Author: HandmarkHobart articles

new handmark artist — paul gundry: evocative landscapes

Published 19 November 2025

Dreamlike landscapes soaked with quiet emotion are the calling card of renowned Tasmanian painter, Paul Gundry. A new addition to the Handmark stable, Paul will be unveiling beautiful oils in the Group Show.

The Australian Tonalist Movement is Paul’s guiding star. Rising to prominence in the early 20^th century, the Tonalists embrace silence, subtlety and light: “My practice responds to quiet scenery and capturing all the varying moods with simplicity. This means relying on tone to convey the essence of the image in all its mystery and uncertainty,” Paul explains.

Describing himself as a ‘mid-career artist’, Paul’s work is highly regarded. He has been a Glover Prize finalist on five occasions, and made the final cut in the inaugural Hadley’s Art Prize. Adopting tonalist hallmarks of limited colour palettes and soft edges his landscapes “border between pictorial representation and abstraction.”

Paul captures this beautifully in Summer Fields, a collection of three small oils – just some of his paintings in the Group Show. All depict the same field in the Derwent Valley. We view golden grasses receding into a hazy background as rolling hills disappear over the horizon. Tone and mood outweigh colour and detail: “I respond to the pictorial and tonal possibilities of a landscape. The transient atmospheric shifts that fleetingly evoke a resonant sense of place.”

back on the horse — alyce bailey: animal magic

Published 19 November 2025

Alyce Bailey burst onto the art scene as a teenager with back-to-back sell-out exhibitions. But it was too much too soon, and she quickly retreated. However, after a 7-year sabbatical Alyce is back – and so are her magical animals.

“I had my first Handmark show when I was 19, then another two when I was 20 and 21. My paintings were literally selling as they were being unpacked. It was a frenzy and I felt overwhelmed and couldn’t cope. I was like the horse had bucked me off, kicked me, and bolted,” Alyce explains. “But, after time out, I am back on the horse and raring to go.”

Launceston-based Alyce paints animals. Cheeky and whimsical pen and acrylic characters that help her “navigate the world.” She unveils wonderful works in Handmark’s Group Show: A self-portrait with Alyce as Clover the Rabbit; A skunk draped in beads and affirmations is beautiful; while a homing pigeon with a key is Alyce’s message – she is back home.

But the showstopper is her large painting, Gumnuts and Buttons, which is a reflection on Van Diemens Land. A fox – the hunter – is draped in soldier’s buttons, while a thylacine – the hunted – is resplendent in gumnut beads. “I view art through the lens of animals.”

bold moves — hilton owen: pure abstract

Published 19 November 2025

Abstract Painter, Hilton Owen unveils some bold moves in the upcoming Group Show. As he continues his artistic evolution, Hilton unveils exciting new works that takes his pure abstraction to new levels.

Hilton is a young Tasmanian painter continually pushing artistic boundaries: “My latest paintings are bolder and braver. I have stripped all the unnecessary and distracting clutter away. The irony is, it is more difficult to make a simpler painting as every decision becomes exposed even the most minor adjustments have a huge impact.” The result is art distilled to its purest form, much like the minimalism of Japanese Zen philosophy which is Hilton’s inspiration.

Apricot Flush, Cerulean Curve and Molten Ribbon are all strikingly powerful works of one mini collection. Just three simple forms, and three bold colours – apricot, cerulean blue and black – appear on each canvas: “These are free-flowing paintings where colour, form and composition are equally weighted. I hope to create a sense of wonder. I want a reaction. I want people to ask – what is this?”

Hilton reaches joyful new heights with Lemon Buzz and Citrus Symmetry. The simple forms remain, but black has been replaced with hot pink and fizzy lemon. “Everything becomes heightened, from the colours themselves to the space between the different forms. This is pure abstraction.”

The works of Paul Gundry, Alyce Bailey, and Hilton Owen feature in Handmark’ s Group Show which will be opened by CEO of Artbank, Zoë Rodriguez from 5pm on Friday November 21 and runs until December 8.

adrian barber — old ranges, new shores

Published 1 October 2025

Two summers camping alone in the wilderness of Lake Pedder, has culminated in an exquisite exhibition of new landscapes by Adrian Barber. Old Ranges, New Shores, captures the joy of life returning after the sadness of loss.

“Like so many people, I mourned the flooding of Lake Pedder. Fifty years ago, it was drowned, and lies dormant under a new body of water, and I have been trying to make sense of that loss” Adrian explains. “But, when I returned, I found a beautiful place that nature is slowly starting to reclaim. Little beaches are forming around the new lake which is alive with wildlife and birdsong.

Adrian would paddle out onto the lake in the pre-dawn silence. Alone in the world. His magnificently sublime paintings – like the large multi-panelled Boundless, The Frankland Range – captures this isolated beauty in all its glory. We view an inlet fringed by golden-brown button grass. Light pierces jagged mountains looming in the background. “It’s my romantic extrapolation of place.”

“I have tried to look at the new lake sympathetically, with tenderness, romanticism, and optimism. One day the lake may be restored to its former glory, but I doubt I will witness that in my lifetime. Perhaps these paintings represent an act of forgiveness and a tacit acceptance of loss.” Adrian is also showcasing a small series of paintings of moonlit skies he calls Nocturnes.

