Preamble
For your convenience I have listed below all of the Guest Artists posts on this blogspot:
My Voice using Disperse Dyes on Cloth (Jennifer Libby Fay)
An Artistic Dialogue With My Immediate Environment (Lesley Turner)
The Art of Fascinators (Flora Fascinata)
Reality, Influence and Invention (Shirley McKernan)
The Mythical Beasts (Eric and Robyn Werkhoven)
Studio La Primitive Fashion Fantastic (Eric and Robyn Werkhoven)
The Art of Mary Edna Fraser: Poetic Landscapes
Introduction
This week I am delighted to share with you the colourful art and life's journey of Guest Artists Eric and Robyn Werkhoven.
Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, 2019.
In 2019 Eric and Robyn Werkhoven celebrated a forty year artistic relationship, presently living and working as contemporary artists in East Gresford situated in the scenic Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia. Together exhibiting under the title of Studio La Primitive, they describe their world - life is art and art is life.
They have been involved in the visual arts for many years including: performance/event art, painting, sculpture, textile design and management of galleries. Both are award winning artists and have been 'Finalists' in major Australian art prizes. Their work has been selected for exhibitions nationally and internationally.
In 2013 they established the successful Arts and Literary online magazine – Studio La Primitive Arts Zine, with an audience, nationally and internationally, and with a mailing list that includes galleries, art collectors and art lovers.
The Zine is free, with no advertising from sponsors. “It is just something we want to do for the Arts, which has been our lifelong passion.” They have featured many national and international artists, photographers and writers including: Wendy Sharpe, George Gittoes, Matthew Couper, Kathrin Longhurst, Nigel Milsom, Marcus Callum and James Johnston - just to name a few!
In 2017 the Arts Zine was selected by the NSW State Library to be preserved as a digital publication of lasting cultural value for long-term access by the Australian community.
Studio La Primitive Arts Zine, Issue 1, October 2013, Front Cover.
Click on the following link to view all archived issues of the Arts Zine since October 2013 - Archived Issues
I know you will enjoy their artistic journey.
Marie-Therese Wisniowski.
ERIC & ROBYN and the MYTHICAL BEASTS
Eric is primarily a sculptor but also loves writing, drawing and is a keen musician.
Eric Werkhoven, 2010.
His art work and life are equally colourful. Eric was born in Java, Indonesia, his heritage is Dutch-Indonesian. His family moved to Holland and later to Tanzania, Africa. Here he spent a happy and spirited boyhood, surrounded by the exotic beauty and dangers of wild Africa.
His teenage years were lived in Holland, where his interest in the Arts developed, attending Art College in Den Haag. The yearning for open space and adventure led Eric to Australia in 1970.
Travel has been an integral part of his life, journeying to Israel, New Zealand and New Guinea, and revisiting Indonesia. Absorbing the ethos of different lifestyles has been an important factor for his artistic development.
Artist and Year: Eric Werkhoven, 2011.
Title: Acrobat & Beast.
Technique and Media: Autoclaved Aerated cement/cement.
Size: 122h x 120w x 40d cm.
Artist and Year: Eric Werkhoven, 2011.
Title: Gazing at the Stars.
Technique and Media: Autoclaved Aerated cement/cement.
Size: 67h x 66w x 20d cm.
Artist and Year: Eric Werkhoven, 2018.
Title: When Enough is Enough.
Technique and Media: Autoclaved Aerated cement/cement.
Size: 60h x 60w x 70d cm.
Maitland Regional Art Gallery 2018.
Robyn was born in Penrith and spent her earlier school years in Wollongong. After art school, she commenced her career as a Graphic Designer in Sydney, in the seventies. Her interest in textile design led Robyn to open her own business with unique silk screened clothing in Wollongong and Sydney.
Robyn Werkhoven with her portrait of Sherrel Oakey, 2017.
“Since early childhood I have been fascinated with drawing or painting the human figure. This led me to exploring and expressing the dynamic and delicate nuances of the human form and psyche. Originally I wanted to be a ballerina, and was captivated by the world of dance and theatre. The theatrical staging element still remains a strong theme throughout my work.”
