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Photographic
Studies of
Sydney's 'Pens & Pencils'
By
Barbara Konkolowicz
The 'Pens & Pencils'
is an informal group of artists including some of the most respected
elders of the Sydney art world. A photographic exhibition held in
Summer Hill 14 November - 21 December paid tribute to both their
ability and their longevity.
The group was formed
in 1991 by Lou Klepac, art historian and publisher. Nora Heysen
(1911 - 2003) , John Coburn, Judy Cassab,
Guy and Joy Warren and Earle Backen are among the current members
Klepac recalls,'
Through my work I used to meet many of Sydney's esteemed artist
elders such as Frank McNamara and Frank Hinder - both now deceased
- who had been working away in their studios for years in isolation,
because that's the nature of the work they do: painting is a solitary
occupation. I thought it would be both fun and beneficial for these
artists to meet regularly and connect socially. I saw that they
had a lot in common and would benefit from sharing their opinions
and ideas. The support of one's peers is invaluable, especially
in the art world.'
The Pens & Pencils meet
once a month at the National Trust Café on Observatory Hill
(on Mondays when the café is closed), and that's when they
became known to Barbara Konkolowicz, former Education Officer at
the SH Ervin Gallery. Konkolowicz helped to organise some of the
group's Christmas parties, where a Silver Pencil is awarded to an
artist nominated by his or her peers. Generous hospitality and the
exchange of gifts made by the artists make this event one of the
most sought-after tickets in the art social calendar.
Konkolowicz went on to
work as co-ordinator of the Brett Whiteley Studio (1995
- 2001) and is now a curator with the Historic Houses Trust
of New South Wales. But the Pens & Pencils made an indelible impression.
The first to be photographed
was Nora Heysen: Konkolowicz says 'I wanted
to enter a competition showing older people in a positive light.
I thought Nora would be perfect, as she
had just turned 90 and was still drawing
regularly and vitally interested in art and life'. 
The resulting photograph
subsequently featured in the Nora Heysen retrospective curated by
Lou Klepac and held at the National Library of Australia in 2000-01.
More
about the Nora Heysen retrospective >
With encouragement from
Klepac, Konkolowicz continued photographing the Pens & Pencils at
work and play. The resulting collection - shown for the first time
- is a tribute to artists whose careers span decades, who are passionately
engaged in the creative process and who continue to grow and thrive
on a life of art until well into old age.
Each photograph is one in
a series of 25 black and white images printed by Karl Sharp. Link
to Karl's website > |
