BERNI AYREART
Painter, Printmaker, Photographer and Artist bookmaker. b.1961 -
Berni has had an accomplished early career as a Bio Medical Photographer and Photo Journalist with her art taking a back seat until 1990.
Berni's paintings are inspired by the vast Australian landscape and an understanding of Indigenous culture. She imparts a geniune knowledge of place, sense of country and a level of respect for the landscape and its fauna and flora. Berni's works have been described as alluring and sensitive, enticing the viewer to consider the artists journey and sensory experience exploring tracks, valleys, forests, back paddocks and open enscarpments. Her technique encompases a variety of painting and printing techniques intriguing her peers, and inviting one to take a look - a little closer, to discover patterns, textures and light affects within a work.
In her studio in regional Victoria, it is a norm to see collected sticks, leaves, barks and dirt, and a wealth of scattered objects, to ensure that Berni best represents the natural colour, textures and intermit detail of a landscape she has recently explored. Her extensive photographic portfolio from years of travel across Australia ensures continued inspiration even when her health or the colder seasons prevents her exploring and painting 'en plein air'.
Berni is mostly self taught, with some informal art training and art awareness, first from her school Art teacher, the Avant-guarde artist George Balyck, then by rubbing shoulders with artists painting around Sydney's habourside, and presenting talks at the Art Gallery of N.S.W. The young Berni would often be given their old brushes, paints and canvases to encourage her to pursue her talents. These Artsists included the inspiring James R Jackson, and Luna Park Artists: Martin Sharp and Peter Kingston.
Berni had a short informal stint participating in workshops at the Woollarha School of Art in the early 80's, and completed a Graphic Arts Diploma at the University of Sydney Institute of Technology, however her natural talent was recognised in 1977, with an invite to exhibit two oil landscapes at the prestigious Artarmon International Gallery. Further public exhibitions followed for a few years at The Rocks Gallery Sydney, Birkenhead Point Gallery, and participating in the open air weekend Artist Exhibitions in Hyde Park Sydney.
Now in her 60's, producing a small quantity of works each year, Berni's landscape paintings and fauna and flora studies are widely collected. Her works and comissioned murals can be found in State Gov collections, museums, conference centres, and regional galleries across Australia. Other works and photography have made their way to: Great Britain, Canada, the Royal collection of Tonga, and to the City of Rotorua New Zealand. Berni is a frequent entrant in the Maritime Art Prize, Archibald, and various Australian Landscape Prizes, and supports many Rotary Art Shows.
A commited volunteer mentor for VCE Arts Students, isolated regional and indigenous students, and those with additional needs, Berni welcomes students into her studio and conducts student tours of galleries, for those who seek more confidance and a wish to persue an Arts career, or simply those looking for inspirational guidance to fuel their passion to create. Berni remains an active Arts Culture and Heritage Adviser for local and state Governments.
'My aim when I paint is to respectfully record what surrounds me and share my sensory experience with others the best way I can. I am continually inspired by changes in the Australian landscape, its unique fauna and flora, the seasons, textures to be found, colours and light play, and the cultural works of First Nation peoples who care for and record 'Country'. While my early works were influenced by the city and suburbs where I spent my teenage years, I have found my true place now in rural Australia, where I am more comfortable to immerse myself in my work surrounded by nature. 2023
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