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Current exhibition

Thick skin: Cheryl Nolan and Kylie Nichols

Welcome back to artist Cheryl Nolan, who joins sculptor Kylie Nichols to create our October exhibition, Thick Skin.

Cheryl Nolan’s Pumpkin (oil on canvas) and Kylie Nichol’s 500 seeds (fine white porcelain)

Thick Skin is about our outer shells – those we build around us to protect ourselves from the elements.

Kylie and Cheryl explore the qualities of resilience using fruit and vegetables as a figurative reference.

Like people, fruit and vegetables have an outer skin that gives no indication of what’s inside. They’re versatile and resilient and have adapted to suit the times and/or situation.

Kylie has chosen to represent the humble pumpkin – one of Nature’s more resilient fruits. It has become a symbol of prosperity, growth and abundance, with its tough outer shell to protect it from its environment.

In her works, made of fine white porcelain, Kylie explores and celebrates the pumpkin’s geometric forms that reflect strong sculptural lines.

Cheryl too, has a focus on shape and line, exploring the patterns and qualities of fruit and vegetables as they are stacked and displayed in boxes. These are those expressed in beautiful embossed prints and yet others in oils on canvas. And yes, there are humans too, in their boxes, in the almost voyeuristic painting, Survival.

Reminiscent of Central Market produce displays, Flower garden: Nature’s chemist

Both artists have enjoyed representing the subtle relationships between shape, line and form.

Thick skin is a robust celebration of the versatility of the fruit and vegetable kingdom and of the ability of all organisms to grow and change in order to endure.

Thick skin is on show at Mrs Harris’ Shop until Sunday 25 October. The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am – 3pm, or by appointment. 

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Past Exhibitions

Encounters

Regular followers of Mrs Harris’ Shop will be aware that each year, we hold an exhibition that features regional South Australian artists.

Encounters features five terrific artists from the Hills and Fleurieu region. The fact that the region is not so far from Adelaide means that, with a short journey, you have extra opportunities to see and enjoy their work.

Rita Hall is well known to many people for her wonderful prints, as well as her painting.

In Encounters, we are able enjoy her bold collograph and watercolour unique state prints.  

If you’re a ‘shoe person’ (well, I was, some time ago!), then Rita will have you wishing you were young enough to wear such extravagances again! She tells me that she actually owned (and wore) all of them at some time!

Rita lives and works in Hahndorf, where you can visit her studio.

There are framed and un-framed versions of Rita’s shoes available.

Monika Morgenstern lives in Strathalbyn. She tantalises us with her glimpses of mystical. Her magical works of colour rely on light and space, and you, the viewer, with your perceptions. ‘Meditative’ comes to mind . . .

These beautiful digital pieces have evolved over time and are the result of many hours of work.

Porta . . . take a peek through the window and explore where it leads.

Peter McLachlan’s works are inspired by a love of and respect for the outdoors, capturing the spirit of place with an emphasis on felt space, storytelling, isolation and wonderment. 

Peter lives in beautiful Port Elliot, where his studio is a treasure trove of works in progress.

Riana Reserve (Tasmania) – it’s hard to choose which piece to show you – they’re all very different!

Catherine Hewitt lives in Aldgate and she recently spent some time on an artist residency in Curtin Springs.  

Her beautiful lamps transport the viewer right to the outback via their wonderful colours – the blue of the outback sky and red of the soil – and textures. The paper of the shades is hand-made recycled cotton rag paper, with some made from native grass.

Follow the tracks on this beautiful lamp by Catherine Hewitt.

Jorji Gardener lives in Bridgewater. She has long drawn on her botanical and horticultural background to create her prints, and to highlight our connection with nature.  It is her intent to facilitate understanding and appreciation of the beauty and importance of our native flora and fauna.

These pieces stem from time spent at one with the environs of the Pangarinda Botanic Gardens at Wellington.

Rose Mallee whispers, Jorji Gardener

The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am – 3pm, or by appointment. 

I’d thoroughly recommend a visit in person. There’s nothing quite like seeing the real thing!

Categories
Current exhibition

Contemplation . . . blue: Ian Corbett

It feels so good to welcome you back to Mrs Harris’ Shop after our enforced break. And, this exhibition feels like the best possible way to do that!

Moroccan blue

Ian Corbett’s work always proves to be a treat, and his new exhibition Contemplation . . . blue is no exception. 

Blue ginger jar

This time, he has taken many of his treasures – collected as gifts, mementos of his travels, from family, or his explorations in antique shops – and has created a delightful collection of things blue.

Blue ginger jar (76 x 91 cm)

Each one gives him cause for reflection and joy. They range from tiny A4 sized pieces, to larger-than-life works, rich in colour and detail.

