Toyota Community Spirit Gallery presents
change
an exhibition of art & craft by the Toyota community
December 3, 2008 to April 2009 Toyota Australia, 155 Bertie St, Port Melbourne, Victoria Inquiries Ken Wong 0419 570 846 Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday 1-5pm or by appointment
Toyota Community Spirit Gallery The Toyota Community Spirit Gallery is an initiative of Toyota Community Spirit, Toyota Australia’s corporate citizenship program. Toyota Community Spirit develops partnerships that share Toyota’s skills, networks, expertise and other resources with the community. The Toyota Community Spirit Gallery aims to provide space for artists, especially emerging artists, to show their work. The space is provided free of charge to exhibiting artists, no commission is charged on sales and Toyota provides an exhibition launch and develops a catalogue for each exhibition. The gallery has now shown works by over 380 artists. This project is mounted in consultation with the Hobsons Bay City Council and the City of Port Phillip.
change artists Karen Atkins Bernie Beyer Melissa Broad Jennifer Brunton Deborah Carpenter David Chandler Mary-Anne Doyle Dene Faorlin Peter Hannett Nicolas Hogios William Hope Desmond Howlett Debbie Makin Gail McDaniel Phi Van Nguyen curator
Roy Oh Annette Papax Nicola Perkin Stella Polyzoudis Gary Robinson Misako Sakai Trevor Sevasta Gary Smith Robert Smith Joe Spiteri Russell Strobel Tuyen Ta Edward Tuason Valma Wroblewski
Ken Wong
thanks to
Tania Blackwell, Hobsons Bay City Council Louisa Scott, City of Port Phillip Katarina Persic, Toyota Australia
catalogue editing & prepress
Watch Arts (watcharts.com.au)
graphic design
Sandra Kiriacos Images are details of works by FRONT COVER: L-R; Roy Oh, Nicolas Hogios, Melissa Broad & Gary Robinson. INSIDE COVER: Debbie Makin THIS PAGE: Gary Robinson BACK COVER Nicolas Hogios:
ken wong
curator
“This is the nineteenth in a continuous program of exhibitions for the Toyota Community Spirit Gallery since its inception in 2004, and the fourth to feature works of art and craft by Toyota employees, contractors and their families. Change features a record number of participants for our Toyota community exhibition, reflecting the ever increasing influence the gallery has had in encouraging and inspiring creativity through everyday exposure to the creative endeavours of artists from the local community and beyond. We live in times when the daily scale and pace of change is unprecedented. Everywhere there is change, changes in the weather due to global warming, changes in the world economy with the global financial crisis, changes in leadership in the White House, changes to so many aspects of our lives, the effects of which may be completely unpredictable. The one thing that we can be sure of is that change is inevitable. In the history of evolution of life on this planet, change is the one and only constant. Indeed, it is the species that have responded and adapted to change that have survived and prospered. Many would say that much of the change in the modern world has been wrought by humankind, and in this much the challenge to survive is doubly so. This time we must not only learn to adapt to change, but as part of the cause, we must learn to change ourselves. This may require a greater call on our consciousness, resolve and creativity than has ever been required before, but it may well be that our very survival depends on it. As individuals perhaps the best we can do is to embrace the changes that are forced upon us, and try to respond to the mistakes of the past by building a better and more sustainable world into the future. A world where the precious resources and gifts that exist in the everyday world all around us are treated with the respect they deserve. This is the challenge of our times. Welcome to change.� Ken Wong is the Director of Watch Arts, a Melbourne based contemporary arts consultancy. He has worked in the fine arts industry for over ten years in both commercial and community arts, curating and managing a host of projects including gallery and outdoor sculpture exhibitions.
call for entries me & my
TOYOTA 50th Anniversary Celebrations
As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations for Toyota in Australia in 2009, Toyota Community Spirit Gallery is calling for entries for an exciting exhibition of both contemporary and historical art, photography, stories or memorabilia that explore relationships between Toyota and the people of Australia. This can be through connections with Toyota vehicles, the Toyota company, the Toyota brand in general, or through less obvious, $2000 Major Prize more abstract connections. Toyota, like many Australians, had its beginnings here $500 Best historical as a migrant in a strange land. On many story or image levels over the years, the Toyota brand has become an iconic part of Australian culture (for example; the Corolla and Land $500 Best Toyota Cruiser). Apart from its obvious contribution employee entry to the Australian economy, as a company Toyota has also contributed much in terms of sponsorship of sporting and community events. In more recent times, it has also become a corporate leader in environmental and social responsibility, through various programs that give back to the broader community, like the Toyota Community Spirit Gallery. Contemporary works of art in any medium that explore relationships between Toyota and Australia, or simply peoples personal stories, memories, photographs or memorabilia will all form important aspects of this unique exhibition. There is no cost to enter and the exhibition is open to artists, Toyota owners, employees, dealers and the general public. Applications close March 5, 2009. To download information and entry forms visit www.watcharts.com.au or contact the curator, Ken Wong on 03 58214548 or info@watcharts.com.au
change artists and works
page 10.
