Two metropolitan artists are making their mark on Mallee farms as part of the 2014 Twig Project artist residencies.
Through the Twig Project, artists are chosen to live on farm with local families, create new work and run workshops in the area.
On the final day of their residency, the artist and families jointly host a twig, or small campfire, to show off the artworks created.
Visual artist Carrie McGrath recently finished a 10-day residency with Peter and Joanne Mullan and their family at Lalbert.
Ms Mullan said it had been a great experience to learn about the differences between city and rural living, and to see the creative process in action.
“Carrie lives in Burke Street above a building and we’re fairly isolated here, so for her and for us it’s been an interesting experience; you can’t get much different in terms of upbringings and surroundings.
“It’s also been interesting watching the process of her work.
“She’s taken lots of photos and gathered information in the new setting, followed by time to mull it over, and then the actual artwork begins.”
Friends and neighbours of the Mullan family joined Carrie on Friday night for their ‘twig’, a culmination of the residency and Carrie’s work.
Street artist Fred Fowler has also finished his 10-day residency tomorrow, after spending time with Michael and Felicia Chalmers and their family at farms in Ultima and Noorong.
“It’s been great showing Fred the diversity of our area, from Lake Tyrell and the Mallee, through to the irrigation areas in southern New South Wales,” said Felicia Chalmers.
“Seeing our area through the eyes of a visitor has also reminded us of the unimpeded sunset views, the river access and the peace and quiet of being on a farm– things we can sometimes take for granted.”
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, Regional Arts Victoria and the Victorian College of the Arts have partnered to deliver the residencies.
The Twig Project was first developed in Swan Hill in 2012.
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery Director Ian Tully said the most recent project meant that 11 artist residencies had been held on farms throughout
the district.
“The interest in farming and rural residencies has grown rapidly in this region since the innovative Twig residencies were developed.
“It is tremendously exciting to consider in this region alone there will have been 11 different farming families working with contemporary artists over a period of three years.”
