tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24479138546834184822024-03-14T03:34:44.982+08:00From My Easel By Carmen CilliersPaintings, experiences and random musings from an artist.Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-11051323560005641202010-09-05T05:46:00.010+08:002010-09-05T06:47:16.892+08:00URBAN SAFARIThe URBAN SAFARI Press Release: ”How far do we need to travel to go on Safari?” ...Exciting and contemporary South African born artist, Carmen Cilliers asked herself a simple question...”How far do we need to travel to be on Safari?” After months of exploration and hard work, Cilliers brings together a bold exhibition in response to this question – an exhibition that fuses an eclectic mix ofCarmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-61007415206160843852010-03-06T18:48:00.037+08:002010-04-28T16:28:28.527+08:00An overdue update from an artist that doesn't like blogging :)Well I guess we can all agree on one thing - I'm not the worlds greatest blogger!The more I've put off updating this site, the harder it's become to decide what news to post.Lets rewind a bit! In October - that's the one in 2009 I took an impromptu trip to Paris with my partner Steve. The international art festival (FIAC) was on at the Lourve... and we needed a break, and as much as we love ourCarmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-20589131936097896062009-09-12T17:00:00.004+08:002009-09-30T10:09:43.303+08:00Google your name and see what you can find.I googled my name and found this short article:• Carmen Cilliers awarded "Highly Commended Artist" By Director of Holmes a Court Gallery judge...RotARTary in 2008This event was held again in the main hall of the Margaret River Cultural Centre, over the Foundation Day long weekend 31 May to 2 June 2008. There were a record number of entries (270) giving a very impressive display of work from Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-50192298895766833832009-08-31T10:01:00.012+08:002009-08-31T11:12:21.381+08:00Why even artists need diaries.Hello!Its been a great couple of few weeks when you take into account the roller coaster of emotions that I am sure can be attributed to my quit smoking drug, CHAMPIX. It works - been two months now... I can't imagine myself ever having done that.Well, all the extra time that one suddenly has when they aren't standing around idly 'enjoying' a smoke amounts up to quite a bit and I've realized Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-7279410991439860462009-08-13T18:46:00.002+08:002009-08-13T18:46:50.648+08:00Brett WhiteleyMy new favourite quote from the man I would most love to spend a day with:"Never trust an art dealer who'll sit in a room for more than ten minutes with a crooked picture" - Brett Whiteley.Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-24339449401299325622009-08-13T16:21:00.002+08:002009-08-13T16:22:51.691+08:00Update on my previous entry.It turns out that after having a real good whine about having an exhibition that I wasn't happy with that 7 out of 9 paintings have just been rented out to corporate clients. That changes my lousy 1% ratio I was moaning about. Thought I just needed to share that.Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-22904312609418464192009-08-13T10:04:00.011+08:002009-08-13T12:11:43.919+08:00Paintings, Exhibitions, Workshops and Mental Torment!Hello!As some of you have so kindly pointed out, it has been a while.You see, I tried to blame it all on computer problems but that wasn't really the whole truth. Lately I have been oscillating on so many levels within myself that it's hard to sometimes put pen to paper/fingers to keyboard and express the state of my consciousness. To add to that, my horse, 'Carp Diem', recently bolted with me Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-65592324345094536922009-06-10T23:29:00.001+08:002009-06-10T23:32:07.049+08:00AAArgh computer problems!Just a quick one to say I am so sorry for being such a slack ass on my blog. We are having computer problems... slow, delayed, no emails in or out... just terrible! The best thing is though, when you can log some of your work on a blog or website at least when your computer crashes you know some records have been saved (because I am not one for downloading work onto disk). Take care, I'll be Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-19202622430115011702009-05-30T16:20:00.007+08:002009-08-13T13:38:37.220+08:00A busy month of art & exhibitions!Hi Everyone,Thank you for being so patient - I've slacked off on my blog to ensure I met a few other obligations over the past few weeks.Firstly, I want to share that I went on a brief trip to Melbourne, and while there visited the National Gallery of Victoria to see the John Bracks exhibition. If you don't know his work I sincerely recommend, particularly for those of you that enjoy doing Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-14342499943837044152009-04-21T10:39:00.007+08:002009-04-21T11:14:10.127+08:00Painting Commission - Claudia's GiftA couple of months ago I was asked to do a rather unusual commission. I say unusual because the buyer saw a painting of mine on the internet. They considered purchasing it, but after much deliberation decided instead to commission a work. The original inspiration for their commission being my painting 'Between Takes' as pictured below. The young buyer (through her Mum's wallet) had several Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-55621256051846819982009-04-17T09:41:00.016+08:002009-04-17T10:30:06.800+08:00Art from my Archives!I haven't gone through my portfolio in years! I have somehow had it in storage and managed to lug it over the years from Cape Town to Melbourne and it's finally settled in Perth. I opened it the other day and it was like going into a time capsule. Most of the work is from school or student days when I was studying fashion design in Cape Town. I thought it would be nice to share with you. I'llCarmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-1569417348319664662009-03-31T12:43:00.016+08:002009-04-02T09:28:07.808+08:00The End Product - My StudioHello Again! I have been so distracted over the past few weeks as I patiently watched my shed evolve from a hot, dusty, messy space into a space that is cool, inviting, organised and inspiring.Before: After: Until recently I worked out on the patio or in a hot shed, contending with Jacaranda leaves in my acrylic, bugs and heat. In winter I confined myself to some corner of the house, a spare Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-66565116173532398282009-03-03T12:37:00.017+09:002009-03-31T11:23:13.509+08:00In DebtYes, I'm