Image:
Brooke WHELAN
Gouldian Finch
1 – 31 March 2023
Gallery Shop
Im[peck]able interprets the natural world ‘taking shape’ through the transformation of spotted gum offcuts into bold images of Australian birds. Incorporating the use of foraged natural materials, these works highlight the organic beauty and natural qualities of the timber surface, its textures and patterns.
Brooke Whelan is a Beechworth-based artist, who completed an Associate Diploma in Art and Design after high school. Whelan then went on to work in various creative roles including an extensive 15 year career in floral design. After side stepping into education roles, she has now returned to painting and art making.
Growing up in the country, Brooke would spend endless hours immersed in creative projects, keeping herself busy foraging, collecting, up cycling, drawing or making. With her background in floristry, it’s no surprise that nature is an inspiration, both as a subject matter in her work and where possible, incorporating the use of foraged natural materials.
Brooke tends to not strictly conform to any one subject or style. Expressive broad brush strokes and saturated rich acrylic paint colours are used to capture fluid movements and the unique and quirky character of the birds. Clean lines and finer details appearing in the works reflect her background and training as a designer and sculptural pieces speak to her desire to get hands on, encouraging a connection to the material origins and association with the natural world. Overall Brooke describes her art as joyful and encouraging the viewer to look around and discover beauty in uncommon things or unusual places.
All works in the Gallery Shop are available for purchase from Benalla Art Gallery,
or by contacting the Gallery on: T 03 5760 2619 or gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au