1st November to 2nd December 2012 in the Boiler Room Gallery

On invitation to exhibit, an exhibition of paintings at the York Mill Gallery, Patricia Rose from Northam has put together an exhibition called “The Western Essence”.

 “This exhibition expresses the cultural values that define us as Western Australians,” says Patricia. “It focuses on the sense of space that we have grown to value. In the current political climate of imported work forces and the political focus on growth, expansion and development and excess capitalism. We are faced with a threatened way of life as our growing population and material stimulus work to cloud our visions of equality and humanity.”

The York Mill steels itself for the limelight

METAL sculpture artist Wayne Jeffery makes a return to The York Mill’s Boiler Room Gallery this October with his latest exhibition Steeling the Limelight in association with Kim Fitzpatrick.

Using recycled steel, combined with lighting and glass effects, he is renowned for creating unique art works.

Steeling the Limelight includes new sculptures, totems, birdbaths and wall-hangings celebrating authentically Australian themes including marri trees and blue wrens.

Growing up in Wairarapa, New Zealand, Jeffrey developed a passion for many forms of art including sculpture, drawing and oil painting.

After developing his skills in iron work, he discovered a rare talent and love of consulting with clients to design and fabricate unique pieces to suit the architecture of their homes through his business Jalmer Wrought Iron.

On moving to Perth in 2007, Jeffrey started working on a new form of sculpture that reflects old masters of the medium matched with modern welding methods.

He is also the artist behind the Marri Tree of Life internal doors, commissioned by the Boiler Room Gallery in 2010.

The York Mill Managing Director John Langton added: “It’s a pleasure to have Wayne return as the exhibiting artist for October.

“Wayne’s works are on display year-round but it’s always exciting for the gallery to host his latest exhibition to see what new creations have unfolded.”

Complementing Steeling the Limelight are traditional stained art works by Kim Fiztpatrick. Both artists live in the Byford-Hills districts.

Steeling the Limelight runs from October 6 to 28 in the Boiler Room Gallery. Admission is free.

There are several opportunities to meet Jeffrey at the gallery: 1pm to 4pm, October 6, 7, 27 and 28.

The York Mill is at10 Henrietta Street,York, and the gallery is open 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. For more details, call 9641 2900 or go to www.theyorkmill.com.au.

York Mill spins a yarn with wool clothing exhibition 1st June to 1st July 2012

NATURE and elegance have come together for the latest free exhibition at The York Mill’s Boiler Room Gallery this June

And in a slight change of tack, it’s clothing-based rather than traditional art forms and styles, highlighting environmentally-friendly fashion.

Raffaella Basini Creations has put together a collection of one-offs made from the highest quality merino and vintage wool – obtained by unspinning vintage wool clothing – to form the Naturally Elegant exhibition.

Starting her artistic journey in childhood, Raffaella Basini used to trace out dress patterns for her Nonna, a talented Italian tailoress.

This developed a deep love for design and Raffaella went on to study art at TAFE and university, achieving several qualifications in fine art.

Involved in the fashion industry for the past 13 years, her pieces have been exhibited at many events including the Perth Royal Show, various fashion parades and as sole artist at an international Interflora convention.

Tamar has worked with Raffaella for the last 16 years learning all the techniques passed to Raffaella by her Nonna.

Artistic mother and daughter team Raffaella & Tamar Basini use all eco-friendly and organic material, mixing artistic flavours with eco-considerations.

“We take pride in supporting and developing Australian-grown wool, unpolluted and produced so it will leave no unhealthy residue,” say The Basinis.

“Every step we take today is a most important step for the future survival of our planet, our loved ones and their loved ones.

“It’s a wonderful thing to utilise and bring back to life some item that someone has made with love for another human being,” says Tamar.

From using hand-powered machines to sourcing WA grown products and certified organic products, Raffaella and Tamar have thought long and hard about their manufacturing process.

Wool was a big draw for them, both as an iconic Australian product for hundreds of years and in line with their ideals of sustainability.

Every item of clothing is hand-made by Raffaella and Tamar in their Hillarys workshop using hand-powered knitting machines, as well as hand-knitting, hand-crocheting and various other techniques.

“A casual conversation with the gallery director after its refurbishment resulted in the formation of our very first exhibition,” Raffaella said.

“To be invited to exhibit in the gallery, and to be the first artisan to present eco-conscious clothing, is absolutely thrilling.”

The York Mill Managing Director John Langton added: “We’re thrilled to be exhibiting Raffaella Basini Creations’ Bespoke woollen apparel for the first time.

“The pieces are absolutely beautiful and this free exhibition should not be missed for anyone with an interest in fashion and love for merino wool.”

Naturally Elegant runs from June 1 to July 1 in the Boiler Room Gallery. Admission is free.

The York Mill is at 10 Henrietta Street, York, and the gallery is open 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. For more details, call 9641 2900 or go to www.theyorkmill.com.au.