Ruby Chew

Manresa Report Magazine

2012-01-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a little Article in the St. Ignatius' Manresa Report about my time as Artist in Residence at the College.

2012

2011-12-18T22:48:00.001-08:00

It's official! Here's the promotional flyer for Hill Smith Gallery's exhibitions in 2012, including a detail of my very own, Stavroula! My show's set for November. More information TBA.

Best of Adelaide 2011

2011-12-18T21:16:00.000-08:00

On the 15th of December Adelaide Magazine released their last issue for 2011 titled, Best of Adelaide 2011. I was so pleased to be mentioned as a Best of in this issue!

2012

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Sorry it's been a little while between posts. I've taken some much needed relaxation time but I'm very happy to share my news with you.

I'm having a solo show with Hill Smith Gallery in 2012.

So, here I am back in the studio with new imagery, models and ideas! Here's a sneak peak of a large (and very unfinished) tonal study I'm working on at the moment.

I'm very excited about this new body of work and will continue to update you through this blog. Keep your bananas peeled!

Please 'click' to enlarge

Ruby x

Article in Update Arts Magazine

2011-10-20T02:52:00.000-07:00

Article in Update Arts Magazine, Issue 73 Sept - Nov 2011
'Click' to enlarge

NEW

2011-09-13T02:11:00.000-07:00

I've updated my 'work' section with new, high res images of my lastest work.

Plus my website - www.rubychew.com

Have a lookie!

Residency - Final Product

2011-08-24T02:42:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day at St. Ignatius’ as their artist and residence.

I would’ve loved to have spent another week working on this painting, however I’m pretty happy with what I’ve produced over the 11 days I spent there, and that the school will be purchasing the work too. I like the idea of leaving a piece of me behind. Hopefully it will encourage students to pursue the arts!

Going back as an old scholar in my field was so rewarding. Hindsight made me really appreciate how wonderful the school is and how lucky I was to go there. All the teachers, whether they’d taught me or not, were so welcoming and genuinely interested in me and my work. I felt proud to go back and show the people that helped me develop in my teens how far I’d come and what I’ve achieved.

Definitely warmed to a few particular students; many hugs goodbye. I felt sad that I wouldn’t see the rest of their work develop over the year, but I wish all the students all the very best with their studies!

Anyway, enough gushing. Here’s what you all came to see. The ‘final’ product! Please excuse the poor quality photographs. I just snapped them with my point and shoot but hopefully will get it professionally photographed soon. Stay tuned for that one.

Please 'click' to enlarge images

Ruby x

Hidden Talents - Adelaide Matters

2011-08-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here's an article from the Sept. issue of Adelaide Matters on 'alternative galleries' featuring Magazine Gallery and owner, Josh Fanning with my works 'Stavroula' and 'Rohan'.

Don't forget, PORTRAITS will be open till the 31st of August, so if you haven't seen it in the flesh as of yet, do!

Please 'click' to enlarge

Ruby x

Photos from Ignatius Residency for Article

2011-08-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

Here as some more photos taken by Helen Orr c/o The Messenger from my Residency at St. Ignatius' College! Hels was a fantastic photographer and it was lots of fun!

Check out her website - helsorrphotos.com

Ruby x

Progress photos from Ignatius Residency - Round #3/4

2011-08-22T04:31:00.000-07:00

Please 'click' the images to enlarge

End of last week

Start of this week

Still so much fine tuning to do and very little time left!
My last day is Wednesday this week. Today I had a lunch time visit from two close friends fresh back from overseas - also old scholars. We sat in the art room eating sandwiches reliving our year 11/12 years!

Back to school with the East Torrens Messenger

2011-08-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

Please 'click' to enlarge

Kryztoff Review

2011-08-18T23:26:00.001-07:00

Writtern by Genevieve Brandenburg for Kryztoff

Please 'click' to enlarge

Progress photos from Ignatius Residency - Round #2

2011-08-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some more photos I took with my little point and shoot camera of the painting I'm making during my time at St. Ignatius.

I'm using Tom as a model for this work. It's the third time I've painted Tom - I hope I'm capturing him a little bit more with every work. I think this work has promise and I'm excited to keep working on it! I actually took these at the start of the week but haven't had a chance to post them till now. Boy, does the painting look very different to this at the moment!

Please 'click' on the images to enlarge them.

I will continue to post progress photos of this work. I finish my time at St. Ignatius College mid next week. I'm really enjoying my time there!

Ruby x

Gloria for Open Week

2011-08-18T00:41:00.000-07:00

You may have been seeing this little beauty, my painting Gloria from the Talking to Strangers exhibition, around the place is you live in Adelaide. Well, that's because Adelaide Central School of Art have selected it for their Open Week campaign for 2011. It's been popping up in many different publications - Art magazines, street press, websites, just to name a few. There's also a large banner at the front of the school!

I will be doing two artist talks during the week - One at the information night on Tuesday 23rd and one at the Open Day on Sunday 28th. For more information about these please see the flyer attached.