Karen Atkins
I had forgotten
11.
Bernie Beyer
12.
Melissa Broad
Bali Girl 1
Acrylic on canvas, 2008
Acrylic & pastel on canvas, 2007
Desire Daydream
Jennifer Brunton
13.
Acrylic on canvas, 2008 Acrylic on canvas, 2008
Hakea multiliniata Grassleaf Hakea Quercus robur English Oak
14.
Deborah Carpenter
15.
David Chandler
Trapped
Leaving through the window (Corporate Enthusiast) Digital inkjet print, 2008
Mary-Anne Doyle
16.
Thistle
Dene Faorlin
17.
Photograph, 2008
Free Falling
18.
Peter Hannett
$495
$400 $500
Watercolour , 2007 $550 Watercolour , 2007 $550
Acrylic on canvas , 2007
$3500
Acrylic on canvas, 2008
The Tigers ‘A Century of League Football’ Memorabilia, 2008 Ron Barassi Football Boot Memorabilia, 2008
NFS
$125
$350
$800
$990 $1250
Image: Detail of Free Falling by Dene Faorlin
change artists and works page 19.
Nicolas Hogios
Suspension Hashiriya 2030
20.
William Hope
Desmond Howlett
21.
Printed Digital Rendering, 2008 Printed Digital Rendering, 2008
1957 Chevrolets
Model cars, 2008
Sun Set over Cheetham Wetlands
Debbie Makin
22.
Cymbric Vale Safari
23.
Gail McDaniel
Phi Van Nguyen
24.
Wishing Well
The beginning of the end The Hidden World
Roy Oh
25.
Poe-trait Move over, Poe..
Annette Papax
26.
Awakening
Nicola Perkin
27.
Dust Storm#1, 2008
28.
Stella Polyzoudis Koi Fish Pond
Photograph, 1997
$375 $375
NFS
NFS
Mixed media, 1995 NFS B&W photos, 2000 $300 for set
Mixed media, 2008
NFS
Digital animation Digital animation
POA POA
Photograph, 2007 Photograph, 2008
$111 (unframed) $111 (unframed)
Pastel, 2008
$700
Oil on canvas, 2008
$1000
Mosaic, 2008
POA
page 29.
Gary Robinson
Last Night in Rome #1 - #4 Photograph, 2008
Misako Sakai
30.
NFS
Fantastic plastic Plastic (various), 2008 NFS Renkon Silver, 2008 NFS Selection of rings Silver, 2008 $50 -$200 each
Trevor Sevasta
31.
Ella
32.
Gary Smith
Robert Smith
NFS NFS NFS
Photograph, 2007 Photograph, 2007 Photograph, 2007
Cascade Taking Flight Blossom
$350
Photograph, 2008
33.
Sunset Midnight
34.
Joe Spiteri
Russell Strobel
35.
Isabelle
En Gay j’d
Tuyen Ta
36.
Photograph, 1998 Photogragh, 1998
NFS NFS
Airbrush, 2005
NFS
Acrylic on canvas, 2008
Mystic Red Bamboo
Edward Tuason
37.
Acrylic on canvas, 2008
$170
Collage, 2008
POA
WARNING!
Valma Wroblewski
38.
