By JONATHON HOWARD
RENOWNED Noosa artist and tutor Marilyn Spencer returned home from Thailand recently after she completed her latest artwork near Chiang Mai.
She was given two weeks to complete a commissioned mural for a spiritual and healing retreat.
“Balancing on a ladder with rocks under for support was a little tricky, but the tranquillity of the water trickling through the surrounding rice paddies and beautiful sunsets over the mountains was worth roughing it,” she said.
Ms Spencer was asked to do one mural of around four square metres before the project blew out.
“It turned out to be a mural 4×3 metres outside and another inside 1.8mx800mm, and a large dried arrangement – all with no reference,” she said.
The first mural was discussed as soon as she arrived and with basic ideas given of a Buddha, Bodhi leaves, red colour and water.
The painting was finished with gold gilt on Buddha and leaves and crushed mother of pearl glass through the water.
“This was a challenge all round, as a traditional artist these pieces were contemporary,” she said.
The painting was so well accepted she was asked to do another with an angel and waterlily and the arrangement was done in appreciation of the retreat’s hospitality.
Mrs Spencer, who has multiple art awards, is battling health problems including mastocytosis and heart problems, but that hasn’t stopped her from taking on new challenges and helping others.
“I have mastocytosis and heart problems both are incurable and progressively get worse,” she said.
“I tutor a lot of students who have serious illnesses, a few of who have improved through their art and won prizes, which is wonderful.”
Ms Spencer is in high demand and has been asked to paint at the National Pigeon Show for three days in July.
Her business, Chic Image Pomona, teaches beginners to advanced students one day per week. Inquiries can be made via email to chicimage1@gmail.com
