Paintings in watercolour and gouache, graphite works and prints
by Katherine Cooper, member of the Society of Animal Artists USA and the Wildlife Art Society of Australasia, and SAC Resident Artist.
“I’ve got everything I need: a nice piece of land with hawks and owls and incredible sunsets, and the good will of my neighbours”
– Burt Shavitz (Burt’s Bees)
Although this comment was made many years ago, Burt Shavitz’s words resonate today more loudly than ever.
Despite our daily interaction with, and our affection for things, we take them for granted without considering their complexity, their worth and I often find myself deliberating about ‘what we need’ versus society’s persistent pursuit of ‘what we want’.
I grew up on Islands, surrounded by wild seas, abundant subject matter, and the complete freedom to explore, learn and appreciate these natural places. I treasure those times but, in hindsight, I did perhaps take these special places/the inhabitants for granted and assumed that they would always be ‘there’.
I now live in a time of change, where many of Tasmania’s endemic species are listed under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Act 1995 including the magnificent Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax fleayi) and Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops)
There is still great beauty all about us, sometimes found in the most uncomplicated places. My work is dedicated to inspiring others to look, then look again; to explore; to appreciate their surroundings; to acknowledge; to slow down and most importantly, to reconnect.
– Katherine Cooper
“Eagles come in all shapes and sizes, but you will recognize them chiefly by their attitudes”
– E. F. Schumacher
EXHIBITION DATES:
Tuesday 14 December 2021 – Wednesday 26 January 2022
DAILY OPENING HOURS*:
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturdays 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sundays 10:30pm – 3:00pm
*CLOSED Christmas Day : Saturday 25 December 2021*
Image Credits:
Katherine Cooper. The Wait. Female Tasmanian Masked Owls (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops) (2021). Watercolour and gouache on 640 gsm hot press rag paper. 100 cms x 120 cms. Photo reference with thanks to Dr Mehrdad Abbasian.
Katherine Cooper. Peregrine Falcon Study (Falco peregrinus) (2021). Graphite on 640 gsm hot press rag paper. 110 cms x 95 cms Reference photos courtesy of Luke O’Brien.
Katherine Cooper. Southern Boobook Owl Study – (Ninox novaeseelandiae). Graphite on 640 gsm hot press rag paper. 80m cms x 70 cms.