Ian always manages to create a veritable feast of colour and light in his works. Focusing on blue has him exploring myriad subtleties and patterns as they appear on glass or porcelain, sometimes on their own, at others, playing with the starkness of white. Then, every now and then, he slips in the perfect contrast to keep us engaged.

As a bonus, Contemplation . . . blue will be on show throughout August as well, as part of the SALA program.

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Uncategorized

Barbara Hanrahan’s Weird Adelaide

Weird Adelaide: A Tribute to Barbara Hanrahan

What we want now in Adelaide are writers and artists who work from the heart of those commonplace suburban streets, who recognise the weirdness of the ordinary, who record it before the version of it we have now is swept away. We want passion and intensity, an art that comes from places like Port Adelaide and Thebarton and Holden Hill; that stays unofficially weird.

Barbara Hanrahan 

‘Weird Adelaide’, The Adelaide Review, March 1988

Adelaide, courtesy Sally Heinrich

Weird Adelaide is a collaborative project developed by writer, Tracy Crisp and printmakers, Simone Tippett and Vicki Reynolds. Originally planned for May 2020 as part of the History Festival, the project, along with the festival, has been postponed until 2021 when the COVID-19 crisis has passed. 

Sally Heinrich’s tribute to Barbara Hanrahan’s ‘Weird Adelaide’

Obviously, we’re disappointed that we can’t share what would have been an exciting exhibition with you. So instead, we decided on a taste and a ‘mini’ exhibition to whet your appetite for May 2021.

Thanks to Tracy’s fabulous writing (and book collection) and Sally Heinrich’s wonderful printmaking, the windows of Mrs Harris’ Shop takes you on a short journey inspired by Barbara Hanrahan’s Weird Adelaide.

Precious collection . . .

Thanks too, go to the City of West Torrens, and the ever-accommodating Katharine Annear, Community Development Officer, for the loan of books (from her personal collection) and Autumn, from Council’s collection of Barbara Hanrahan memorabilia. 

Match the book to the special print in the window.

Weird Adelaide explores the interaction between Barbara’s printed and written worlds, taking her Adelaide Review article as a starting point. While there are have been several exhibitions of Barbara Hanrahan’s work, much of her written work is now out-of-print and copies of her novels are increasingly difficult to find, even second-hand. Through this project we hope to highlight the rich work of one of Adelaide’s unique writers and her enduring influence on Adelaide’s artists.

Call by the gallery to enjoy Sally’s prints and Tracy’s written pieces, which will be changed on a regular basis for your reading pleasure. You’ll be sure to recognise many aspects of Weird Adelaide, and will no doubt be able to think of a few of your own!

Words: Tracy Crisp

Design: Caren Florance

Pink Shorts and Adelaide: Sally Heinrich

Autumn: Barbara Hanrahan, courtesy City of West Torrens

Books provided courtesy Tracy Crisp, Katharine Annear and Sally Heinrich

Categories
Past Exhibitions

My story always starts with you . . . Donna Gordge

As you are no doubt aware, Mrs Harris’ Shop, like all other galleries, is closed until it is deemed safe to re-open.

Self portrait with leafy constraint

Because we know that art is essential to our well-being, and we want to support artists, we will do our best to bring exhibitions to you in the meantime.

The works will be shown on instagram, facebook and www.mrsharrisshop.com.au, and personalised tours of the works will be conducted via Zoom. Appointments for individual viewing are also available.

Our April exhibition, My story always starts with you, collage by artist Donna Gordge, will hang in the gallery as planned. 

Self portrait with imagined memories

Viewing is also possible through the windows of the gallery and the window display will change regularly for you to better see all the works.

My story always starts with you was born in the tragic world of domestic abuse. 

Every compliment I wouldn’t accept, Every choice I couldn’t make, Every breeze I wished was cooler, Every cloud I wished was whiter.

Donna Gordge is a beautiful person, a strong, creative woman and a survivor of domestic abuse. Through this exhibition, she is sending messages of awareness, resilience and hope. Don’t take for granted, that calm and peaceful façade you see, behind it might well lurk the horrors of isolation and control.

Every decision I paused to make, Every dream I should have followed, Every bridge I should have crossed, Every drop I ever wasted

In these current times of imposed but essential isolation of a different kind, perhaps we can begin to appreciate the hidden dangers and triggers for the silent agony for thousands of Australian families.

Every fear I ever faced, Every lie I ever told, Every idea I kept to myself, Every feeling I held too tight

Despite its roots, this exhibition’s gentle presence guides and encourages our awareness and appreciation of this ‘other pandemic’.

