Find solace in Pomona

Expressive artist Debra Dougherty.

By Abbey Cannan

Expressive artist Debra Dougherty and Tanglewood Botanical artisan Erica Harvey have created a new exhibition displaying an affinity with Noosa’s local bushlands.

Pomona Railway Station Gallery will present the exhibition Solace from Saturday 3 to 28 October.

While creating the works, Debra said she has been going bush painting the tall gums and curvy birches.

“I can breath deep and slowly when I am painting amongst the trees,” she said.

“Moments of spontaneity occur on the canvas, a lightness of feeling becomes a broad brush of colour curved up to the sky.

“With so many changes going on from Covid restrictions to ongoing climate disasters, we need solace.”

The restorative relationship people have with the trees and the birds is reflected in Debra’s latest 2D artworks.

Erica’s 3D botanical art connects the two with the forest’s ground by using organic objects like bark, bone, air fern and logs found in the bush.

The balance of burnt wood or barbed wire juxtaposed with new life in ferns, moss and spidery leaves of plants reminds the viewer of life’s ongoing cycles.

Visit the Old Railway Station Gallery at Pomona for some Solace in October at 10 Station Street Pomona. For more information call  54842950.