John Moir, the Artist
John grew up in Maryborough and completed his first qualification - a diploma in Mechanical Engineers at the Maryborough School of Mines - a highly regarded standard of education acknowledged my Oxford University. He was always working at his art and has now constructed a new, and slightly larger art Gallery than in the past, in Dunolly, Victoria.
He has sold many works and is known for his commissioned work particularly in the Western District. He won the popular choice at the local Art Showing last year.
He won his first competition at 13 years. Over the years he has drawn, sketched, produced murals, theatre backdrops, and pieces of art, in a number of forms including sculpture.
In the late 60’s he completed drawings in pen mostly and some in watercolor but not too seriously. By the late 80’s he had completed many drawings, in pencil, mostly, because that was the flavor of the time. The main reason for this demand was a commission to complete around 24 sketches for a cookbook. This led to a display of the original work at a launch dinner, which created many commissions of homesteads and properties throughout the Western District.
Another challenge saw the production of around 50 drawings of the historic, and
places of interest, throughout the district – from Port fairy to the Great Ocean
Road, and north to Mortlake. These drawings were used to produce tourist items such as cards, calendars, T shirts, windcheaters, T Towels, fridge magnets, prints, book marks, etc., that were very popular, especially at Christmas. Calendars were sent overseas in many cases and they always sold out.
In later years commission requests spread - all the way down to include the Bellarine Peninsula and throughout the northern sectors of the State.
Since his retirement professionally, 20 plus years ago, John has gone back to oils, pen and watercolor and now acrylics has become a favored medium. Copper Repousse will again be produced as we settle into the new set up as a special work area needs to be created.
In the last 10 years John had a number of personal exhibitions and was very pleased with the results not only for sales but for the commissions created. Works went to other states and overseas and that was very pleasing.
Art is the expression of your thoughts - and/or representing what you see - that you want to put to paper, on canvas or into whatever form suits the moment.
All works are for sale, as are prints and the very popular writing cards. John suggests that the writing cards are a great way to promote our area. They can be specially printed to be used for any occasion.