If you're thinking about studying art, I would recommend popping along for this!

Click to enlarge

Ps. If you didn't get to see Talking to Strangers, click here for a short video tour presented by Daryl Austin.

Ruby x

St. Ignatius' College Artist in Residence

2011-08-15T16:58:00.001-07:00

On Monday last week I started my position as the 2011 Artist in Residence at St. Ignatius' College (senior campus).

As an old scholar I must admit it was a little strange to be back, but I am having a ball. I love going into the lion’s den – the staff room and calling the teachers by their first names. They are all wonderful people. The art department has always been a wonderful support to me whilst a student and beyond.

My role at the college is to produce an artwork during my residency, enabling the students to view my making processes. I have also been giving artists talks to the senior years plus technical support – namely painting and drawing demonstrations and assistance with idea development. My favourite part is looking at the year 12 student’s back up and majors. On Friday I also assisted hanging artwork at the Festival Centre for the 60th birthday celebration of the school on Saturday night.

The school has set up a small space for me to work, where students and teachers are free to pop in and have a look at what I’m up to. Strangely enough, a few of the women I attended art school with are mothers of students at the college – I had a wonderful surprise visit from Sally Parnis, who was working at the tuck shop (and funnily enough, made my lunch that day!) and came to visit me after her duties for a fabulous catch up chat! Sally’s work is amazing, and we share a lot of concerns within our work, yet our works look so different. Also Patty Chehade, who graduated with me last year from Honours and who I shared a studio space with, is running the St. Ignatius Art Show.

Here are some progress photos of my work, following the same ideas I have been developing from my show ‘PORTRAITS’

Ruby x

Post PORTRAITS

2011-08-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

The opening of Portraits was such a great success!

I’m proud to say 4 oil paintings and a number of water colours were sold prior to the show’s opening (Friday August 5th) which meant I had sold close to $5,000 before I had even walked through the door!

By the end of the night there were only a hand full of works left – about 8 out of the total 34 (oil paintings, water colours, drawings and mixed media portraits based around 5 sitters – including myself) And more have sold over this weekend. I never expected my work to be so well received. I am so pleased.

Opening night

Let me set the scene for those that couldn’t make it: Walking through the red front doors of Magazine Gallery you are first struck by the black bold text on the white opposing wall reading ‘PORTRAITS. An exhibition by Ruby Chew’. Painted below is a small red poppy which leads your eyes left to the large mural covering the whole left wall – circles of black, brown and orange, wilting flowers and bright red poppies that make up the pattern that runs throughout all the artworks. I liked the idea that people could stand in front of the mural and ‘become the artwork.’ The jazz band was wearing black clothing with cravats featuring the squiggly black on white design, hand painted, that also runs throughout the art works. These cravats were also worn by those working for the gallery on the night – bar staff and manager. I wore an outfit made by Hot Couture which I also hand painted this squiggly pattern on.

I wanted to emphasize the imagery; the visual links that run through the art works - by incorporating them into the evening. This is something I like to do for every show I have. For me, making a body of work is about everything coming together, particularly at opening night. This quote from Lady Gaga really taps into what I was and am thinking about when I make art, and challenges me to push these boundaries of art, artist and viewer further.

With Joy from Hot Couture

When I'm writing music, I'm thinking about the clothes I want to wear on stage. It's all about everything altogether—performance art, pop performance art, fashion. For me, it's everything coming together and being a real story… I want the imagery to be so strong that fans will want to eat and taste and lick every part of us.

Gaga is a character that is so well constructed and I find that immensely interesting.

Here are some photos from the night. There are so many, to view more please click here. I have posted a few of my favourites.

Photos by Ben McPherson:

Photos by Katherine Botten c/o Five Thousand:

Please 'like' my artist page on facebook to keep up to date with my practice!

A huge thank you to all the amazing support I recieved from my family, friends and models! Could not have pulled this off with out you! Special mentions go out to Rose, Lucy, Jaq, Daryl, Rod, Tom, Lucy Beth, Stav and Rohan.

Ruby x

Rip It Up : July 28 - August 3 '11

2011-07-28T03:57:00.000-07:00

Please click to enlarge

The Adelaide Review : August SALA Edition Feature

2011-07-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Please click to enlarge

PORTRAITS - an exhibition by Ruby Chew

2011-07-06T23:36:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge

Hope y'all can make it!

Ruby x

A LIST

2011-06-29T23:10:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge

On the A List at the Frauleins :: Three Times A Lady opening for Adelaide Magazine

Interview for ABC

2011-06-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a very exciting interview with some of the ladies from the Frauleins exhibition, shown on the ABC last week. They do a fantastic job of explaining the ideas behind Three Times A Lady!

Ruby x

Tomorrow Night! Frauleins :: Three Times a Lady

2011-05-31T01:27:00.001-07:00

Just thought I'd remind you that tomorrow night our group show, Frauleins :: Three Times a Lady, opens at Gallery on Waymouth (30 Waymouth Street, City) at 6pm! We hung this morning and it looks fabulous together. A really diverse and exciting bunch of works! Hope you all can make it.