Portraiture is a keen interest, with celebrities and dignitaries included in her portfolio. In 2009 Robyn became an exhibiting member with Portrait Artists Australia, this led to exhibiting portraits in national and international shows. The portrait of our iconic fashion designer Jenny Kee was included in an exhibition in the Australian Embassy, Washington U.S.A.
Artist and Year: Robyn Werkhoven, 2011.
Title: Jenny Kee and Waratahs.
Technique and Media: Oil on canvas.
Size: 76h x 76w cm.
Portia Geach Finalist & Portrait Artists Australia, exhibition Sydney Parliament House.
Artist and Year: Dress design by Robyn Werkhoven. Images by Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, 2013.
Title: Dance Dress.
Technique and Media: Hand painted images and silk screened bodice and hem designs employing fabric paint on 100% cotton.
Artist and Year: Robyn Werkhoven, 2015.
Title: Tribute to Nature - 36 Images.
Technique and Media: Aqua pencil on board.
Size: 60h x 60w cm.
2015 Winner of Laman Street Art Prize.
For the past thirteen years artists Eric and Robyn Werkhoven have collaborated on a unique series of drawings and paintings celebrating everyday life by "...delving into the world of human folly and irrationalities of mans’ existence, with sheer delight and a touch of irony” for exhibitions in Australia and Europe.
“How can two artists collaborate on what is so utterly a personal process? Well, for us it is similar to two musicians playing a piece of music or two writers creating a story together. We both share a love for ancient cultures, mythology, philosophy and we are staunch environmentalists. Inspiration may derive from writers, poets, song lyrics, theatre and the world of dance. And of course colour plays a big part in our works - Soul food for the senses. Animals feature in our work - animals and man are entwined in the cycle of life. The imagination can take you anywhere!”
Eric says: “Collaborative drawing sets off on a journey in the comfort of our home. We intuitively develop highlights and juxtapositions of figurative expressions. The theme becomes apparent after the first drawing, to create a series.”
Artists and Year: Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, 2017.
Title: Monkey Boys.
Technique and Media: Graphite pencil & oil pastel on paper.
Size: 42h x 30w cm.
Artists and Year: Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, 2017.
Title: Primal Dance.
Technique and Media: Graphite pencil & oil pastel on paper.
Size: 42h x 30w cm.
Artists and Year: Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, 2019.
Title: Interior Sound.
Technique and Media: Graphite pencil & oil pastel on paper.
Size: 42h x 30w cm.
Artists and Year: Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, 2019.
Title: Interior Sound 2.
Technique and Media: Graphite pencil & oil pastel on paper.
Size: 42h x 30w cm.
Artists and Year: Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, 2019.
Title: Shoos - God is Listening.
Technique and Media: Acrylic on canvas.
Size: 90h x 60w cm.
Artists and Year: Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, 2019.
Title: The Snake Charmer.
Technique and Media: Acrylic on canvas.
Size: 60h x 45w cm.
Artists and Year: Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, 2019.
Title: Dogs Barking up the Right Tree.
Technique and Media: Acrylic on Fabriano paper.
Size: 76h x 105w cm.
Artists and Year: Eric and Robyn Werkhoven, 2019.
Title: Domestic Triangle.
Technique and Media: Acrylic on board.
Size: 82h x 97w cm.
Since 2011 they have established and curated a series of group exhibitions with challenging and cutting edge themes, Death, Pain & Pleasure, Nightmares and Blood. The last exhibition in 2018 was Concerning Peace held at Maitland Regional Gallery, featuring the work from some of Australia’s stellar artists.
At present the artists are the subject of a documentary film being made on their art and life – Eric & Robyn and the Mythical Beasts by film makers Nicky Elliott and Pete Delahunty and award winning film producer Tom Zubrycki. “This film is a passionate love story, shot over three years, featuring two of the most extraordinary, funny and creative artists in Australia.” (Nicky Elliott).
Note: To be updated on the release of the film, link to the trailer: https://vimeo.com/314422036
“To celebrate a forty year artistic relationship with Eric, I decided to paint a double portrait, portraying us surrounded by a few of the mythical beasts and bizarre characters that inhabit our imaginations. Our faces are serious and intense as if witnessing the daily drama of life and an indeterminate future. The stylised, contorted creatures are part of life’s parade, some appear to be in a hurry to be elsewhere, while others meditate on what’s it all about? A perpetual intrigue with the mysteries and absurdities of mans’ existence."
