Artist Statement

Tom Roberts is one of Australia’s most important artists. His profile portraits have always been an inspiration to me and this body of work is a response, and an homage, to his achievements.

The criteria for these profile portraits is that they represent people who contribute to the Arts in some way – visual artists, writers, editors, gallery directors, art teachers, curators, collectors, film makers, photographers, weavers, framers, art supply shop managers, life models and musicians are some examples, since the functioning of the art world relies on such diversity of people and what they do.

This project began with the idea that each person would sit for a drawing that might last between 4-5 hours, and sometimes it would take two sittings if the hands were included. Some were drawn in pencil, others in charcoal, pastel and/or coloured conte, but over time the project expanded to include paintings.

The style of the drawings is influenced by the work of David Hockney, Hans Holbein and by the red chalk drawings of Renaissance artists.

Shane Jones
The Arts in Profile
The Long Gallery
19th May - 12th June 2022

OPENING
Sunday 29th May 2022
2:00pm - 4:00pm
The Long Gallery
Drinks and nibbles provided
Entry is Free, but Booking Required