A new installation in The Cube Wodonga Lightboxes uses a combination of painting and quilting to portray the beauty of landscapes.
Local artist Jo Skillington has created Rabbit Island, a work inspired by the diversity of its location’s landscape and surrounding flora and fauna.
“I grew up with an appreciation of the great outdoors and have always drawn and painted animals and plants, as well as portrait work and figure studies,” Jo said.
“I always attempt to capture a place or situation and the minute details within to give a complete understanding of the subject.”
While Jo is primarily a painter working with oil, acrylic and gouache, she also enjoys incorporating a different medium into her work to create a unique outcome.
Creating an art quilt like Rabbit Island requires Jo to paint on a fabric surface with silk screen paints and using machine and hand stitching to create the line work.
“Many of the components are created separately and appliqued onto a painted background, before re-stitching again over surfaces for more detail.”
Rabbit Island aims to celebrate the beauty of the world while also inspiring others to create for themselves.
“I hope that those who see these works displayed will agree that we, despite our current world problems, can see that the earth will continue to be an amazing and cherished place to be respected and protected,” Jo said.
“My mantra has always been to work hard, apply good craftsmanship and continued practice. Results come from a lifetime of learning and the occasional mistake.”
Rabbit Island will be on display until December 10.