Art News

Looking outside in

After nine years at the helm of the Kolinda Gallery in Alstonville, Jane Hewetson has found time amongst her differing roles as a mother, art teacher and gallery director to present her first solo exhibition.

Entitled Outside Influences, the exhibition is a stunning showcase of Jane's talent as a painter and testimony to her long years of study as an artist in Sydney.

The works themselves pay homage to the beauty of the local coastline and the surrounding rainforests, with many of the pastels depicting native fruits found in the region. The exhibition also features a series of African animals made using mixed media, which Jane says has pushed her boundaries and allowed her to experiment with different techniques.

"I love exploring 'outside' splendour - the spirituality of our local beaches and the inherent beauty of our forests and native flora and fauna," Jane said. "It just feels so wonderful to be painting as it's something I truly love. I feel like my creativity has been unleashed again after many years."

Jane's exhibition has been received so well that more than half of her works have already sold. She is justifiably proud of the achievement and invites others to come and enjoy her return to the local art scene.

Outside Influences is on show until next Thursday, November 4. The gallery is located on the highway just as you drive into Alstonville.