News location:

Canberra Today 15°/17° | Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Artist with a love of colourful yarns

 

Beverley Thomas… “I work visually, not from photographs, triggered by colour or space.” Photo by Silas Brown

AFTER her 60th birthday “just came and went”, artist Beverley Thomas says she wanted to mark her 70th somehow – and the idea for her latest show, “3 Score Plus 10” was born.

The mixed media show, which is showing at the Watson Arts Centre until August 28, features tapestries, prints and paintings.

“I applied to the Arts Centre because that’s where it all started for me,” says Beverley. “It’s also a great space, so I’m very happy.”

Classes she took in patchwork, embroidery and batik 30 years ago started her on a new and unexpected career path, says Beverley – and now tapestry weaving is her preferred medium.

“It’s repetitious, yet because I create original designs it gives me the opportunity to use colour,” she says.

“I mix yarns together and use interesting textures.“I sit at the loom as if I’m driving a car, I have music playing and I’m in my own world. I prefer to work alone.”

As her love of textiles grew, Beverley moved on to the Embroiderer’s Guild, and later took a major part in the Parliament House embroidery, she says. She also ran an interior decorating business, which at one time supplied David Jones with quilts and gift items.

“I don’t think they knew it was just me,” she laughs. “They never asked!”

Beverley says she has a fascination for the land.

“For me, it is not visiting the landscape that holds my interest, but living in it,” she says.

“Being a great traveller, I have visited deserts in Australia, Spain, India and prairie country in Canada, where the mix of colours excites me.

“I work visually, not from photographs, triggered by colour or space.

“I recently flew over the inland lakes which has inspired my next body of work.”

Most recently artist-in-residence at Calvary Hospital, Beverley says that “3 Score Plus 10” has been two and a half years in the making.

“I couldn’t be happier with how it has turned out,” she says.

“I enjoy the freedom of running my own business and making my own decisions. I’m proud to have been able to fund my artworks myself.

“I feel blessed, as this is the most comfortable time of my life.”

“3 Score Plus 10”, Watson Arts Centre, Aspinall Street, Watson. Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-4pm, until August 28.

Who can be trusted?

In a world of spin and confusion, there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra.

If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices, I invite you to make a small contribution.

Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free.

Become a supporter

Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

Share this

Leave a Reply

Related Posts

Follow us on Instagram @canberracitynews