AND Here's a little pre-write up by Adelaide Magazine!

Adelaide Magazine Article

2011-05-25T20:39:00.001-07:00

Please click to enlarge

SALA Profile

2011-05-17T01:26:00.000-07:00

Official image for my solo show 'Portraits'
Tom (detail), 2011, Oil on Canvas

***

As you may know, I am set to have my first Solo exhibition, Portraits, at Magazine Gallery opening on the 5th of August for this year's SALA Festival. With the wonderful SALA award from the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition under my belt, I have recieved free premium regestration from SALA to kick of my show!

Freshly created! Check out my SALA Profile here

SALA is recognised as the largest visual arts festival in Australia, SALA is proudly local, we celebrate the diverse and rich talent of South Australia’s amateur, emerging and established visual artists.

SALA celebrated the works of 3018 South Australian visual artists exhibiting across 515 venues statewide in 2010, to an audience in excess of 380,000 people.

Check out their website here to get more information on the festival and see other participating artists profiles.

Also, please 'like' me as an artist on facebook! Link to my fan page here.

Ruby x

Sneak Peak!

2011-05-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak of two paintings, Tom and Lucy Beth, I'm working on for my SALA show in August. Press release coming soon!

Ruby x

Watercolour of Lucy Beth

2011-05-01T22:33:00.001-07:00

Watercolour, coloured pencil and graphite on watercolour paper

Frauleins :: Three Times a Lady

2011-04-29T23:24:00.001-07:00

THE ALL FEMALE ART COLLECTIVE ARE BACK BIGGER AND BRIGHTER FOR THEIR THIRD INSTALMENT

The Frauleins make fine art with heart.

It's all about love, imagination, beauty and the truth of being a girl. It will enrich your soul. Or flirt with you. It'll be cute and coy and probably charm your socks off.
...
This flock of lovelies, born from the creative hub that is Urban Cow, invites you to join them for the opening of their third group show, Three Times A Lady.

Be enchanted by the latest thoughtful anthology of painting, illustration and keepsakes from the all-female art collective, as they take you on a trip to lady land. With a combined back catalogue of works gracing the pages of many a fine magazine, the likes of Frankie, Yen, Inside Out and Home Beautiful all agree these eleven artists and designers are top shelf.

Fancy a gander at these visual delights? Then come along to the Fraulein's new venue at Gallery on Waymouth (rooftop bar included) to enjoy some banter and bevvies, plus the marvellous specimens on display!

FEATURING
Naomi Murrell :: Katrina Weber :: Ruby Chew :: Peta Alannah Chigwidden :: Elisa Mazzone :: Georgia Gabrielle :: Joelie Croser :: Anna Creasy :: Kate Gagliardi :: Lisa King
AND VERY SPECIAL GUEST... Bec Winnel

Opening Night
June 1st, 6 - 8pm 2011
Show runs June 1st - June 30th 2011

GALLERY ON WAYMOUTH
30 Waymouth Street, Adelaide 5000
Tel: (08) 8211 8820 Fax: (08) 8212 0563
www.galleryonwaymouth.com.au
Open Monday-Saturday 9am until late

Click Here for the Facebook invite!

Watercolour Works in Progress

2011-03-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some old and new watercolours I've been re-vamping. Just trying to work out their next stage... Ruby x

Update Magazine Cover

2011-03-30T23:12:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to have one of my paintings, Tom, chosen to be on the cover of this quarter's issue of Update Art Magazine. Inside, there is an article on the exhibition I was in, the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition, with a little interview with me in regards to winning the SALA and Hill Smith Gallery/Helpmann Academy Friends Travel Prize:

"I feel so honoured to be selected for the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition, let alone be awarded two amazing Prizes. Both awards will enable me to develop my career and I'm very grateful and very excited"

"I want to use this travel award to get some experience under my belt, gather new inspiration, meet other artists, network, promote my practise internationally, open up opportunities and go to galleries and museums. I'd definitely like to go to Europe, namely Paris, London and Berlin, to see the artworks that I've adored for years in the flesh!"

Pick up a copy today! It will be avaliable to view online shortly, and I will include a link when it is.

Here's me in my studio having a read, plus an informal progress shot of that self portrait cameo I've been working on.

Ruby x

Watercolour Study for Cameo Self Portrait 24.3.11

2011-03-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

I've been painting watercolours for days on a new, small A5 watercolour pad, not understanding why none of them were turning out well. I've just changed to a thicker paper and it's working so much better! The paper is holding a lot more paint and water; I'm able to do so many more layers, and detail. This one is watercolour, graphite, tea and ink on watercolour paper.

Ruby x

Work in Progress Shots - 22/23 March

2011-03-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Brushes poised and ready!

I’m making work for my first ever solo show for the SALA festival, August 2011! The show will open on the 5th at Magazine Gallery, Clubhouse Lane, City.

