The Decorator: July 2011

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Margaret Olley -The Loss of a National Treasure!

Portrait of Olley by Ben Quilty Winner of the 2010 Archibald Prize

Saddened this week by the passing of the wonderful Margaret Olley!

In the studio

Olley who was preparing for her latest exhibition at the age of 88, will be remembered for her rich celebration of still life and interiors, within a hugely prolific body of work, together with her undying philanthropic generosity and support of the Australian art world.

Red Hibiscus

Still Life with Mandarins

Her work which centred upon the passionate love of beauty and capturing the objects in her treasured world, was indeed her life and homage to the likes of Cezanne and Morandi.

Tang Horse 1975

Olley with Barry Humphries in front of the celebrated William Dobell Archibald Prize winning portait of 1948 (Picture: Brianne Makin)

Poppies and Yellow Jug 2004

Lemons 2002

Flannel and Wild Flowers in a White Vase 1973

Always hoping to create what she called the 'perfect' picture, this desire continued to drive Olley to the next painting and then the next, perhaps always doubting the true resolution of the one which came before.

The ongoing search for perfection in her work was the driving force and life blood of this larger than life character.

Still Life with Apples

Tuscany Rug with Native Flowers 1995

Ranunculus and Watermelon 1978

She once said

"A work of art is never finished, it is merely abandoned!"

I am sure her spirit will live on amongst the ramshackle rooms and objects of her beloved Paddington terrace and studio. As her close friend and dealer Philip Bacon who worked with her right to the end touchingly commented.....
'She is probably propped up on her stool, cigarette in hand debating now whether the Sydney ferry should have been left in that harbour scape painting for the final show, or not!!'

1923-2011

Images & Story via:

Conversation with Philip Bacon & Eleanor Hall on The World Today ABC Radio National;
AGNSW; Philip Bacon Galleries; McCullochs's Encyclopedia of Australian Art;
Deutscher-Menzies various catalogues; The Melbourne Age: Photo by Steven Siewert; Australian Studio Book

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Millar Residence

Recently my family and I had the pleasure of having lunch with our close friends the Millars at their charming home in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Timothy Millar of Gilston 4 fame and his stunning wife Charmaine hosted and created a wonderful gourmet experience which included ricotta fritters and a flavourful multi-mushroom risotto!

Their home, which I am sorry to say they have just sold and moved from,

was one of my favourite places.

An original 1950's beach cottage, was transformed by the Millars into a lovely family home including a private lillipilli lined courtyard with enormous potted bougainvillea.