Every minute I took for myself, Every memory I didn’t trust, Every mile I walked alone, Every meal I ever burnt

There are over thirty works in the exhibition, and all but two are collages on watercolour paper (framed, 33 x 43cm). Crowning the works are two large paintings in acrylic and metal leaf on canvas (1 x1m).

Every night I couldn’t sleep, Every silence left un-filled, Every plant I ever moved, Every question I never answered

Should you see something in the gallery, here on the website, or on social media, that makes your heart sing, and that you would like to purchase or see in more detail, please contact the gallery and this can be arranged. 

Or, you can click on this link to buy direct from the artist’s website:http://www.stitchpaintburn.com/store/Exhibition-Artwork-c47759043

Every step I should have taken, Every skirt I wore too short, Every story I ever heard, Every smell I found too strong

Instagram: @mrsharrisshop

Facebook: MrsHarrisShop

Every time I spoke too softly, Every tear I couldn’t cry, Every thought I didn’t share, Every Time I smiled too brightly

Website: mrsharrisshop.com.au

Phone: 0452 614 613

Shame/blame, Implode/forbode, Remote/misquote, End/mend

Categories
Past Exhibitions Uncategorized

Ethel Lindblom, printmaker

Bay of Fires

Several years ago, Ethel Lindblom wrote the following artist’s statement.

As an artist, my work is about time and place enriched by the challenges and experiences of life, family and beliefs that have been woven into a rich tapestry. 

Here, ideas and memories are expressed and reflected in form, colour and texture to create images that can be about things around me, my endeavours to capture the essence of the moment, or lost dreams, layered with emotion. 

Each reflection recalls another in the journey and reminds me that everything is a part of something that connects and embraces each one of us.

In 2000, 72 year old Ethel embarked on study for Certificates III and IV in Women’s Studies. This enabled her to proceed to studies in Art, which via various routes, resulted in her graduating, in 2007, as a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Applied Design, at the age of 79.

Three separate prints featuring the San Ranieri Gate in Pisa

What a fabulous role model!

Ethel was also a member of Bittondi Printmakers, where she was constantly on the look-out for new ways to extend her art form. She fearlessly experimented with her new-found skills, always striving for something special.

Tropical

This exhibition is a collection of such prints – experiments, challenges and explorations, the serious, the quirky. Following her death, at 90, just over a year ago, her family is keen to share Ethel’s legacy and to give others the opportunity to enjoy them too.

ballet shoes (inspired by the film ‘Red Shoes’)

During these times of uncertainty, we are keeping abreast of government guidelines in place to slow the spread of COVD-19.

To date, we have decided to keep Mrs Harris’ Shop open at its normal hours (11am – 3pm, Saturday and Sunday), albeit with some restrictions in place.

We have instigated extra cleaning, and these limits, and believe that the space is adequate to cope with this. 

Should you decide to visit, please adhere to the recommended protocols regarding distancing and hygiene, and limit group size to less than four people.

We will maintain a close watch on government advice and modify our procedures accordingly.

Ethel Lindblom’s works are on show until Sunday 29 March. 

un-named abstract

Should you care to purchase any of the pieces you see here, please contact Jo at Mrs Harris’ Shop. If the piece is still available, we can arrange remote purchase.

Categories
Past Exhibitions

Masquerade: Jo Headon

Artist Jo Headon tells stories with her paintings. She loves to use colour – and lots of it, light, and its effects, and to work with patterns that occur in her everyday environment.


Enlightenment

Our Fringe 2020 exhibition this year presents all of these things, plus more than a touch of fantasy. Her exhibition, Masquerade, explodes with colour from six magical oil paintings on canvas.

So, what’s the story behind it? Why did she create it? And, how did her thoughts manifest themselves in Masquerade?

To best answer these questions, pop in to Mrs Harris’ Shop for a chat with Jo.

Innocence

You’re invited in to special spaces to share with her characters, the intimate moment that Jo has captured. You’ll gain an insight into the workings of her mind as she creates her multiple-layered pieces of fantasy. There will be occasions where the starting point might appear so mundane as to be frustrating, but there’ll be others where you’ll wonder at her inspiration, creativity and realisation of these beautiful characters.

Firebird

Jo is a former student of Adelaide Central School of Art and has taught numerous students in a variety of art schools and classes. Masquerade is showing at Mrs Harris’ Shop, Jervois Street, Torrensville, until Sunday 8 March.

The Green Man

And, from the artist . . .

The interiors and spaces I create come with a memory or tale of when, where, and who.

They are reminders of my loves, places and treasures.

Talisman


I try to enmesh my stories in intoxicating prints, whether they be wallpaper, textiles or the patterns found in our natural environment. It’s by surrounding myself with these things I find inspiration for my work. I allow the viewer to be part of an intimate moment between the characters, an interloper in a personal space. 


