Author: Chris Wells

Mark Pearse (1942 – 2020).
Painter, sculptor, potter, teacher, mentor.
In his workshop….

Mark Pearse: Full Moon at Bungala 
Acrylic on board: 7 inches by 10 inches
Mark stored his paintings in the outhouse at Bungala. Beyond are the river flats, Bungala creek, and the full moon rising.
Small painting, large theme: moonlight shaping and transforming the landscape.
I think it is a wonderful composition. Utagawa Hiroshige, master of rain, snow and moonlight, would surely recognise a kindred spirit.

Sketched while Mark and Jill Pearse were still living and working  at Bungala House. They used the old bakery to display and sell their pottery and  mosaics.
I was inclined to rip up the sketch, but Mark intervened. At that stage I had not heard of Wabi Sabi (celebration of imperfection).

 

Roughing out the detail. Difficult wood!

Glazed and decorated platter by Mark Pearse .

Lady Bay 2

Estuary May 2026 2

Lady Bay 1

Mark Pearse: acrylic on board.
Willunga Hills 2006 will be displayed at Waverley Park Homestead Gallery, Willunga (National Trust) during the month of June, 2026.
The painting is all that remains of these wonderful sheds; they were recently demolished.

Patience isn’t necessarily inherited. The carving of wood demands – and  cultivates – a sort of patience. There is no other way to get to where you want to go….