The extraordinary talent of Cassandra Rijs Cassandra Rijs is a young, mostly self-taught artist. Since she was old enough to pick up a crayon, art has been her passion and a means for self-expression. Rijs’ work is expressive and varies from subtle to overtly honest and must be viewed and enjoyed with an open mind. Her new works give you an upclose and personal
glimpse into her world, where her unique perspectives of the world and those intimately close to her can be seen in both her subject matter and her intense attention to detail. Cassandra Rijs studied art at Southern Cross University in Lismore, she has since worked as an independent freelance artist and has exhibited throughout Australia and in London. Her work has been chased by enthusiastic art collectors worldwide. In The Flesh’ is an exhibition of works that explore, expose and exploit the unabashed beauty and complexity of flesh. A collection of small works, from close up studies of the creases of a well worn face to intimate explorations of flesh submerged in water. This is an exhibition that will elicit curiosity and awe as you explore the intricacies of flesh, captured in such exquisite detail that a pore makes claim to it’s own existence. Cassandra Rijs has a love and passion for painting flesh and delves into her subjects with a fresh, honest and unassuming way of seeing and observing. Beauty is seen in imperfection and is exploited to the point of ambiguity; flesh immersed in water is studied curiously while being diligently captured and celebrated on canvas; and voluptuous breasts
are contorted in an expression of inner conflict with the flesh.
In The Flesh’ is an exhibition of works that explore, expose and exploit the unabashed beauty and complexity of flesh. A collection of small works, from close up studies of the creases of a well worn face to intimate explorations of flesh submerged in water. This is an exhibition that will elicit curiosity and awe as you explore the intricacies of flesh, captured in such exquisite detail that a pore makes claim to it’s own existence. Cassandra Rijs has a love and passion for painting flesh and delves into her subjects with a fresh, honest and unassuming way of seeing and observing. Beauty is seen in imperfection and is exploited to the point of ambiguity; flesh immersed in water is studied curiously while
being diligently captured and celebrated on canvas; and voluptuous breasts are contorted in an expression of inner conflict with the flesh. Exhibition opening night is Friday March the 2nd, starting at 6pm. Come along to see some fine art, have a drink and a chat with the artist (Cassandra Rijs) and frolic around to see what else is on show as there will be a few other new exhibits featured at the BSG also opening on this weekend.
Artistic Gippsland
Be inspired by Vasy Petros
I’ve always been interested in art. I remember winning an art competition in the 60’s run by the then Native Bird Guild of Victoria for primary school students. An important looking man in a suit visited and presented me with a cash prize. My hard working parents were so proud. I knew then, I wanted to pursue art. Of course art was not considered a viable career, ‘lots of work for nothing’, Dad would say. It’s true, you cannot make art a job... it’s a journey in itself, it takes time, patience and self exploration, so my art was put on hold for many years. During the 80’s, my partner and I discovered Venus Bay. Being avid travellers and keen campers, we were enthralled by the remote beauty of the coastline. ... wide stretch of beach and dune unmatched anywhere in Victoria, and so, a small block of land was the very first thing we invested in. It was not until 20 years later, after numerous visits to the area, we finally built ‘Seagrass’. Venus Bay features in my artwork and I’m pleased to be able to invite and share with visitors a place that never fails to inspire. So much so, that it has reignited my love for art all over again. I just take photos of anything, strolling along the beach, the quiet river inlet or through the many nature trails. When inspiration comes, you take it any way you can. Hence my work on collage... having no paint tools, I once experimented with old magazines on hand. It was like a puzzle which forced me to look at the complexity in the overall simplicity of things. Scraps of paper pieced together to replicate every detail.
Life here forces you to look at things in detail, to take time to admire and find beauty in the simplest of things. Nature speaks to us in many beautiful and intimate ways. I remind my children to admire, respect and be humble of our natural environment. To always remember, it is gift we should protect and constantly learn from. Funny how life comes full circle. I’m a firm believer that even if you don’t pursue your love at first, if it’s really there, it’s really true, it will come back to pursue you. It was never about art as a ‘job’... art is an intimate discovery of self and is different for everyone. For me, it’s a journey that binds me to nature and reminds me to be thankful for the beauty that surrounds us. Vasy Petros Be inspired
‘In all things of nature, there is something of the marvellous’ (Aristotle) A series of collages inspired by the natural coastal beauty of Victoria’s South Gippsland. What appears as simple, muted colour landscapes from a distance, is actually complex compositions of broken, shattered images. Each apparent ‘brushstroke’ is an intricate play of colour cut from unwanted magazines and newspapers, detached and fragmented. The attempt is to capture the simplicity of nature and evoke a sense of peace from material which is mass produced for our everyday use and so readily discarded. Mass print, representative of to-
day’s exploitation and complexity, is transformed into scenes that invite the soul, connect us with nature and momentarily transports us to a simple time and place....a tranquil reflection on still water, the peaceful break of dawn or a serene sunset. For enquiries regarding the sale of originals, prints and gift cards please contact vasy@ menuboards.com.au