$250
Sunset on a bushfire day in the High Country Oil on canvas, 2007
$350
Image: Detail from Plastic Fantastic series (pendant) by Misako Sakai
karen atkins
represented by salmon galleries, NSW
“I love the uniqueness of the Australian landscape and the stories of the people who inhabit it. My paintings are explorations of personal stories and traditional myths. Every painting contains a story that I hope, connects with the viewer and encourages their own story making, memories and dreams.�
I Had Forgotten Acrylic on canvas 2008, 115x105cm $3500
Karen has always painted and art is an intrinsic part of her life and work. She has been a professional artist for twenty years and now lives in Sydney; her brother Craig lives in Melbourne and works at Toyota. Karen studied art theory at Monash University and while her art practice is mostly self taught, she enjoys the continued learning that comes from her association with other artists and her work as an art educator. Karen is an Associate of the Royal Art Society of NSW and this year was selected for the North Sydney Art Prize and most recently the Mortimore Art Prize. Also in 2008, she travelled to Sharjah as a guest of the Sheik and gave art workshops at the Sharjah Center for Culture. Karen is represented by the Salmon Galleries in McMahons Point, Sydney.
10
change
bernie beyer “Art allows me to explore personal and meaningful issues in my life. I feel that it is a gift that can bring tremendous joy and also enable healing on many levels. It is my greatest ambition to encourage others to explore their inner creativity and experience the richness it will create in their lives. I have recently funded the building of an art gallery in Ubud, Bali, to support the local artists there and am now undertaking to exhibit their work in Melbourne.�
Bali Girl Acrylic and pastel on canvas 2007, 40x30cm $495
Bernie has had a passion for creating since childhood and artistic expression is intrinsic to her life. Over the years she has undertaken several short courses in painting and drawing and owned her own painting business. She is currently pursuing formal studies in transpersonal art therapy, which seeks address how we express ourselves through art. Bernie’s brother, Anthony works with Toyota and this is her first exhibition with the Toyota Community Spirit Gallery.
change
11
melissa broad “A beautiful moment in time can be captured in the mind and held for a short period untouched. Eventually the memory of that moment changes and distorts into a fuzzy version of the original, however the feeling experienced can remain as true as the time it was felt. My artwork is an expression of emotion and beauty unimpeded by the chains of reality. �
Desire Acrylic on canvas 2008, 42x30cm $400
Melissa is an IBM project manager and has been contracted to Toyota since 2001. She began painting as part of a school project in High School and has continued to on and off since then. She finds it a relaxing hobby and has created many pieces for friends and family. Her works have been exhibited at the IBM Art Show at Southgate in 2006-07.
12
change
Daydream Acrylic on canvas 2008 42x30cm, $500
jennifer brunton “I have worked as an art director in advertising but since retiring I have taken classes under Dianne Emery at the Royal Botanic Gardens here in Melbourne. Botanical illustration is about describing visually the true form of a particular plant or species so that it is recognisable in terms of its individual characteristics. I love the shapes, colours, textures and forms created in nature.�
Above image:
Quercus
robur, English Oak
Watercolour 2007, 38x39cm, $550 Image right:
Hakea
multiliniata, Grassleaf Hakea Watercolour 2007, 43x50cm, $550
Jennifer is the wife of Geoff Brunton of Brunton Engineering and Construction who have been contractors with Toyota since 1989. She became interested in art and craft at secondary school and went on to complete a Diploma of Art majoring in advertising, a career she pursued for many years. Now retired, she has become interested in botanical art and has exhibited her work in recent years in the Art of Botanical Illustration 2006 exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Cattanaghs Gallery in Armadale and the Whittlesea Lions Art Show.
change
13
deborah carpenter
Trapped Acrylic on canvas 2007, 40x50cm NFS
“My mother was always doing some form of artwork as I grew up and she taught me how to crotchet, knit, do crossstitch, sew and generally create whatever I wanted. This piece was an idea I had one day and I just decided to paint it. It is a depiction of my minds eye and how someone can be trapped by the fingers of a tree.� Deborah started painting in secondary school but has always enjoyed crafts of any kind. She is mainly self-taught, although her interest has always been fostered by her mother Gail McDaniel, who works for Toyota in press shop maintenance at Altona.