This new body of work will include a continuation of some of the themes and motifs from 2010, plus I have a few new things up my sleeve. Like the last body of work, it will include multiple series that will make up the whole; watercolours, cameos on oval canvases, larger oil works plus more. Again all portraits. People are just too darn interesting not to paint!

Here are some progress shots of a cameo I'm working on. A self portrait.

Please continue to follow my blog to see constant updates of how the work is coming along. Would absolutely love any feedback from you. Thanks!

Ruby x

'Passion from an Early Age'

2011-03-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

Here's an article written by Lisa Bachmayer for the City North Messenger about my work on March 7.

Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition

2011-02-21T23:36:00.000-08:00

I was so lucky to be selected for the 2011 Helpmann Academy Exhibition, let alone to win two fantastic awards (Click here to read the press release about those). The works selected were Enken, Tom, Maryanne, Kane (on fabric) and Gloria (on fabric). So far, 4 or the 5 have sold.

The Helpmann Academy are a fantastic organisation that support artists of all kinds (visual, dancers, actors) through employment, grants and other opportunities.

The first prize was the SALA Festival Award - Premium Registration for the SALA Festival 2011 worth $410. And the second (and major prize for the night) was generously donated by the Hill Smith Gallery and the Helpmann Academy Friends - $5,000 towards air travel to any destination and a valuable cash contribution to living expenses.

If you haven't seen the show, make sure you do. Click here for details. The show displays a large variety of work by emerging Adelaide artists that graduated from Visual Arts in 2010

Also very grateful for all the wonderful exposure this show has brought me, including my painting Tom being on a bus shelter in the city! Corner of North Tce and Kintore Ave. Check it!

Ruby x

Helpmann Academy Press Release

2011-02-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition 2011
Discover South Australia’s best and freshest emerging artists

Friday 18 February to Sunday 13 March
Drill Hall, Torrens Parade Ground, Victoria Drive, Adelaide
Open 10:30am - 4.30pm daily

The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition 2011 was last night opened by Greg Clarke, Adelaide Fringe Festival Director. A diverse collection of artworks selected from graduates of the Academy’s four visual arts partner institutions is included in this energetic survey show.

Now celebrating its sixteenth year, the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition is an exciting and concentrated opportunity for discovery, with an established role as the showcase exhibition of South Australia’s best and freshest emerging artists. In 2011, the Helpmann Academy is proud to welcome its principal exhibition sponsor, Guardian.

Over the next three weeks, twenty-seven artists will be showcasing their works across a range of creative disciplines including ceramics, glass, installations, jewellery, moving image, painting, photography and sculpture.

At Wednesday night’s opening gala, seven outstanding artists were recognised and presented with nine awards valued in excess of $15,000.

The Hill Smith Gallery/Helpmann Academy Friends Award was presented to Ruby Chew from the Adelaide Central School of Art. This $5,000 award provides air travel to any destination and a valuable cash contribution to living expenses for the artist. The award acknowledges Ruby’s talent and commitment as well as her as yet unrealised potential. The panel selected her as the artist who would most benefit from exposure to the international art world.

Ruby was also the winner of the SALA Festival Award, a $410 award that covers the cost of Premium Registration for the SALA Festival 2011. Ruby will now have the opportunity to present her work in the context of Australia’s largest visual arts festival. The panel made a high commendation to Tom Squires for his imposing and beautifully thought through installation Model for Philipp Mainländer Piece (Scale 1:2 - Broken Once).

The Raffen Award, valued at $3,000, was presented to Lorelei Medcalf from TAFE SA’s Adelaide College of the Arts. Lorelei’s whimsical yet technically accomplished and exquisitely drawn series of steel plate etchings will now become part of a significant private collection.

Glass artist Zoe Woods from UniSA’s South Australian School of Art was presented with the $3,000 City of Adelaide Award. The selection panel were particularly engaged by the highly technical nature and organic qualities of Zoe’s blown glass sculptures. Sponsored by the Adelaide City Council, the award provides cash to support Zoe’s work and an opportunity for her to stage a solo exhibition in a central city location.

The Adelaide City Council also presented a $1,500 acquisitive award to Patty Chehade from the Adelaide Central School of Art. Her four oil on canvas paintings – titled Luminance Series I-IV - will now be exhibited at a site in the city of Adelaide. The selection panel were very drawn to Patty’s work, commenting that the subject matter is particularly vibrant, relating to the vibrancy of Adelaide at night, especially at this time of year.

The $1,000 Helpmann Academy/JamFactory Award – which is presented to an outstanding emerging artist working in craft and design – was awarded to Sally Gibson-Doré from the South Australian School of Art. The selection panel were impressed by Sally’s innovative approach to ceramic forms and the way she is reaching for new ideas and new concepts.

