The Australian Society of Marine Artists 20th Anniversary Celebratory Exhibition

The Australian Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) is a body of diverse artists and others interested in marine and maritime art, every painting style is represented amongst its members from traditional to contemporary, realist to abstract.  Local artist Tracey Yager was invited to become an exhibiting member of this prestigious Society.

There are specific membership categories and entry requirements for this Society and membership is by selection only.  Tracey is honoured to have been selected and invited to become not only a member, but to be conferred with an Exhibiting Membership, this enables Tracey to take advantage of her recognition by this Society by using the letters ASMA after her name and her artwork may be exhibited in the Society’s exhibitions.

This National organisation has a rich mixture of expertise and interests supporting its members by promoting maritime and marine art in Australia.  This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the Society and to celebrate this occasion they are holding an Exhibition hosted by the Royal Art Society of NSW at their Lavender Bay Art Gallery in Sydney until 30 October.  This exhibition features two of Tracey’s artworks.

Tracey flew to Sydney for the opening and said, “I’m pretty excited that my works are being exhibited at the Royal Art Society of NSW Art Gallery, it’s a beautiful heritage building in such a gorgeous location in Lavender Bay.  On the night of the opening we travelled to the gallery via ferry and walked up through Wendy Whitely’s Secret Garden – such an inspiring beautiful journey.  The gallery was full to the brim and the standard of art work was very high.  I was lucky to have a crew of Norfolk people there as support, it really made it a very special night”.

In 2011 Tracey attended the extremely popular MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart and wanted to become involved, by 2015 she had won the poster competition for that year’s festival and became an exhibiting artist with her work featuring small, lovingly built wooden craft at work, rest and play.  These artworks can be seen on her website at www.traceyyager.com.  It is her involvement in this festival that led to the selection and invitation to become an Exhibiting Member of ASMA.

 

One of the artworks selected for the exhibition at the Royal Art Society is titled ‘Unloading the Norfolk Guardian’ depicting the newly constructed lighter No.3 at work alongside Cascade Pier.  Throughout 2014/15 the Norfolk Island Museum Trust suggested and supported a project to document the construction of this newest addition to Norfolk’s lighterage fleet.  The construction was undertaken by local John Christian Bailey and his team.  Our photographic record starts with a stack of timber, shaped into bare boat ribs, eventually becoming a skilfully constructed craft.  It was ‘dunked’ into the water to season its timbers and the following day it was put to work unloading the ship.  Now, we can see it beautifully depicted in this fabulous watercolour.  Tracey stated that she felt it was important to capture this scene at Cascade Pier as an historical record of the Pier, as it was, prior to the commencement of work that will see it extended, heightened and strengthened.

 

Tracey’s other piece in this exhibition titled ‘Tender of Friendly Light’ represents a small clinker style wooden boat tethered beside a yacht, it speaks of light and shade with a sublime use of colour and a stunning reflection on water.

Maritime art illustrates the history of our world from almost the beginning of time, a powerful medium providing us with an interpretation of social commentary, trade, travel, war and more; in addition to a presentation of beauty or curiosity.  Norfolk Island by nature and culture abounds with a history connected to the sea.  We are very fortunate for such an accomplished artist to capture our Island’s maritime heritage.   Congratulations Tracey.

Janelle Blucher