Adrian Barber’s Old Ranges, New Shores exhibition runs from October 24 until November 17.

sarah farquhar-still — glorious baubles

Published 1 October 2025

Dreaming of Christmas jewels? Head to Handmark, where Sarah Farquhar-Still has just delivered delectable new baubles. Simple yet striking. Contemporary yet classic. Sarah’s gorgeous handmade jewels are designed to last a lifetime – and beyond.

In this new collection, Sarah explores chain and link-making. And, if you want to really spoil yourself, make a beeline for the two pendant necklaces each anchored by the most glorious – and large – baroque flameball pearl. Featuring a bar and chain design, the detail is exquisite with each link hand-embossed with textured linen. One gold, the other silver, they are timeless, elegant and versatile. The pearl is easily removed for a more low-key look!

After a decidedly modern twist, head for the two paperclip chain necklaces in silver and black oxidised sliver. “These are funky contemporary pieces,” Sarah tells us. “They are very simple in design and the links provide the statement. A row of freshwater pearls at the back adds a surprising twist.”

But Sarah also draws on the past. Referencing the ancient art of Persian chainmail weave, she has created the striking Odette Necklace. “Made from densely overlapping links, this was time consuming and more akin to weaving.” Sarah’s necklaces also have matching bracelets and earrings. Perfect for Santa’s list!

Sarah Farquhar-Still’s new collection of handmade jewellery has just landed at Handmark Gallery.

heidi woodhead — oceanic

Published 3 September 2025

heidi woodhead, ebb and flow, 2025, oil on canvas, 92 x 122 cm

Heidi’s last Handmark showing, which was a sellout success, referenced the Dutch Masters with hyper-realistic tulips that glowed against moody backdrops. In her new exhibition, Oceanic, the style remains but the subject matter is dramatically different: “We recently drove around Australia, and I was mesmerised by the ocean and coastline that circles this ancient land. I knew what I had to paint next,” Heidi reflects.

Back in the studio Heidi bought these landscapes to life with traditional still-life composition. In striking tableau, worn fragments washed up by the ocean – like shells and bits of china – conjures up images of “the vast passage of time which communicates a sense of history.” The ocean becomes a metaphor. A recurring theme in this body of work is swirling cloth that represents turbulent waves.

In Sirens, which is the largest of Heidi’s 21 works, our mind is drawn to visions of old shipwrecks deep under the ocean. Rich with patina and set upon a dark background, it’s as if a spotlight has picked out stories from the sea. A glossy black drinking vessel, luminous shells, and a glass fishing float evokes “a sense of history with time-weary, ancient objects that reach through the ages to communicate their tales of woe.”

Heidi’s Oceanic exhibition will open at Handmark at 5pm on Friday September 5. It will run until September 22.

travis bell — new ceramics – stacked series

Published 3 September 2025

travis bell, canonical cannon 1, 2025, ceramics, 35 x 20 x 20 cm

The Launceston artist has just delivered a dozen exciting new pieces to Handmark Gallery.
Travis explores the intersection of balance, fragility and tension with art that appears to defy gravity. Previously he has created clay vessels that sit at seemingly impossible angles; there have also been ceramic stupas made from precarious spherical shapes that look ready to collapse at any moment. His new works build on these learnings – representing years of artistic practice and experimentation.

In this latest outing, he produces striking ceramics that reference miniature totem poles. Each is made from three pieces of clay stacked on top of one other. “The top and bottom are mirror images, while the middle serves as decoration,” Travis explains. “They also continue my investigation into how clay can combine both the functional and sculptural aspects.”

Another recurring theme is his passion for clay itself. Travis leaves ceramics unadorned and unglazed, allowing the beauty of the material to shine through as one of the most important elements of his art. This is highlighted further through works that are minimal in style and strong in form: “I aim to present clay as a truthful and honest medium.”

New ceramics from Travis Bell are now on display at Handmark Gallery.

handmark supports cancer research — hobart cancerians donation

Published 3 September 2025

The gallery has donated $15,000 to the Hobart Cancerians from fund-raising that coincided with the acclaimed Celebrating National Tree Day exhibition held in July. The Hobart Cancerians are small in size, but big in impact. Over the past decade these incredible volunteers have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research. “We are a fundraising arm of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation which moves mountains, and that’s why I have stayed for so long,” Committee President, Gillian Groom explains. “Recently we joined forces with the wonderful Allanah Dopson – and with huge success!”

Handmark’s Director Allanah, in collaboration with committee member Laura Ribarow, organised a private viewing of the Celebrating Tree Day exhibition, replete with music, wine and guest speakers. Furthermore, a percentage of profits from each artwork sold was donated. “It was brilliant and raised $15,000 exceeding all expectations. Allanah’s warm generosity in opening that special space for this important cause was beyond generous.”

The Hobart Cancerians next fundraising event in November, Bubbles and Blooms, is another showstopper. Acclaimed Violist and committee member, Will Newbery, will direct a string quartet amongst the roses of a magnificent private garden while afternoon tea is served. Could there be a better way to celebrate spring and support cancer research?

For more information about Bubbles and Blooms please contact the Hobart Cancerians.

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Author: HandmarkHobart articles

new handmark artist — paul gundry: evocative landscapes

Published 19 November 2025