Alice Blanch from the South Australian School of Art was presented with the Helpmann Academy/Total Photographics Award, valued at $1,000. Alice’s collection of inkjet prints is a beautiful fusion of classic camera technology and contemporary printing methods. The selection panel was drawn to the artistic qualities of Alice’s work and her considered, quiet approach to the very familiar subject of landscape photography. A high commendation was also extended to photographer Taygan Bassi for her series of three large-scale C-Type prints, particularly for their meticulous approach to technique.

The $500 Peter Walker Fine Art Encouragement Award was presented to Jaynie Langford from the South Australian School of Art. The selection panel were impressed by the subject matter of Jaynie’s video projection - One hundred ways to say I love you – and believe she deserves particular encouragement to continue with her art practice.

Jaynie was also the winner of the $250 Backer’s Prize, supported by Tom Parker. The award is presented on behalf of representatives from the Academy’s partner institutions, including security guards, art suppliers and facility managers who have all supported the artists behind the scenes throughout their studies.

The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition is unique in Australia for the high standard of work it showcases. The exhibition features selected work by graduates from the Academy’s four visual arts partners: Adelaide Central School of Art; Adelaide College of the Arts, TAFE SA; South Australian School of Art, UniSA; Vizarts, O’Halloran Hill, TAFE SA.

The Helpmann Academy is most grateful for the support it receives from its platinum sponsor ETSA Utilities and its principal exhibition sponsor Guardian. We also thank our 2011 exhibition sponsors Wirra Wirra, Heineken Lion Australia and Aroma Café.

'Seven Stars' - Sunday Mail Jan 30

2011-02-08T04:32:00.000-08:00

Here's my part of the article 'Seven Stars' written by Liz Walsh, photography by Simon Cross.

"South Australia has no shortage of Tallent: Poh Ling Yeow, George Gross and Harry Who, Leigh Warren, Teresa Palmer and friends have been working the world with their artistic talents for years. But now, there are youngsters nipping at their toes - Excited, driven, talented and hard working, looking to cement their places in their chosen fields. And take off..."

Click to Enlarge

I was very flattered to be invited to be in this piece along with other creatives... actors, photographers and fashion designers.

Ruby

Espionage Gallery Launch

2011-02-02T04:01:00.000-08:00

I was so happy to support my friend and uber talented stencil artist, Joshua Smith launch his first gallery - Espionage Gallery.

Initially I wasn't going to put work into the show as I didn't think I had time to get myself together, however whist modelling for one of his works (included in the show, it's very odd to be on the other side of the canvas) we got talking. I saw some works other artists has submitted and it got me inspired - so in the end I whisked up a few bits and pieces!

Above are my 9 portraits, all watercolours with additions of gold thread, fabrics and glitter. To my left is the work of Elisa Mazzone and to my right is a work by Bri Hammond.

Photo by Hugh Langlands-Bell

Here I am talking about the works to a friend, pulling a strange face.

If you haven't already seen the show, please do. You will not be disappointed.

Espionage Gallery - Suite 1, Level 2, 93 Rundle Mall, Adelaide 5000, (entrance off Lindes Lane) Exhibition runs until Friday 25th of February. Gallery open Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-6PM

See photos from the night here.

Ruby

Masquerading With an Adelaide Rose - Estelle Pigot for Design Federation

2011-01-19T05:45:00.000-08:00

Lucky was I to be virtually approached (via Facebook) by Estelle Pigot to be interviewed for Design Federation.

Design Federation is a non for profit website that supports the arts across Australia through interviews, press releases, publicity and also organises artistic events and projects. They aim to bring the artistic community together.

Estelle is a very talented writer, as the interview shows. She sets the scene with her delicious descriptions of people and places. It was such a fun interview to have – we took the Sydney slickers, Estelle and ‘her Russian’, out Adelaide style. That means pre-dinner drinks at La Boheme, Asian food at BBQ City and post-dinner drinks at Supermild. I love reading her fresh-eyed opinions of Adelaide, plus the fantastic conversation that ran throughout that whole night.

I was so impressed with its outcome, and so touched with what she wrote. It’s a great write up about my work, influences and my background! Read it here.

Ruby x

Espionage Gallery Opening

2011-01-13T21:34:00.000-08:00

My friend the infamous Joshua Smith is opening his gallery, Espionage Gallery on Friday 28th of January. I'll be putting some small watercolour works into the group show.

'Chewing over life's intricacies'

2011-01-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a copy of the actual article from the Advertiser last Thursday. Click to enlarge.

Newspaper Mama!

2010-12-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

Today there was an article in the Advertiser written by Louise Nunn about me and my work!
Here's the web version.

Ruby x

TALKING TO STRANGERS

2010-12-18T23:06:00.001-08:00

Photos by Sarah Eastick

Here are some shots of my work from the exhibition Talking to Strangers - the 2010 Adelaide Central School of Art Graduate show. I've included a selection of my favourite watercolours - not all of them, as there are 52! Also labled are the works chosen for the Helpmann Academy Exhibition in Feburary 2011 - so excited and flattered they'd choose my work! Two of us were chosen this year from ACSA - My studio buddy Patty Chehade was the other, so now we joke that there must have been something magical about our space!