14
change
david chandler
Leaving through the window (Corporate Enthusiast) Digital (inkjet print, framed) 2008, 31x43cm $125
David is intrigued by the possibilities of digital art and has been creating works for the past two years. He has developed his interest with minimal formal education. His expertise has primarily come from self-motivated learning and trial and error, but this was supplemented when he studied art in Year 12 as part of his VCE. His father Marke works with Toyota.
change
15
mary-anne doyle
Thistle Photograph 2008, 30x42cm, $350
“This photo was taken just after sunrise outside Pennyweight Flat Cemetery in Chewton, Victoria in March 2008. Whilst searching for interesting subjects to photograph, I suddenly came across this rather surreal paddock of dead Scotch thistles. After taking several broad shots, I zoomed in on a single thistle, throwing the background out of focus and giving the thistle a wonderful 3D effect, as though it is leaping out of the image.� Mary-Anne joined Toyota as Communications Co-ordinator in 1991 and worked in Public Affairs and Human Resources. In 2005 she became the Intranet & Communications Manager with Corporate Affairs in Strategy & Environment Division. Her photography began when she joined Toyota, taking photos for the employee magazine Toyota Today. Primarily self-taught, this year she has sought to expand her skills, commencing part-time study towards an Advanced Diploma at Photography Studies College Melbourne.
16
change
dene faorlin “This is the first public exhibition of my work. I particularly wanted to take advantage of this opportunity at the Toyota Community Spirit Gallery as a tribute to my father Reno, who worked with Toyota from 1979 to 1994, firstly as a toolmaker then as a dye maintenance engineer. This painting is a statement about modern life and freedom.� Free Falling Acrylic on canvas 2008, 76x61cm $800
Dene has been creating artworks for his own enjoyment for almost thirty years, following a natural interest that is motivated by a love of life. His practice is mainly self-taught, but he has also completed two years of study at TAFE. His cousin Piero Falvo works with Toyota, as did his father Reno for many years.
change
17
peter hannett “My hobby is motivated by my love of sport and the opportunities it creates to meet sporting legends. The Tigers piece is a Centenary jumper signed by legends from Richmond including captains and coaches at the Tommy Hafey Centenary Dinner. The Ron Barassi boot was signed by Ron at a MCG luncheon.”
Ron Barassi Football Boot Memorabilia 2008, 120x90cm $1250
Peter began working with Toyota in 1996 in the paint shop at Altona and is now working at the end of the line. He was always a keen sportsman and footballer, so his interest in sports memorabilia was a natural progression. About three years ago he became interested in collecting items and signatures and turning them into memorabilia.
18
change
The Tigers ‘A Century of League Football’ Memorabilia 2008, 120x90cm $990
nicolas hogios “Creativity via visual mediums has come naturally to me and I have been creating art since I was 6 years old. Expressing ideas, imagery or form studies in visual mediums for others to see is a great release and it is satisfying to create an emotional reaction or connection in the viewer. I am particularly interested in futurism – graphic images of possible future realities. ”
Above image: Hashiriya 2030 Printed Digital Rendering 2008 85x112cm, $375 Image right: Suspension Printed Digital Rendering 2008 85x112cm, $375
Nicolas began work at Toyota in 2003 as a senior designer at Toyota Style Australia (TMCA’s styling design studio). He was soon promoted to Design Manager before a ten month secondment to Design Headquarters in Nagoya, Japan. Cars that he has designed include the exterior design of Sportivo Coupe Concept Car and the Toyota Aurion. He has a Bachelor of Industrial Design from University of NSW (Class 1 Hons – Dux) but his visual art practice is mostly self-taught. This is his second exhibition with the Toyota Community Spirit Gallery.
change
19
william hope
1957 Chevrolets Model cars 2008, Approx 40x15x13cm each NFS
William works at paint shop in Altona and has worked with Toyota for twenty-seven years. He has been building models since he was fifteen and his collection includes cars, motorbikes and trucks. He has won various awards and had work on display at Vic Hobby Centre in the city.
20
change
“I have always enjoyed building models and these pieces are part of my second major collection. The first model I ever built was a Harley Davidson police motorbike. I enjoy using my time creatively and find it relaxing. I like to vary my models from the standard kit as it keeps things interesting; I modified one of these Chevys into a convertible by cutting the roof off! I have been a member of several clubs for many years, including the Waverly Scale Model Club, one of the oldest clubs in Victoria.�
desmond howlett
Sun Set over Cheetham Wetlands Photograph 71x131cm, NFS
“I have been interested in photography in one form or another all my life, at least for as long as I can remember. I am self taught and my aim is to capture the unusual, the strange, the unassuming and unsuspecting beauty of all things. Photography allows me to capture a moment in time, whether it be a structure, place, person or just the shear beauty of the earth and its environment.� Desmond started work at Toyota as a contractor in CSD, where he became full time in warehousing after completing his vehicle industries certificate. He also completed studies in workplace training and assessment and currently still works in the Warehouse at CSD. He took a picture framing course a few years ago and has been attending workshops and building his own frames for his photographs ever since. His work was exhibited as part of an exhibition entitled Nature’s Diversity at Melbourne Zoo in 2007. This is his second exhibition with Toyota Community Spirit Gallery.
