I call my work "Soul(e)Scapes" - 'intuitive abstractions' - the last 35 years of my journey have been fueled by the richness that is brought forth by exploring and reflecting upon issues of Life, Fulfillment and Meaning"; especially outside the realm of the senses.
The essence of my observation is usually supported by the experience of Transpersonal* Art Therapy processes; study of Theosophy and Vipassana Meditation. My works become symbols or metaphors reflecting and sharing insight. I embrace the inquiry that can occur in the interface between reason, philopsophy, ethics, religion, science and the arts.
I actively participate in the Arts Community. A longstanding member of the NSW Sculptors Society. In 2021 we moved to Melbourne and I am a team member on the Association of Sculptors of Victoria presidente Team. I have exhibited my art in many exhibitions over the years and have recently been included in the publication 'the NSW Sculptors Society - Celebrating 70 years'.
Gunnels work has been described as poetic, fluid, original and multi-layered in interpretation and meaning.
* trans·per·son·al/transˈpərsənl/Adjective: Of, denoting, or dealing with states or areas of consciousness beyond the limits of
personal identity.
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Current member: Asociation of Sculptors of Victoria; NSW Sculptors Society; Victorian Art Society; Contemporary Art Society, Contemporary Sculptors Victoria, Theosophical Society; Threshold Choir.
Recently: Herring Island - Summer Arts Festival 2022, Incinerator Gallery (March 2020/ June 2019/March
2018); Chatswood Chase (August 2020); ‘Holidays at The Concourse’ (Chatswood Art Space Dec 2018); Willoughby Council (Dec 2018/Jan 2019); Lane Cove ArtXtra (Nov 2018)
Influenced by: Contemporary
Impressionism; Theosophy; Vipassana Meditation; Transpersonal Art Therapy.
Education: Degree Science (Microbiology); Diploma in Transpersonal Art Therapy; Certificate IV Disabilities; Certificate
IV Training and Assessment; Mastery Program, Tom Bass Sculpture School; TAFE NSW Fine Arts (Sculpture) National Art School Workshops, other.
Nationality: Australian with Swedish and Estonian heritage.
Instagram: Gunnel Watkins