***

Watercolours (may or may not) contain - watercolour, ink, graphite, charcoal, glitter, beading on CA grain paper

Gloria, oil on canvas, photograph by Michal Kluanek

Kane, oil on canvas, photograph by Michal Kluanek

Ruby, oil on canvas, photograph by Michal Kluanek

Edward, oil on canvas, photograph by Michal Kluanek

Ruby with Ruby

Gloria, Kane and Ruby, Oil on canvas

Enken, Oil, acrylic, enamel, buttons and beading on canvas
Chosen for the Helpmann Academy Exhibition

Maryanne, Oil and acrylic on canvas
Chosen for the Helpmann Academy Exhibition

Tom, oil, acrylic, enamel and button on canvas
Chosen for the Helpmann Academy Exhibition

Oil and gesso on fabric
Chosen for the Helpmann Academy Exhibition

charcoal and graphite on CA grain paper

***

A big thanks to all those that supported me this year - my models, mentors, family and friends.

Ruby x

Ps.

Tom with Tom!

Kane with Kane!

Video tour - Talking to Strangers

2010-12-16T20:08:00.001-08:00

I'm still waiting for some photos to be processed of my Graduate Exhibition, but in the mean time, have a look at this video for InDaily - it's a run through of our show with Daryl Austin. Daryl is the head of Painting at the Adelaide Central School of Art and was also my supervisior this year. I really enjoyed our time together, he's a great inspiration to me, taught me so much and his artwork is amazing.

Hanging for the Examination

2010-12-11T22:54:00.000-08:00

Photos by Sarah Eastick

***

I'm so lucky to have had the help of Sarah and Edward when hanging the work for my final critique with the panel (internal and external panel). My examination involved presenting my works - speaking for 15 minutes then responding to 30 minutes of questioning. On the external panel was an academic, visual artist and art critic. I was delighted that Hossein Valamanesh was our artist. I really respect his practise, and he had a lot of positive and constructive feedback to give. It was very tough, and I'm looking forward to my results. I won't recieve them for a few weeks, so say a little pray for me ;)

Gloria, Kane, Ruby, oil on canvas

Studies and experiments

Tom, oil, enamel and button on canvas

Enken, Maryanne, Edward, all oil on canvas, some with the addition of enamel, beading and buttons

Watercolours, detail

Watercolours

From there, I took down all my work and with my fellow 4th years we painted most of the other rooms to prepare them for the exhibition: our grad show, Talking to Strangers. I'll be posting photos from that soon, the hang is completely different.

Ruby x

I'm a 'Hidden Gem'!

2010-12-04T22:48:00.000-08:00

Hidden Gems, Attitude Magazine, December 2010 - February 2011, pg. 12

Watercolour of Kane

Not the best quality image, but happy to see my work out there. Love Attitude Magazine.

Also recently was in the Adelaide Review. Click here to have a look.

Ruby

Trying buttons on Enken

2010-11-30T22:25:00.001-08:00

Sitting on the floor at the button bar 'trying on' all kinds of buttons for Enken. It got down to two choices: white or green. In the flesh, the green is a lot more like the background colour. Won't tell you the out come. Just come to the show to find out! ;)

You also may notice I have changed the background colour from a grassy yellow green to a slightly darker, more emerald green. I feel this is working a lot better.

Ruby

New Watercolour in Matching Frame

2010-11-29T03:18:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the low quality photograph
This will be on sale at the Adelaide Central Gallery from the 10th of December, $230.00

Update

2010-11-28T02:10:00.000-08:00

Our honours graduate show is less than two weeks away and I am running round like a headless chicken doing the dreaded misc. tasks. Today I completed a very important one. After collecting (possibly) all of one type of particular pre-made frames in Adelaide, I had to make a decision on their hanging devices.

Watercolour of Tom, includes sewing with gold thread

As my watercolours are around a standard photo size, I was lucky enough to find these gorgeous, subtle, ornate frames that work so well. Unfortunately, they didn't come with a D-hook or any kind of hook at the back - just an arm so they can be propped up.

Not having much experience with hooks, I put my logical hat on and went to Bunnings to see what I could find. In the Fraulein's Orchard show, the frames I used came with hooks that clipped onto the insert backing of the frame. I was hoping for those, but found this kind (above) instead. To be safe I used super glue and nails to attach these to the frames. I was worried they'd crack the plaster, but they worked really well! It took over 2 hours to get all my 50 watercolours (plus a couple of charcoal studies) ready for the gallery wall.

These will be sold at the show for $100.00 including framing. For more information about the Grad Show, please contact me.

