“ I make my paintings with a mind to the totemic function of art. The production of my works from inspiration to execution is celebratory, that we are in nature and nature is in us.”
Paul Nolan, born in the Hunter Valley of NSW Australia, has long held a fascination for Asia. Living in Japan for more than 10 years, he became the first non Japanese to gain a Master’s degree in Japanese Painting (Nihonga ) from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music.
Achievements
2015 – First Prize Collaborative Painting- NAIDOC Reconcilliation Week, Gosford NSW, shared with indigenous Artist, Jo-Anne Johnson
2006 – First Prize Collaborative Painting- NAIDOC Reconcilliation Week , Gosford NSW, shared with indigenous Artist, Kelly Roach
1998 – Exhibition, Von Bertouch Galleries, Newcastle. 30 Paintings
1996- ‘Paintings from Japan’- 26 works, sent from Japan to Exhibit in Australia
1993 – 94 Mural artist, full time with Space Design Co.Ltd. Interior and exterior murals and panels. Japan Sea, Minakami Springs, Karuizawa
1989-93 – group shows in Australia, including “Different Directions” and Collectors” Choice Von Bertouch’s Gallery Newcastle, Australia
1986 – awarded Masters Degree, Japanese Painting ( Nihonga ), Tokyo University of Fine Art (Geidai)
List of Artworks
Gymeas (SOLD)
Materials: natural pigments on washi ( kumohadamashi ). cms.100×145
Price: $3800 AUD (excl.GST)
Paul: I have become interested in these Gymeas and other large plants which grow in Australia. These stand taller than a man and seem to be emblematic of The Spirit in nature. Nature is at least as important to humans as ever before. There are interesting stories from the indigenous people of Australia , which personify this Gymea as a heroic figure, who in the past assisted and even rescued tribespeople. Aboriginal people had practical uses for the plant. In my painting the reds, from cinnabar, is a traditional sacred colour. Heraldic and Totemic
Shore of memory (SOLD)
Materials: natural pigments on washi ( kumohadamashi ). cms.72×91
Price: $3800 AUD (excl.GST)
Paul: Lyrical, this painting is about memory.
After working on it I recalled a poem by TS Eliot. Things, movements, feelings are tossed up on the shore of memory. Lines connect . This painting is an important one for me – a prototype.
High Passage/Cranes
Materials: natural pigments on washi ( kumohadamashi ). cms.36×65
Price: $2200 AUD (excl.GST)
Symbolic of long life the cranes are at the extreme high altitude of life on the planet. They migrate freely. They are wonderfully able to manage the extremes of weather and climate. In this painting the precious blue contrasts with the ascending clouds and This painting.
Peace River Delta
Materials: natural pigments with silver leaf on washi ( kumohadamashi ). cms.65.5×92
Price: $2300 AUD (excl.GST)
This river of peace flows through deserts of barren hearts. Precious metal silver leaf underlies this desert.
Ancient Pool
Materials: natural pigments with gold leaf on washi ( kumohadamashi ). cms.36×65
Price: $1900 AUD (excl.GST)
Using earth colours, this image is an expression of the essential separation of water from the earth and the floating “seeds” of gold , the preciousness of life.
Morning Glory
Materials: natural pigments on washi ( kumohadamashi ). ms.67×56 (with frame)
Price: $1200 AUD (excl.GST)
Paul: These universal flowers really put on a show. We enjoy the lush colour and if we take the time we can be swept up in their swirling movement, towards the sky and the power of the sun.
Bateau Bay Mangroves
Materials: natural pigments on washi ( kumohadamashi ). cms.28×118
Price: $1900 AUD (excl.GST)
Paul: The horizontal character of much of Australia’s landscape impressed itself on me after I returned from Japan to Australia. Australia in general has a low altitude, being an ancient land geologically. Here as in coastal areas all around the world, Mangroves perform special functions in the ecology. The stones placed in the sand by the forces of nature establish rhythm and tension. The blues are pure, from a stone exported to Japan and processed into pigment.
http://paulnolan.com.au
http://www.jad.jpf-sydney.org/artists/paul-nolan/index.html
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