Art That Lasts a Lifetime: The Stories Behind Our Artworks
In every art aficionado’s collection, there are those particular pieces that have their own tale to tell. Art may pick up on personal connection and, of course, aesthetic, but the ones that are ever so special to us bring an everlasting narrative into our homes. In the spirit of artworks finding their forever homes, the team shares the stories behind the artwork hanging in their own homes. These mementos aren’t the most expensive or rarest of artworks, but mark a special moment for each of us. We hope that by sharing these connections with you, you’ll feel inspired to create your own.
George Hartley, Bluethumb Co-Founder: A Fun, Personal Birthday Present
George and his partner Lauren from their recent art collectors home tour.
When I met my partner Lauren, she joked that she doesn’t drink coffee, just Pepsi Max. Turns out that it wasn’t a joke, she actually does drink it like coffee. One of my favourite stencil artists on Bluethumb, Logan Moody, does a super fun crushed can series. I’d been keen on getting a Coopers can done (I grew up in South Australia so feel patriotic about our hometown brewing), but instead for Lauren’s birthday I commissioned a surprise Logan Moody version, which hangs pride of place in the kitchen. Of course, Lauren loves the piece! It’s a true testament to her caffeine addiction.
Logan Moody’s crushed Pepsi Max can hangs in George’s hallway.
Take the tour of George’s full collection in our most recent blog of the series.
Megan George, Bluethumb’s In-House Photographer: The Art of Connecting and Reconnecting
Here Don’t Let Go – Stay With Me by Irma Calabrese sits next to Natsuku Bay Hokkaido Japan Study 2 by Robert Salisbury.
Sadie Succulent by Marinka Parnham is inspired by some of the best things in life: the female form, succulents and cacti.
Freddy Grant, Head of PR & Comms: The One That Started It All
Before the portrait walls and enviable art-filled home offices, David Gulpilil’s Crocodile Dreaming started it all.
Crocodile Dreaming is the first piece I ever bought over 10 years ago. It’s by the legendary actor, dancer and artist David Gulpilil, who by chance I was incredibly fortunate to spend quite a bit of time with when I arrived in Darwin as a backpacker. I was working at an Indigenous art gallery where David painted and sold his work.
Freddy with David Gulpilil.
It was during this exciting time in Darwin I met by husband, Burt. Together we started our art collection with one of David’s signature golden crocodiles; the crocodile is David’s dreaming. This piece has hung in every home we’ve ever lived in and now hangs in our dining area. As soon as it’s on the wall, wherever we are feels like home.
After being featured in Domain, Freddy’s home gallery is Melbourne’s worst kept secret!
Oh Shit, I’m in the Wrong Painting by Donna Christie makes light play of a swimmer intending on doing a few laps in a nice Hockney-esque L.A pool scene, but ends up wading amongst the impressionist water lilies.
Since that first paycheque, I’ve become the manager of our gallery in Adelaide and I spend most of my days surrounded by a showcase of talent from around Australia. This other piece, The Dreamer Study by Brooke Walker, is the most recent addition to our collection at home. I am mesmerised by Brooke’s exquisite attention to detail. I’m currently taking her charcoal drawing classes as I love to continually learn about artist’s techniques which I can share with Collectors. Apart from being incredibly beautiful and luminescent when the light hits the aluminium panel, this study serves as a reminder to continue my own learning journey in art.
This black and white study piece was for Brooke’s larger work The Dreamer / Harness reality.
Have you been to our Goodwood gallery yet? Say hi to Amélia and the Adelaide team – click here for more info on the recent launch!
Grace Wye, Content Writer & Gallery Assistant: Art that Marks a Milestone
Bush Flowers and Bush Medicine Plants 89-20 by Margaret Kemarre Ross
Is a print of “O shit I’m in the wrong painting” by Donna Christie still available? Thanks in anticipation, Sue
Hi Sue!
It looks like Donna doesn’t have any prints available, but you can always talk to her about a commission of a similar piece. Simply hit the ‘Ask About a Commission’ button on her profile here.
Cheers,
Megan @ BT