Ruby

Review on Fraulein's Orchard, June 2010

2010-11-22T17:24:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to pass on the gorgeous review by Jana, writer for Hello Happy Thoughts and DesignMagazin, on our June show, Fraulein's Orchard from this year.. and it's a great blog! Very kind words said about my work:

Personally, my heart was stolen by Ruby Chew and her portraits as well as amazing heart illustrations. Casual precision, if that is how it can be called, fine variety of soft colours, unexpected details… it all just simply quickened my pulse. Chew uses oil paint, watercolour, ink, graphite and charcoal in her works, and finds inspiration in romanticism, the 1940’s era, anatomy and iconography.

Have a look for yourselves! Enjoy!
Ruby x

Studio Snaps and Progress shots of Tom (oils)

2010-11-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

Watercolour Wall!

Studio Shots

Progress of Tom

My first large painting for the year, same proportions though. At this stage he is looking a bit odd - a floating head! But I have continued working and now that I have his shift plotted in there is a lot more context. More photos on their way!

Ruby x

Watercolours!

2010-10-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of newies of my handsome friend Tom.

Progress of Enken Painting

2010-10-05T17:52:00.001-07:00

Work in progress shot of Enken. My camera didn't photograph this well at all, but you can get the idea. Still have the bow to go! I'm thinking maybe of painting it flat. Not sure yet. Hoping to start my next work today of Maryanne. Stay tuned! x

New Prada & Progress of Enken

2010-09-27T03:07:00.000-07:00

Loving the new Spring Summer collection by Prada for 2011. Reminds me of my work in a way!

Progress shots of Enken's painting. Not happy with it yet. I haven't hilighted the eyes correctly. I was playing around with it but had to rush off and leave things unresolved till another day.

2 Little Work in Progress Shots of Enken

2010-09-24T02:47:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick little work in progress shot in detail of my latest painting of Enken. Sorry her face is a bit disturbing at the moment. Didn't get to make a move on her nose or mouth. Happy with how it's going though!

Update

2010-09-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

Currently painting in the quinacridone shirt of the Edward painting. Part of me is really missing the exposed canvas. The contrast of that strong white and its texture really brought something nice to the work. Oh well, now it looks like a shirt. Folds can be fun to paint when you get them right, and I've enjoyed exploring the limits of a new colour.

x

Enken - Watercolours

2010-09-09T03:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some watercolours I've been working on of my new, gorgeous model Enken. I've started painting on mount board recently (thanks to kind donations) which has resolved this buckled paper look - I've been worried about how I will present them in the gallery. I like the texture of the mount and the fine square pattern.
Ruby x

Work in Progress

2010-09-02T03:22:00.000-07:00

This is my latest oil series (a work in progress). Seeing it now has made me realise I should have used a compass! The stripes I painted in acrylic to give it a sharp, flat contrast to the realism and texture of the oil paint. The white shirt will be painting in medium toned magenta. To be specific quinacridone from Winsor and Newton

Ruby x

Studies

2010-07-26T01:43:00.000-07:00

Watercolour studies for new paintings

Working on the small scale to hopefully blow them up into large developed oil paintings. Also planning to edit and manipulate these watercolours on photoshop to make some digital prints which I'll be printing in small editions on good quality paper.

Also, our zine, The Freed Man (Written by Edward and illustrated by yours truly) is finished and is being printed this week! Its a four part story about a very creative serial killer who, through the help of rigamortis, turns his victims into works of art. It's all written in prose! I'll keep you posted as to how to get a copy. We're really proud of the final product.

Works in Progress of Gloria and Kane

2010-06-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

Slowly chipping away at these. I have many concerns. I don't like the washed-out-ness of Gloria's arm, however improvising otherwise looks worse so I've decided to stick with the photograph. I'm not a huge fan of photorealism, but I'm not sure I have much choice - directly quoting the photo - at this point. Kane's black hoodie is proving to be very difficult. I haven't worked on it for some time so I'm looking forward to it. Thoughts?

Something interesting that just occured to me. Gloria's eye is pretty much in the center of the composition! I think Rembrant is famous for doing this. It wasn't intentional I must admit, but maybe I can play with this in future compositions..!

Watercolour study with glitter

2010-06-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

This is a watercolour study I did on CA Grain paper with tacky red glitter. Trying to glam it up a little and explore what happens to the illusion when I glue things to the picture plane...

Have a look at my facebook folder of my arts from this year.

Work in Progress of Gloria

2010-06-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

Frauleins Orchard Show

2010-06-03T00:12:00.000-07:00

Our opening night for the Frauleins Orchard show was a huge success! It was so busy, people were waiting outside the gallery room to see the work. It was held at Urban Cow Studio Gallery, and concludes on the 28th of June. Producing these works has been a really nice break from my tonal realist works which are very draining. Here are some quick (low budg.!) snaps of my works in this show.

L>R: Kane (sold), Ruby #1(sold), Ruby #2

L>R: Edward #1, Edward #2 (sold), Edward #3 (sold)

L>R: Gloria #1, Gloria #2, Gloria #3

In total I exhibited 9 portraits and 5 heart paintings. On the night 4 portraits and one heart sold (directly above). Big thanks to the other tallented and lovely Frauleins, my models and Ed - the best handy man hanger. xx

Bead Bird Studies

2010-06-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd try out some beading on some bird studies I've done in oil paint. I like the jewel-like, flattening affects the beads have. Thinking about using this on my large portraits..

