back on the horse — alyce bailey: animal magic

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.”