long overdue for an entry in my blog!It's been busy times. Commissions, Art Awards, My Graduation and lots of time spent planning a workshop for 120 kids to take place next week. Chaotic... perhaps why I painted this:I'm going to keep this short today because I have to rush off to the picture framers to get a painting framed for my friends wedding on Saturday, she loves the Outback andCarmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-3682078242650177972009-02-05T18:05:00.002+09:002009-02-05T18:11:37.008+09:00CarnivaleHello again,Been a bit slow on the painting side this week. I've had this one on the go and have just been dabbling around because my focus has been on commissions, assignments and the big Australian Citizen Test tomorrow! Today I just needed to do something for me so I decided to enjoy finishing this at my leisure.I'm delighted at how she has turned out, the cat disturbed me for a while but Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-18139931826722254332009-01-24T10:32:00.008+09:002009-01-24T11:26:21.962+09:00The Industrious Shadow lands in Texas!Hello,I woke up to a wonderful email this morning from a thrilled buyer who recently purchased "The Industrious Shadow". I worry with internet sales that the buyer may be dissapointed when the painting arrives as it is never quite the same on a computer monitor as in reality... ... one can adjust colours, manipulate contrasts, and saturate the image... On the flip side, what you don't see on a Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-78373582926646644202009-01-21T13:32:00.006+09:002009-02-25T11:20:51.470+09:00Dribbly Dabbly FunOoh I had so much fun doing this! Yes, it's a pretty messy process and takes ages to dry and as you can see uses loads and loads of paint, but when one just wants to let hair down and have fun with colour this is a blast to do! I decided it was time to get it happening with purples because it seems to be a common colour request with commissions but a colour I seldom use except in the place of Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-47834021148846773762009-01-19T06:32:00.004+09:002009-01-19T07:08:06.362+09:00By The Light Of The Silver MoonHello everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend!For me the past two days have been pretty reclusive as I once again submerged myself into a new painting. I am not a 100% sure of the title, so if you have any feedback -feel free to share!I've had to apply some pressure to complete this painting as it will be exhibited at the "Inspired By Nature" exhibition hosted by Interactive Arts and needs Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-5741930889784117102009-01-10T19:28:00.003+09:002009-01-10T19:32:33.579+09:00After PersephoneI have been plagued with the most god-awful rashes and hives this whole break! Yes, like a million mosquitoes attacked me. Perhaps that is what prompted me to paint this whimsical gorgeous smooth skinned Persephone. She looks to be enjoying her summer a lot more than me.I have used acrylic on canvas - because who has time for oils to dry ; ) - and the painting measures 70 x 40 cm. If you areCarmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-41090703417245531932009-01-08T12:07:00.004+09:002009-01-08T12:33:34.453+09:00Just for fun, while paint dries!Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-32547938656397551312009-01-07T11:35:00.008+09:002009-01-19T07:20:54.192+09:00The start of something new!Yip - I am pretty chuffed! My summer sale turned out to be pretty successful with the opportunity to do a commission plus a few sales including:Serendipity The Industrious Shadow Transition (The blue bird) and two small tribal masks.What's ExcitingI am starting a new series. Lets not get into boring details, but I will say that I have adjusted the way I paint that removes the painstakingness Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-58297599078739294952008-12-29T10:50:00.003+09:002008-12-29T10:53:41.311+09:00Life's GamblesA mixed media on canvas that unfolded over a period of 12 months and recently came together as this, rather unusual piece of work that incorporates a variety of mediums including collage, acrylic, gesso, sand, inks and guache… pretty much anything that I wanted.I guess the theme remained one of experimentation and my attitude stayed playful and open to where the painting wanted to lead me. Most Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-79220071195089044042008-12-20T18:06:00.002+09:002008-12-20T18:12:09.328+09:00Eddie's Big Day OutPhew! Well, finally completed this commission. I won't say how long it has been a WIP but finally it is ready for delivery. I am pretty nervous, hope the buyer likes it, actually, since it is a gift for her daughter and son in law for Christmas, I more importantly hope they like it.I find this a painstakingly slow process. I basically paint this painting about 3 times, first in black outline, Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-56819157117962689612008-10-01T11:00:00.002+08:002008-10-01T11:10:10.691+08:00A long and overdue update.Hello Everyone.Well, this is severely overdue! I have been so busy. I had my first exhibition - almost a solo, but I'll aim for that next year - TRIO, with artists Tanya Cook and Narelle Manser-Smith. The exhibition went well with close to 200 people attending on the opening night. I sold 4 out of 10 paintings which is great because all costs involved have been covered and after the 30% Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-58121053133383299482008-08-28T08:00:00.003+08:002008-08-28T08:07:28.095+08:00The West Australian "What's On" mentions Carmen CilliersFeels pretty cool when you see your name in print, the old fashioned type, not just email or internet type of print. The Newspaper type.On the 12th of September as many of you already know I am exhibiting with Narelle and Tanya. This article sums up some of what you are likely to see rather nicely:'Trio' exhibition in Victoria ParkTHE artwork of Carmen Cilliers, Tanya Cook and Narelle Manser- Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447913854683418482.post-58254080727135342682008-05-30T08:58:00.004+08:002008-05-30T09:04:29.468+08:00Prospecting... a glimpse into the goldmines of the unconscious.This painting has had me in a quandry for a while. Since early stages it seemed to have no beginning and no end. There's a richness in this work that needs to be enjoyed by being in the physical presence of the painting. It reminds me of wealth, gold mining, Western Australia and her earthly riches.Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547795305759059592noreply@blogger.com0