Artist and Year: Robyn Werkhoven, 2019.
Title: Eric & Robyn and the Mythical Beasts.
Technique and Media: Oil and acrylic on canvas.
Size: 60h x 90w cm.
Finalist in the Portia Geach Memorial Portrait Prize 2019, held at the S.H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney.
Note: All the above images are copyrighted. Eric & Robyn Werkhoven © 2019.
Links:
Website: Eric & Robyn
March Arts Zine 2020
For your convenience I have listed below all of the Guest Artists posts on this blogspot:
My Voice using Disperse Dyes on Cloth (Jennifer Libby Fay)
An Artistic Dialogue With My Immediate Environment (Lesley Turner)
The Art of Fascinators (Flora Fascinata)
Reality, Influence and Invention (Shirley McKernan)
The Mythical Beasts (Eric and Robyn Werkhoven)
Studio La Primitive Fashion Fantastic (Eric and Robyn Werkhoven)
The Art of Mary Edna Fraser: Poetic Landscapes
Introduction
This week I am delighted to share with you the colourful art and life's journey of Guest Artists Eric and Robyn Werkhoven.
In 2019 Eric and Robyn Werkhoven celebrated a forty year artistic relationship, presently living and working as contemporary artists in East Gresford situated in the scenic Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia. Together exhibiting under the title of Studio La Primitive, they describe their world - life is art and art is life.
They have been involved in the visual arts for many years including: performance/event art, painting, sculpture, textile design and management of galleries. Both are award winning artists and have been 'Finalists' in major Australian art prizes. Their work has been selected for exhibitions nationally and internationally.
In 2013 they established the successful Arts and Literary online magazine – Studio La Primitive Arts Zine, with an audience, nationally and internationally, and with a mailing list that includes galleries, art collectors and art lovers.
The Zine is free, with no advertising from sponsors. “It is just something we want to do for the Arts, which has been our lifelong passion.” They have featured many national and international artists, photographers and writers including: Wendy Sharpe, George Gittoes, Matthew Couper, Kathrin Longhurst, Nigel Milsom, Marcus Callum and James Johnston - just to name a few!
In 2017 the Arts Zine was selected by the NSW State Library to be preserved as a digital publication of lasting cultural value for long-term access by the Australian community.
Click on the following link to view all archived issues of the Arts Zine since October 2013 - Archived Issues
I know you will enjoy their artistic journey.
Marie-Therese Wisniowski.
ERIC & ROBYN and the MYTHICAL BEASTS
Eric is primarily a sculptor but also loves writing, drawing and is a keen musician.
His art work and life are equally colourful. Eric was born in Java, Indonesia, his heritage is Dutch-Indonesian. His family moved to Holland and later to Tanzania, Africa. Here he spent a happy and spirited boyhood, surrounded by the exotic beauty and dangers of wild Africa.
His teenage years were lived in Holland, where his interest in the Arts developed, attending Art College in Den Haag. The yearning for open space and adventure led Eric to Australia in 1970.
Travel has been an integral part of his life, journeying to Israel, New Zealand and New Guinea, and revisiting Indonesia. Absorbing the ethos of different lifestyles has been an important factor for his artistic development.
Title: Acrobat & Beast.
Technique and Media: Autoclaved Aerated cement/cement.
Size: 122h x 120w x 40d cm.
Title: Gazing at the Stars.
Technique and Media: Autoclaved Aerated cement/cement.
Size: 67h x 66w x 20d cm.
Title: When Enough is Enough.
Technique and Media: Autoclaved Aerated cement/cement.
Size: 60h x 60w x 70d cm.
Maitland Regional Art Gallery 2018.
Robyn was born in Penrith and spent her earlier school years in Wollongong. After art school, she commenced her career as a Graphic Designer in Sydney, in the seventies. Her interest in textile design led Robyn to open her own business with unique silk screened clothing in Wollongong and Sydney.
“Since early childhood I have been fascinated with drawing or painting the human figure. This led me to exploring and expressing the dynamic and delicate nuances of the human form and psyche. Originally I wanted to be a ballerina, and was captivated by the world of dance and theatre. The theatrical staging element still remains a strong theme throughout my work.”