Vital though colour is, it is just one of the components at play in my work. Light and pattern take their part. It is finding the balance between these different elements that brings life into the spaces.

 
I believe there is an energy and mood that surrounds every tone and shade of each colour and it is the exploration of these that intrigues and excites me.

The Illusionist


If I knew where I was going, I wouldn’t be going anywhere. 

Masquerade is on show until Sunday 8 March, 11am – 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays, or by appointment.

Categories
Past Exhibitions

Vicki Hunter, printmaker

Welcome to the first exhibition of our 2020 program.

Mystical Islands

It’s a studio clearance of works by printmaker, the late Vicki Hunter, and gives us an opportunity to celebrate her life and work.

Calm waters

Vicki was a talented printmaker, with a host of other skills, notably in design (including fashion, textiles and jewellery). She was a meticulous practitioner and popular member of Bittondi Printmakers. In that capacity, she exhibited on several occasions at Mrs Harris’ Shop, showing thoughtful and often fun pieces.

Packed in, like sardines

Because of our ‘littleness’, we were unable to feature the full extent of Vicki’s work and chose to exhibit only her printmaking. It’s a terrific chance to secure a memory of Vicki or simply a beautiful piece by a talented artist.

There are both framed works, and a collection of un-framed pieces.

An un-named piece, but beautiful, all the same!

The exhibition is on show until Sunday 2 February, with the gallery open 11am – 3pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Categories
Past Exhibitions

From me, to you. Helen Panagopoulos

Oh wow! It’s hard to believe that our last exhibition for 2019 is here!

It’s the perfect exhibition with which to celebrate the end of the year and all that goes with it. From me, to you is a delightful collection of works in mixed media by local Adelaide artist/designer, Helen Panagopoulos.

card to keep

The pieces beg exploration and their tactile nature invites you to touch, feel and enjoy! And, they have the gallery popping with colour!

Swirls (acrylic, fabric, beading on canvas)

Many of the wall pieces give more than a hint of the bubbly Helen, with easily recognised motifs and elements from her beloved Greek culture. Others feature a fabulous mix of textiles, paper or even ‘bits and pieces’ on canvas.

A little touch of Greece

Textiles are a favourite with Helen – and it shows. There is a generous collection of embellished wallets and covered notebooks – all multi-purpose and ripe for giving – perfect as special gifts or even Secret Santas.

covered notebook (fabric, beading)

Helen’s work is designed for longevity. Like the books and wallets that are designed for multiple iterations, she has created delightful mobile and fabric cards, each with room for a message and ready to become a décor item.

wallets (fabric, beading, braid)

And, Helen’s personalised pieces are legendary! Her ‘Secrets’ cushions (she is now working on cushion #85!) are loved and owned all over the world. They are available by special order, and feature favourite colours and special interests of the recipient. Pop in to order, or contact the gallery and I will send the order form.

Personalise a ‘Secrets’ cushion for your favourite person!

‘Meticulous’ is just one word that comes to mind on seeing Helen’s work. Make a visit to Mrs Harris’ Shop and come up with some words of your own. There’s so much to see, and wherever you look, there’s always more!

From me, to you is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am – 3pm until 15 December.

Thank you for your support of Mrs Harris’ Shop in 2019 – we look forward to seeing you again in 2020. And, we wish you the best of everything for Christmas and the new year.

Categories
Past Exhibitions

Nude: lino cuts from Colleen Morrow

Colleen Morrow is a well-known and much loved printmaker in Adelaide.

Over several decades, she has travelled widely, collecting and photographing textiles and crafts from what are often remote regions. Along with her other passion, plants and flowers, she has incorporated them into her extensive printmaking repertoire.

In a departure from these familiar and favourite subjects, Colleen has turned to the naked human form.

Nude with book

Nude is an exhibition of lino cuts, primarily black and white, and featuring several hand-coloured works.

Nude with slippers

Colleen says she found the portrayal of the human form in lino cuts to be a great challenge and much more labour intensive than she anticipated. Never one to ignore such a challenge, she set about building on her life drawing skills and improving her already considerable lino cutting skills.

Two iterations of Nude with cushion

The end result is a delightful exhibition of bold and beautiful prints.

Nudes at Maslins Beach

And, when you visit Nude, don’t miss the opportunity to check out Colleen’s journal of the exhibition to trace the development of the pieces. She is a truly inspiring artist – perhaps her journal will reveal some secrets!

detail from Colleen’s journal

Nude is showing at Mrs Harris’ Shop until 24 November. The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am – 3pm.