Hunter & Folk + Art Folk Present ‘Never Not Now’
Hunter & Folk brings you Art Folk, an online platform where you can purchase artwork from some of our favourite local artists. Our first virtual exhibition, ‘Never Not Now’, explores the journey of an artist and how they tap into presence in the here and now.
Words: Hande Renshaw
‘Similar to the act of painting the theme, Never Not Now feels like a belly full of colour and a slow unfolding of form. Like trying to hold onto the feeling of a dream upon waking, to capture the fleeting moments,’ says Loralee Jade. Photo: Courtesy of Loralee Jade
‘Painting for me is about slowing down and being in the moment. I started painting in 2020 as a balm for overwhelm. I find the simplest of everyday objects, with light and shadow, to be worthy of attention,’ says Bethany Saab. Photo: Courtesy of Bethany Saab
After featuring our some incredible talent on our pages, we decided it was time to launch a platform to share the work of some of our favourite local artists - pieces that you can purchase and make your very own!
‘Never Not Now’ by Art Folk is our first online group show featuring an incredible line-up of 9 Australian artists. The exhibition highlights the process and journey of an artist; from where they began, to where they are today. We look at an artist’s personal creative journey – what resonates emotionally when creating, what they value most in their work, what connects them most to their subject, how they tune into emotion. What it means to be in the moment.
‘Similar to the act of painting the theme, ‘Never Not Now’ feels like a belly full of colour and a slow unfolding of form. Like trying to hold onto the feeling of a dream upon waking, to capture the fleeting moments. Just like dreams, the more you push a painting the harder it is to reach clarity. It’s a practice in tenderness and patience, confidence and trust,’ says exhibiting artist, Loralee Jade
The online group exhibition features works from Bethany Saab, Bianca Pintan, Emma Dillion Hill, Clare Dubina, Alicia Bilyara Bennett, Dalin Alejandrino, Loralee Jade and Emily Ebbs.
‘Never Not Now’ online sales have officially opened! You can see a complete list of all available works online here. If you have any queries about any of the pieces, email hello@hunterandfolk.com
‘Recently I rediscovered how important it is for me to be present with my work and get away from the connection of time and production as I allow myself to take the time to enjoy, feel and listen to each step of my process,’ says Bianca Pintan. Photo: Courtesy of Bianca Pintan
‘A painting of a plum emphasises and exaggerates their character – a celebration of their simple presence. Their creation, an exercise in noticing,’ says Bethany Saab.
Emma Dillion Hill's pieces are a response to the idea surrounding a continued creative journey that both sustains her emotional connections to her life and work as an artist, and the growing inspiration found from an ever-evolving creative practice. Photo: Courtesy of Emma Dillion Hill
“‘Never Not Now’ explores what connects an artist to their subject, how they tune into emotion. What it means to be in the moment.”
‘Clutters of thoughts about the past and future cannot change the fact that we are living and breathing in the present moment. Through her exploration with colour and subtle textures using glass beads, one senses a deep yearning to reconnect back to country, back to nature, back to the essence of our being,’ says Dalin Alejandrino. Photo: Courtesy of Dalin Alejandrino
Sage Green Classic Vase by Bianca Pintan. Photo: Courtesy of Bianca Pintan
Morning Sun (after Hopper) by Emma Currie. Photo: David Vanhaverbeke
‘The Last One is a work that concludes my journey with lines for now as we enter a new phase of life and chapter of minimalism,’ says Alicia Bilyara Bennett. Photo: Courtesy of Alicia Bilyara Bennett