Portraiture is a keen interest, with celebrities and dignitaries included in her portfolio. In 2009 Robyn became an exhibiting member with Portrait Artists Australia, this led to exhibiting portraits in national and international shows. The portrait of our iconic fashion designer Jenny Kee was included in an exhibition in the Australian Embassy, Washington U.S.A.
Title: Jenny Kee and Waratahs.
Technique and Media: Oil on canvas.
Size: 76h x 76w cm.
Portia Geach Finalist & Portrait Artists Australia, exhibition Sydney Parliament House.
Title: Dance Dress.
Technique and Media: Hand painted images and silk screened bodice and hem designs employing fabric paint on 100% cotton.
Title: Tribute to Nature - 36 Images.
Technique and Media: Aqua pencil on board.
Size: 60h x 60w cm.
2015 Winner of Laman Street Art Prize.
For the past thirteen years artists Eric and Robyn Werkhoven have collaborated on a unique series of drawings and paintings celebrating everyday life by "...delving into the world of human folly and irrationalities of mans’ existence, with sheer delight and a touch of irony” for exhibitions in Australia and Europe.
“How can two artists collaborate on what is so utterly a personal process? Well, for us it is similar to two musicians playing a piece of music or two writers creating a story together. We both share a love for ancient cultures, mythology, philosophy and we are staunch environmentalists. Inspiration may derive from writers, poets, song lyrics, theatre and the world of dance. And of course colour plays a big part in our works - Soul food for the senses. Animals feature in our work - animals and man are entwined in the cycle of life. The imagination can take you anywhere!”
Eric says: “Collaborative drawing sets off on a journey in the comfort of our home. We intuitively develop highlights and juxtapositions of figurative expressions. The theme becomes apparent after the first drawing, to create a series.”
Title: Monkey Boys.
Technique and Media: Graphite pencil & oil pastel on paper.
Size: 42h x 30w cm.
Title: Primal Dance.
Technique and Media: Graphite pencil & oil pastel on paper.
Size: 42h x 30w cm.
Title: Interior Sound.
Technique and Media: Graphite pencil & oil pastel on paper.
Size: 42h x 30w cm.
Title: Interior Sound 2.
Technique and Media: Graphite pencil & oil pastel on paper.
Size: 42h x 30w cm.
Title: Shoos - God is Listening.
Technique and Media: Acrylic on canvas.
Size: 90h x 60w cm.
Title: The Snake Charmer.
Technique and Media: Acrylic on canvas.
Size: 60h x 45w cm.
Title: Dogs Barking up the Right Tree.
Technique and Media: Acrylic on Fabriano paper.
Size: 76h x 105w cm.
Title: Domestic Triangle.
Technique and Media: Acrylic on board.
Size: 82h x 97w cm.
Since 2011 they have established and curated a series of group exhibitions with challenging and cutting edge themes, Death, Pain & Pleasure, Nightmares and Blood. The last exhibition in 2018 was Concerning Peace held at Maitland Regional Gallery, featuring the work from some of Australia’s stellar artists.
At present the artists are the subject of a documentary film being made on their art and life – Eric & Robyn and the Mythical Beasts by film makers Nicky Elliott and Pete Delahunty and award winning film producer Tom Zubrycki. “This film is a passionate love story, shot over three years, featuring two of the most extraordinary, funny and creative artists in Australia.” (Nicky Elliott).
Note: To be updated on the release of the film, link to the trailer: https://vimeo.com/314422036
“To celebrate a forty year artistic relationship with Eric, I decided to paint a double portrait, portraying us surrounded by a few of the mythical beasts and bizarre characters that inhabit our imaginations. Our faces are serious and intense as if witnessing the daily drama of life and an indeterminate future. The stylised, contorted creatures are part of life’s parade, some appear to be in a hurry to be elsewhere, while others meditate on what’s it all about? A perpetual intrigue with the mysteries and absurdities of mans’ existence."
Title: Eric & Robyn and the Mythical Beasts.
Technique and Media: Oil and acrylic on canvas.
Size: 60h x 90w cm.
Finalist in the Portia Geach Memorial Portrait Prize 2019, held at the S.H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney.
Note: All the above images are copyrighted. Eric & Robyn Werkhoven © 2019.
Links:
Website: Eric & Robyn
March Arts Zine 2020
Wonderful inspiring consistent creative output. Thank you. Claire Humphrys
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