Local artist Natalie Bateman is getting a name for herself as a successful Australian talent and she is keen to pass on her skills to others.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Coinciding with the launch of an exhibition at the Bermagui Community Centre, Ms Bateman will host two events at the Bermagui Library talking about her work and running an art workshop.
As a Yuin woman, Ms Bateman grew up belonging to one of the largest Aboriginal families on the South Coast. She understands the nature of traditional coastal living and how life revolves around the ocean, hunting and gathering seafood.
Ms Bateman said that her family’s cultural ways, as well as a coastal lifestyle are the greatest influences on her paintings.
“All that beauty gets put into my paintings as some sort of story,” Ms Bateman said.
Ms Bateman lives at Dalmeny with her three children and is also a member of the traditional dance group, Djaadjawan Dancers.
She has been a finalist four times in the Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize (2009, 2010, 2014, 2015) and has had artwork commissioned by the Canberra Region Cancer Centre, AusAID and the Australian Rugby Union.
The Library’s Programs and Partnerships Officer, Scott Baker said people are in for a real treat.
“The way she blends her cultural, environmental and family sensitivities into her artwork is unique and beautiful and we are thrilled to welcome an artist like Natalie Bateman to Bermagui Library,” Mr Baker said.
On Friday, July 8, Ms Bateman will discuss her art about Country, revealing her inspiration and how she perceives the images she paints. The presentation will include photos from Ms Bateman’s personal life to help demonstrate the connection it has to her art.
This free talk is suitable for a general audience, and runs from 1pm to 2pm.
An art workshop on Saturday, July 9 is targeted at adults and limited to eight participants, so people are urged to book early to secure a spot.
Workshop participants will be guided through a discovery of their own connections to the environment through paint and the use of colour.
The exhibition of Ms Bateman’s artwork will run for three weeks from July 8 in the Bermagui Community Centre.
The talk and workshop are funded through a grant from the Mumbulla Foundation via Sculpture on the Edge.
Bookings for both events can be made online through the Library’s Eventbrite page at www.begavalleyshirelibrary.eventbrite.com.au or phone Bermagui Library on 6499 2411.