Friday 21st May

2010-05-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

Here's an old progress shot I forgot to post. I've done more from here though. There are a few things that are worrying me, such as the form on the body, namely the neck for example. Back to work!

Wednesday 19th May

2010-05-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

I've started my next portrait. Trying to have a few on the go.
Will painting this bloody gingham shirt be the end of me? I don't know, but if I never post again, you know why. It is taking a long time, but it's quite refreshing to do something so mechanical and geometric.Also working on a colaborative project - a zine with Edward. He's very well written. This particular story is written in prose about a contemporary artistic mass murderer and I just love it! Here's a detail sneek peek of one of the images. Initially i draw in a sketch book and scan the drawings onto Photoshop (I've just got the CS5 Version - amazing!) where I tidy, edit and colour through mulitple layers. The program also allows me to put the drawings into zine format.

Exhibiting - well I've already posted about my show at Urban Cow Studio which you all have to attend (doctor's orders), but I'm also in a little student show at the moment in the Adelaide Central School Student Gallery with other students taking third year painting (I'm taking it as my 4th year elective). Here's some snaps from the show - all small, quick works by various students.

These fingers are mine

So are these creepy suspended chair studies

I also have one work in another wee group show coming up at the Adelaide Central School Gallery. I'm showing a flying bird annimation I made in 2009. Each pannel I drew from hand. Below is the invite.

Hope this finds you well. Love Ruby x

Frauleins Orchard Exhibition

2010-05-13T20:51:00.001-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Opening night, Wednesday June 3rd, 6pm

Urban Cow Gallery, 11 Frome Street, Adelaide

Exhibition runs until June 28th

After a hugeley successful first show, fräuleins playthings, the girls are back. Individually the girls handiwork has graced the pages of magazines such as frankie, Sumptuous, InsideOut, Attitude, featured in a number of exhibitions around the country as well taking pride of place on the necks, blouses, in the hands of and on the walls of sassy ladies around Australia.

A concept born from nuturing talented young female creatives in Adelaide, Urban Cow Studio presents a harvest of works from these eight nature-loving artists and designers. Working in the heirloom varieties of painting, illustration and jewellery, this collective continues to nurture one another’s ideas, cultivating a creativity that promises to blossom into a rare display of colour and beauty. The artistic fruits of the Fräuleins are ripe for the picking.

FEATURING

Clockwise from top left: Georgia Gabrielle Jewellery, Naomi Murrell Jewellery/Illustration, Elisa Mazzone Illustration, Katrina Weber Jewellery/Textiles, Anna Creasy Illustration, Ruby Chew Mixed Media, Peta Alannah Chigwidden Painting, Joelie Croser Illustration

For more information contact Elisa at elisamazzone@yahoo.com.au

High resolution images available upon request.

Visit the fräuleins blog

http://www.frauleins-playthings.blogspot.com

Wednesday 5th May

2010-05-05T05:25:00.000-07:00

Work in progress shots:

These haven't photographed too well, but just thought I'd show you how they're coming along. They both still need a lot of work, of course!

Tuesday 27th April

2010-04-27T03:49:00.000-07:00

For those who haven't been keeping up with my art on my old blog, welcome to my new one. I've decided seperate my artwork from the other things I write about such as vintage fashion and hair. You might like to look at it never the less, and select the 'art' tag, which will show all my posts tagged about my art.

At the moment I've been spending my time on work going towards my end of year graduate exhibition at Adelaide Central School of Art. I was working on the idea of dreams, however I've changed my direction for the moment. I'm working on portraits.

I started exploring the idea on paper. Here's an initial sketch I've done woring from a photo and embelishing the figure with Mexican Day of the Dead inspired decoration - charcoal on CA grain paper.

From there I've been painting my models, photographing them then painting from the photographs. I began with myself. I'm interested in artifice - fake flowers, birds, animal prints etc. I love bold colours, contrasting textures and flesh.

Work in progress shot of my self portrait - the first in my Day of the Dead series. These are just smaller than life size. I won't be showing any of the actual reference photos I use for the paintings, however here are some informal snaps taken in my studio to show you how I've been painting my models and what they look like.

Here's my second model, Kane. I've chosen him because he has a really interesting face structure. Also because he's an interesting person. I want to capture the people I paint; not just physically, but also their essence. I knew that he'd really enjoy modelling for me because Mexican skulls are right up his alley. Also, he has a few simple and ellegant tattoos in red ink that I felt would suit my theme of artifice.

Tonight I pained my second model, Gloria. Again structurally beautiful face but also such an exciting person. I've taken reference photos of her with and without her face painted, because I would love to paint her naturally with minimal make up. I love the fun anf playful nature of this idea.

Will keep you posted! Ruby x