change
21
debbie makin
Cymbric Vale B&W photo, wood, corrugated iron 1995, 45x77x29cm, NFS
“Cymbric Vale is the name of my uncles Sheep Station in the outback. I made this piece whilst in Year 12 when I was also studying Animal Behaviour. I wanted to represent the lack of identity of the thousands of sheep that go through a shearing shed. The sheep you see is actually the same three individuals printed in reverse and in different shades.”
Debbie has been working as a contractor with Toyota as Events and Catering Co-ordinator in Business Support Services over the past year. She has been creating artworks for thirteen years and became interested in Year 9 at high school when studying a photography elective class. She has a great love for animals and travelling and likes to document what she sees. This is the first public exhibition of her work since high school when she was part of the National Gallery of Victoria’s VCE exhibition.
22
change
gail mcdaniel “I have been building and making things for as long as I can remember; Mum was always making craft things, knitting sewing, sketching, etc. Motivation for artwork is a fickle master, inspiration only comes fleetingly and you need to be on the ball or the ideas are lost forever. Sometimes it is the challenge, just to see if I can do or make something. This piece came about because I wanted a wishing well for my daughters wedding, so after hunting around for one I decided to make it instead.�
Wishing Well Wood,ceramic, tin, felt & stone 2008, 50x35x35cm NFS
Gail began working for Toyota in 1996 on the assembly line where she saw a notice offering adult apprenticeships. She applied for and was successful in obtaining and completing a Fitting and Turning Apprenticeship. She now works with Press Shop Maintenance in Altona. Her art practice is self-taught and over the years she has done a variety of textile and wood craftwork as well as photography. She has been greatly inspired and encouraged by her participation in the Toyota Community Spirit Gallery employee exhibitions over the past few years and has recently been creating more sculptural art pieces.
change
23
phi van nguyen “As we all know there is a huge increase in plastic surgery today following the fashion or ‘trend” in our society. We humans are afraid of getting old; therefore plastic surgery has become more and more popular. The fact is that every living cell on this planet The Beginning of the End (image still) will eventually Digital animation 2004, dimensions variable POA die; nothing lasts forever. Plastic surgery only covers the outside. We beautify and operate on a face, showing the face ‘before and after’ the surgery. I have chosen to use a female face because they are most likely to be affected by the cosmetic world and women seem to worry more about their looks than men. I want the audience/viewer to see what the surgeon is doing to the face.”
Phi began work for Toyota at Altona in 2005 in the Body Shop where he worked for three years until he transferred recently to Assembly. He has always been interested in designing, whether a logo, paintings, or video and has been creating artworks for over nine years. In 2004 he completed a Bachelor of Design in Multimedia Design at Monash University, Caulfield, participating in their end of year exhibition.
24
change
The Hidden World Revealed (image still) Digital animation 2004, dimensions variable POA
roy oh “My interest in photography grew from having decided to invest in a Nikon D80 DSLR camera shortly after my daughter was born. Poe-trait Photograph 2007, 21x30cm $111 (unframed)
My enthusiasm for ‘capturing’ those special moments as they pass by has grown into something a little more. While my daughter continues to be my main subject and source of inspiration, the web also fuels new ideas and different methods for lighting in photography.”
Move over, Poe.. Photograph 2008, 30x21cm $111 (unframed)
Roy was recruited into Toyota in 2001 via the Graduate Program and has spent the majority of his time as a Product Engineer, and then as a Supplier Development Specialist in Purchasing. He has had the opportunity to live in Japan and to date has enjoyed all facets of his work with Toyota. He has been creating artwork for the past two years and this is his first opportunity to exhibit his work in public.
change
25
annette papax
Awakening Pastel 2008, 70x88cm $700
“In day to day life experiences I see passages, changing times, moods of movement in and out of spirit, inspired, reflected upon and channelled, sometimes not really knowing what spirit chooses to express but enthused by the will to be creative and through this medium, finding a sense of arriving and stillness.� Annette has been interested in art as a natural form of expression since her youth. Over the past few years she has been creating artwork in her spare time, motivated by a spirit of self-expression and the drive to create. Her practice is self-taught and she recently exhibited two works in Visions of a New World in Fitzroy and Northcote. Her partner Andrew Cross works with Toyota.
