Author: Chris Wells

Whether working in clay, wood or acrylic, Mark Pearse was at heart a sculptor….

 

Photos kindly provided by Simon Scott.

River finally meets ocean….

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A water colour study of a Southern Flinders landscape, 2010.

Very different, it seems to me, from the  Mark Pearse landscapes in acrylic.

Spare, delicate, minimalist, Zen: these are adjectives that spring to mind.

It appeals to my wood-carving temperament….and I should note that Mark Pearse  was an accomplished and prolific sculptor in wood.

The spine of the mould (when cut to shape) will be glued to the base.

 

 

Here is the base of the mould ready to be cut out.

 

As the old saying goes: well begun, half done….

I am hoping that my efforts to produce a really accurate template, or mould, (on which the body of the lute is formed), constitute a well begun project.

Lute construction is new territory for me.

One step at a time.

The ceramic platter and bowls were made by Mark Pearse. I have set up a small display of his paintings and pottery.

Our wood heater is earning its keep on these cold mornings….and providing a destination for any wood carving which – in my estimation – fails the Test.

 

 

Sam and I have been out on the Cricket Pitch Paddock, planting trees.

About 30 planted and mulched – 470 to go.

No need to water them: the rain squalls keep sweeping through….

Here is a small selection from the Full Moon Landscape series painted by Mark Pearse.

I cannot recall any other Australian painter who has so deliberately  explored the effect of Full Moon light on landscape – and on the observer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Pearse (1941 – 2019).

Potter, Wood and Clay Sculptor, Painter, Musician, Teacher, Man of Letters.

Seeker.

Loyal friend and mentor.

Forever chopping wood and carting water.

In my view, one of the finest Australian landscape painters of his generation.