BIRDS & BEES
Exploring fertility and femininity through colour, nature and art.
On show at The Space - Gallery + Workshops
May 3 - 27, 2023
Molly is a 25 year old artist and creative therapist residing on Wadawurrung land in Armstrong Creek, with her partner and 3 cats - Lenny, Ralph and Clyde.
Molly has always had a passion for creativity, rooted in a childhood of stealing paintbrushes from her Father’s home studio. It wasn’t until the global pandemic in 2020 that she truly delved into her creativity, developing her practice as a method of exploring the emotions of the time.
The everyday magic of our ordinary lives is a strong focus of Molly’s work, where she aims to dive into our collective experiences to reveal the beauty and meaning we can find everywhere, all the time. Her work has a contemporary, pop art feel, utilising bright colours and flat imagery. Her technique is influenced by surrealist and expressionist works, and she draws inspiration from midcentury interior design. Her main muse is the works of her father, Tim O’Hara of Black Bike Studio, who explores his lived experiences with mental and physical health challenges through his art.
Molly’s work aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia, of knowing and collective understanding of the past, in the hope of reminding viewers to be present in the here and now. This ties in with her work as a creative therapist, where the here and now is explored as a method of meditation and holistic wellbeing.
about the artist
"Queen of the Bees'
"Queen of the Bees'
This artwork pays homage to one of my first original pieces created over 3 years ago, which sits underneath the current artwork, creating texture and depth in the image. The title of this artwork refers to the vital role that a Queen plays in her hive - as the only female with fully developed ovaries, she is responsible for reproduction and creating unity in her colony.
As a woman diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which inhibits the function of the female reproductive system, I’ve considered what it means to be a woman and how this is tied to fertility and reproduction. Without their Queen, the hive will perish. But bees are capable of raising a new Queen to continue this vital role. And women can contribute to the creation of the next generation in more ways than just reproduction.
46 x 46 inches
about the art
Molly’s works encompass bright, bold and flat colours making each piece highly recognisable alongside her use of surreal painting techniques and pop art style.
Her pieces feature everyday items from our collective experiences, such as humble electric kettles, breakfast spreads and retro kitchenware, arranged in eclectic still life creations.
Molly’s work aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia, of knowing and collective understanding of the past, in the hope of reminding viewers to be present in the here and now.
workshops
Retro Still Life — $85 + BF
Learn the history of still life before exploring basic acrylic techniques required to create your very own Retro Still Life artwork. You will leave with a completed still life artwork and the knowledge to continue practicing on your own!
In this workshop, we will be using everyday items that can be found in the kitchen with the intention of creating a feeling of knowing, nostalgia and reminiscence. You’ll also learn about:
The history of still life and the symbolism traditionally used
Basic acrylic painting skills and colour theory
Object placements and how to use background and foreground
(bookings via eventbrite)
The Art of Intuition — $40 + BF
A therapeutic group workshop focusing on meditation and mindful art making. The focus of this workshop is on exploring the present moment experience with a range of different materials, not the finished art piece.
In this workshop, a range of materials are provided to encourage intuitive play and exploration. You will be invited to participate in a visualisation meditation (this is different at each workshop), before using the thoughts and emotions that come to you to guide the art making process.
Suitable for all ages and skill levels, happening the 3rd Sunday of every month at The Space - Gallery + Workshops, 17d Rutland Street Newtown 3220 Vic
(bookings via eventbrite)