26
change
nicola perkin “A recurring theme in my paintings is my response to the Australian landscape, from the lines left by the tide on the sand to the vastness of the horizon. As a migrant I have been overwhelmed by the view of the horizon and the space in Australia (having lived in suburban London, I only ever saw the horizon on our annual seaside Dust Storm#1, 2008 holidays!) As a Oil on canvas 2008,76x76cm $1000 result the horizon has become a strong element in my painting. There is a deliberate silence to my paintings; an attempt to engage the viewer with space‌ it is in our nature to fill that void, bringing our own interpretation to the viewing, remembering a similar journey or view.â€? Nicola was born in London and her art practice began as a hobby over ten years ago. She returned to formal art education as a mature student in 1999 and completed a Diploma in Fine Art at Hornsby TAFE. Following encouragement from one of her teachers, she went on to the University of Sydney, completing her Bachelor of Visual Art with Honours in 2004, before going on to complete her Masters of Visual Art at Sydney College of the Arts. Her daughter-in-law Elissa Whan works with Toyota in Melbourne.
change
27
stella polyzoudis
Koi Fish Pond Mosaic 2008, 50x60cm POA
Stella commenced working for Toyota this year in TSO. Her art practice has only just begun and is self -taught except for her participation in some community art classes.
28
change
“This is my first completed work of mosaic and my first public exhibition. I have always loved the Koi fish, they fascinate me! I love the mirror and glass tiles I have selected in this piece; it gives the illusion of water and has beautiful reflective colours which change when placed in the sun.�
gary robinson
Last Night in Rome #1 - #4, Photograph 2008, 66x51cm, NFS
“These images bring back a very clear recollection of our time in Rome earlier this year. We were staying almost next door to the main train termini which gave us easy access to all the tourist hot spots. On our last night we went for an early evening walk to the Spanish steps and Trevi fountain. On our way back we were stranded by an unexpected down pour of rain and decided to wait it out in a nearby café. As it got darker the scenery changed and took on a whole new look and fascination. These are not the usual images associated with Rome but nevertheless represent the rich fabric of this very interesting and ancient city. Perhaps a story just the same as this could be found here in Melbourne or any other big city.” Gary has been working at Toyota for just over twenty years. He has been interested in photography since his university days and he recently completed first year of part time studies at PSC in Melbourne. He enjoys the challenge of trying to capture a visual record of some of the emotion of being there in that frozen instant, that special moment in time.
change
29
misako sakai “Plastics are everywhere in our lives, and usually disposable, but using strong, colourful plastic for jewellery turns the material into something more precious.” Fantastic plastic (pendant shown) Plastic (various) 2008, Sizes variable, NFS
“Renkon, or Lotus Roots are delicious to eat and so attractive on a plate. When slices of root dry, they shrivel up into interesting shapes, which I used as inspiration for this jewellery.” Renkon (earings shown) Silver 2008, Sizes variable NFS
“When we wear jewellery, the pieces we can see most are rings on our fingers. Jewellery around the neck and head cannot be seen easily by the wearer, therefore, rings have a special attraction for me.” Selection of rings Silver 2008, Sizes variable $50 - $200 each
Misako has been interested in art all her life and trained as textile designer and art teacher. She has worked as a colour and trim designer in the car industry, but also enjoyed experimenting with new media and creating jewellery in unexpected forms and materials over the past ten years. She is currently studying silver smithing and jewellery design at Box Hill College. Her husband Peter Hutchinson has been a senior designer in Toyota Style Australia, since 2007.
30
change
trevor sevasta
“I have always been interested in arts and I got in involved in photography through a friend a couple of years ago. I am self-taught and am motivated by seeing the end result and other people’s reactions to what I have produced.”
Ella Photograph 2008, 83x63cm $350
Trevor started with Toyota in 1994, working in assembly fitting windscreens. He spent nine years on the line and is currently a team leader in CSD where he has been for the past six years. This is the first exhibition of his work in public.
change
31
gary smith “I have been involved in photography for a number of years, mostly as an addition to other activities such as bush walking and scuba diving. I used photography as a recording medium for these pursuits. Now it is developing into a full hobby and the other pursuits are taking a back seat. Photography also allows me to get outdoors and enjoy the wonders of nature and I like the wide variation from landscape to macro. It also makes me more acutely aware of nature and I focus more keenly on what is around me. I am now concentrating on developing my skills in this area and finding great satisfaction in the creation process. I am selftaught and learn through experimentation.� From top: Cascade, Taking Flight, Blossom 2007 Photographs,29x42cm, NFS
Gary began working with Toyota in Technical Service Operations in 1997 and is the Publication Manager with responsibility for the creation of the local repair manuals, owner manuals and all Toyota and Lexus warranty and service books. This is his second exhibition with the Toyota Community Spirit Gallery.
