Ursula explores Black Saturday
Ursula Theinert feels passionate about the importance of art in helping to stimulate interest and discussion in the community about environmental issues.
“My focus is on the profound spiritual connection we have with nature and the dichotomy of our behaviour to our world.” Ursula’s paintings attempt to highlight the ‘hidden’ realities in forest and land management practices. “… it fascinates me that on the ’surface’, pine plantations give the impression of environmentally positive outcomes, however, on closer scrutiny they lead to ‘deserts’ under their canopy for native flora and fauna.”
Ursula’s current series is about her experiences of the Black Saturday fires and looks at the profound spirituality felt during that dreadful night. “My paintings reflect my coming to terms of the aftermath and attempt to express the loss of the old realities and the acceptance of the new beginning.”
Ursula is involved in a group of professional artists who feel passionate about the environment and have formalized their ideals and goals in using art to encourage discussion and insight into the complex environmental issues we all face.
“Our group are going to have a touring exhibition called ‘Fields of View’ which will focus on the environmental disaster of the Black Saturday fires, beginning in February 2010. The Regionalis show with five others will be a great lead up to it.”
Ursula also paints portraits. “I continue to paint portraits and will also keep entering the Archibald Portrait Prize because I feel the portrait work has broadened my painting techniques, skills, and knowledge of the art world. It has also been incredibly stimulating meeting and getting to know the wonderful people who have agreed to sit for me.”
Ursula’s Art Teacher Peter Biram “dared” Ursula to enter The Archibald, in 2006. “I have entered four times and have managed to be successful four times as an entrant in the Salon des Refuses.”
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Ursula,
I just LOVE this painting! The palette and perspectives are just so inviting, it is hard to look away…. love Kerrie xxx