First One Back by Stephanie Eather

Spaces reduced to line and colour"¦

Winner of the 2017 Life Abstracted prize, Stephanie Eather is taking her prize "“ an exhibition at Cambridge Studio. As a result, Eather's series of works continue to develop her winning concept - paintings created from observational drawings of artist's studio's in Melbourne that are transferred into complex, colourful forms.

These paintings are led by an attraction and intrigue with colour and line that is defined by a reduction of form and a simple use of colour to create a powerful optical impact.

Eather's subject matter is the clutter found in artist's studios in Melbourne, and the urban landscapes of Brunswick. An artists' studio space is a type of sanctuary - personalised by the artist to maximise independent creativity. Depicting these spaces is Opening: Sunday 20 April, 2 to 4pma unique interpretation of the artist environment.

Eather starts with observational line drawings of the geometric shapes created by overlapping objects to produce a skeleton for her colour pairings. Returning to her studio to begin trialing with ink, gouache and oil. After she's prepared a compatible colour combination, she applies paint to surface - exposing harmonious compositions found in these environments. This organisation of space allows Eather to turn three-dimensional objects into a two-dimensional complementary colour puzzle.

First One Back refers to Stephanie Eather's re-entry to the exhibition circuit after a short break while she was observing and processing where her work should go next. The result is a bold collection of abstracted spaces, that are a dynamic combination of colour & line that transports viewers into environments that demand a closer look.

Opening: Sunday 20 April, 2 to 4pm