuge and heritage park for all future generations to study and enjoy. This work is also designed to appeal to children who are after all the future decision makers.

A percentage of the sale of this work will be donated to the World Wildlife Foundation.

The making of Bubbles, a portrait.

This is the story behind the production of my latest project. Happy client = happy artist.

Prevention Magazine Shoot 04/04/2014

Was a fun morning getting dolled up for a shoot at Eugenie Peppers beautiful home in Randwick. All part of a story for Prevention magazine out May 1st. The crew were lovely! Thanks everyone.

Portraiture....not just a pretty face?

Portraiture is hard! Drawing or painting a representation of an individual isn't as simple as you might think. Even to a seasoned artist, trying to capture the essence of someone goes beyond simply making a mark in the right place. It requires chemistry and confidence. As a contemporary artist I struggled with the notion of doing commission portraiture. I have changed my perspective and now afford myself and the art of making portraits much more respect. 

Here are some examples of my portraits, drawn and painted on antique cotton rag paper, cedar panels or belgian linen stretched or linen boards. The drawings are around A4 size and start at $500, the large paintings are charcoal and acrylic on Belgian linen and start at $3000. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested.