forestbathing saintcloche cat 1 · by the concept of shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing’ applying...
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6 - 17 MARCH 2019
MELINDA MARSHMAN
FOREST BATHING
Melinda Marshman is an artist currently living and working in Sydney, recognized for her spare and reductive style, whose painting practice reflects her unique way of seeing things. Following on from her successful 2018 exhibition at Saint Cloche ‘ROAD TRIP’, this new body of work is inspired by the concept of Shinrin-Yoku, or ‘Forest Bathing’ applying the concept to the Australian Bush.
Quoting naturalist John Muir, “Between every two pine trees is a doorway leading to another life,” Melinda illuminates the philosophy behind the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or ‘Forest Bathing’. Exploring the idea that humans have grown increasingly separated from the natural world that sustains us, the disconnection from nature alienates us from ourselves. Our life force is sustained by nature; subtle energies are embodied in the vivid sensory and meditative experience and feelings derived from being in nature. In her spare and reductive style, Melinda takes the studies made en plein air and reference photographs, and concentrates on feelings – leaving only what is needed to invoke an emotive memory, such as the flicker through the bush of the last blush of sunset.
FOREST BATHING
“I wanted to invoke the sensation of forest bathing applied to the local landscape.
Making studies for this painting en plein air became a mindful practice and revealed layers, colours and beauty not previously seen. It was medicine received, looking and
listening with imagination.
These works are landscapes of the imagination but inspired by the light and geometry of the landscape - be it
Australia or the collective. I am seeking a universal language that speaks of the Australian Landscape.”
In 2014 Melinda graduated from the National Art School with Honours. Melinda has been the recipient of numerous awards and residencies, including the NG Creative Residency, Provence (2018), The Storrier Onslow National Art School Paris Studio Residency, Cite Internationale Des Artes (2015), The Ravenswood Womans Art Prize (2018 and 2017), The Chippendale World Art Prize (2017), The Doug Moran National Portrait Prize, semi-finalist (2014), The Robin Gibson Gallery New Talent Award (2013) and The Mosman Art Prize (2011).
Her work is held in private collections and the National Art School collection.
MELINDA MARSHMAN
A Tree View Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 107 x 84 cm $2,590
Sunset Jazz Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 107 x 84 cm $2,590
The Magic Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 84 x 107 cm $2,590
Gum Forest Walk Oil on Canvas Tasmanian Oak Frame 81 x 97 cm $2,200
Forest Bathing Oil on Canvas Tasmanian Oak Frame 66 x 87 cm $1,860
Gum Line Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 66 x 56.5 cm $1,290
Nocturne, Forest Bathing Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 56.5 x 66 cm $1,290
The Clearing Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 66 x 56.5 cm $1,290
Night Fall Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 66 x 56.5 cm $1,290
Natural Order Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 66 x 56.5 cm $1,290
Last Light, Pink Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 52 x 41 cm $890
Foreshadows Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 52 x 41 cm $890
Shadow Dance Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 52 x 41 cm $890
Gum Forest Oil on Panel Tasmanian Oak Frame 40.5 x 30.5 cm $840
The Gathering Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 41 x 51 cm $890
Morning Mirage Oil on Polyester Tasmanian Oak Frame 41 x 51 cm $890
The Orbs Oil on Composite Board Tasmanian Oak Frame 41 x 33 cm $860
Orange Canopy Oil on Composite Board Tasmanian Oak Frame 41 x 33 cm $860