South West Life

As the last of another magnificent sunset faded into twilight last Friday, I drove slowly up and down Stirling Street looking for a park. The narrow street which was once the main thoroughfare into Bunbury had become a one way obstacle course, as hoards of art-lovers arrived at The Red Mill Store for the 2010 annual Bodylines Life Drawing exhibition.

In the front gallery room, groovy background music competed with a cacophony of laughter and conversation. Bodylines artists took turns in weaving through the closely packed crowd, chatting to people and balancing trays of tasty home-made nibbles.

Maybe even more than many exhibition openings, it proved difficult to view the art properly when contending with the bodily obstruction of other wine-glass-wielding enthusiasts. Potential buyers crowded into each room with the determined expression of those who are anxious to make a choice before their favourite work sells to someone else.  One of the drawcards of Bodylines – it provides the opportunity to purchase high quality artwork by promising artists at affordable prices, and the artists are there to help you make your choice.

As I made my way through the gallery, I noted The Red Mill Store owner and resident, Rocheen Navarro.  Rocheen has relinquished her personal studio to provide more hanging space, due to the recent instalment of a designer boutique in the second shopfront room. Eventually, I located the bar outside in the fresh air of the quaint courtyard. Gratefully accepting a glass of bubbly with a dash of punch, I headed back into the throng.

With Bodylines artist Ric Stacey giving a speech, I tried unsuccessfully to wedge myself back into the main gallery room.  Ric spoke about the Bodylines group sharing a passion for Life Drawing and encouraged potential artists to come along to the ongoing, casual Tuesday night group.  He emphasised a continual need for models, adding “some of our models are here tonight – spot them if you can!” which provoked raucous laughter from the audience.  Each of the other six exhibiting artists - Catherine Forster, Lisbet Lonvig, Melanie Selanthial, Stella Potter, Elizabeth Royce and Rocheen Navarro, were introduced and the exhibition was declared officially open.

Wandering through, it was intriguing to note that despite being presented with the same subject, the work was diverse and it was possible to identify each artist by their individual style.  Rocheen Navarro’s technique shows a prominent use of tone as she captures the impression of light on the body; Liz Royce is design orientated and emphasises the use of line; whereas Catherine Forster explores the placement of colour for effect.

Interested in finding out more about the Bodylines group, I tracked down Rocheen and arranged to meet with her for a chat during the week, before I set off again to mingle and enjoy the rest of the evening.

Bodylines 2010 Exhibition continues until 28th March, 10am – 4pm at the Red Mill Store, 59 Stirling St, East Bunbury.