32
change
robert smith
Sunset Photograph 1998,30x46cm NFS
“My motivation is the constant challenge to improve my skill as well as curiosity about the changing world around me. My intent with this work was to capture one of the most iconic cars of this generation in an uncommonly artistic atmosphere, choosing both light and darkness to bring the vehicles majesty and presence to the fore. The juxtaposition of these moments in time against the natural and organic world emphasizes the raw power that man has managed to create, simply for the love of thrill and exhilaration.� Robert has been pursuing photography since he became interested and bought a camera a little under a year ago; perhaps inspired by his father Gary, who works for Toyota and is also a keen photographer. His interest has blossomed into a passion as evidenced by his images. This exhibition has provided his first opportunity to show his work in public.
change
33
joe spiteri
“My father was great artist and I learnt a lot from him. Otherwise I am mostly self-taught, although I have completed an introduction to airbrushing which provided a basic run down on how to use an airbrush. I am motivated to see the final result that I can achieve. This picture is a portrait of my daughter Isabelle.”
Isabelle Airbrush 2005, 100x50cm NFS
Art making runs in Joe’s family and he has become interested in airbrushing over the past four years. His wife Hania d’Avoine works with Toyota. This is the first time his work has been on public display.
34
change
russell strobel
“I suffer from depression and am motivated to paint as an outlet for my illness. My Mother painted when she was alive and a friend encouraged me to try. My artwork is reflective and moody, mirroring my personality and outlook on life. My motivation springs from an empathy for minority groups suffering in-justice or persecution.” En Gay j’d Acrylic on canvas 2008, 100x75cm $250
Russell is a self taught artist who has been painting for approximately two years. His artworks have been shown in exhibitions including the Tarra Festival Yarram in 2007 and Tyers Art Festival, 2007-08. He recently sold one of his works Homeland, which was about indigenous Australians and their relationships to the land. His daughter Trieste works with Toyota.
change
35
tuyen ta
Mystic Red Bamboo Acrylic on canvas 2008, 100x120cm, $170
“I have always been an explorer and have loved experimenting with things ever since I was very young. My star sign is pisces which explains it all. I enjoy working with colour, shapes and various mediums to produce a visual product with the highest form of imagination.” Tuyen has been creating art since secondary college, studying arts and visual communication from Year 7 through to VCE, Year 12. This is Tuyen’s first exhibition of painting. Tuyen’s partner Cilai Seephonexia works with Toyota.
36
change
edward tuason “My collection of artworks and images are just things I come across that appeal to me for whatever reason. I mainly keep them to show friends and family. It is often interesting to compare notes about what they like and dislike in my collection. I sometimes experiment with my photocopier, printing them out in different colours and sizes to see what effects I can get. I have never thought about combining them together to create a whole new picture or piece of art, so this is a totally new thing for me that changes the way my collection will be viewed and understood.�
WARNING! Collage 2008,87x75cm POA
Edward has worked with Toyota since March 2007 in the Assembly Area Final Two (finishing touches) at Altona. He has always been interested in visual art and has collected images from books, magazines, advertising and the internet for many years. This is the first exhibition of his collection, and the first time he has presented it as collage.
change
37
valma wroblewski
Sunset on a bushfire day in the High Country Oil on canvas 2007, 50x60cm $350
“This painting was done from an image taken from an Australian scenery book. Looking through the book this scene captured my eye, with the light coming through the clouds onto the pastures, I felt this scenery of the High Country was magnificent to look at. I love the smoky clouds creating a darkness over the burning land and the striking sunset.� Valma has always enjoyed looking at art and visiting galleries. Last year she decided to give it a go for relaxation and it has become a passion. She is mainly self-taught, although she has taken some classes along the way in the last twelve months. This is her second exhibition in the Toyota Community Spirit Gallery. Her daughter Donna works with Toyota.
38
change