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​The armchair arts tour 4

11/6/2020

4 Comments

 
Picture
By Liane Arno
 
DAMN it!  I was so sure I could win!  In February, John Mutsaers sent us all a challenge to write about our interpretation of freedom using his Infinite Birdcage series as inspiration.
 
I approached our erstwhile publisher of the Bass Coast Post to see if she could help spread the word.  And what did she do?  She teased us with an article, “Damn you John Mutsaers” about how she was struggling with the concept and not writing well. 

​But – damn you Catherine Watson – your 
The Ties that Bind won! 

​There were hot contenders at your heels – Karen Bateman’s 
Crooked Heart was a close second and Wendy Saphin’s Key to Freedom was third.

Seriously, though – many of us had loads of fun not only in writing our pieces but also in recording them at Radio 3mfm.  Thanks to Deb Watson who worked feverishly through the lockdown not only to record and edit the readings but then to weave Mark Finsterer’s music into the background. ​
PictureListen to Infinite Birdcage writers read their works.
All the works have now been uploaded onto YouTube (click on image at right) and everyone is invited to vote for their favourite. 
 
And back to Catherine, who says she’s grateful for John’s challenge to combine images, words and music, which seemed entirely appropriate for the lockdown.
 
“I was intrigued by the Infinite Birdcage series but wrestling for meaning took me much deeper than I would normally go with a work of art. I spent a couple of weeks immersed in this dream-like and rather unsettling world. Some of the images got into my psyche and even appeared in my dreams. 
 
“As the closing date approached, I was a little sad. I knew I would miss that daily meditation.”

ArtSpace will celebrate its reopening on June 26 with readings by the Infinite Birdcage writers on Sunday, June 28, from 2pm. With an eye on social distancing requirements, reading areas will be set up indoors and out, so bring some warm clothes.
 
Guests will be asked to vote for the people's choice with the winner to take home a $50 voucher from ArtSpace.

4 Comments
Phyllis Papps link
14/6/2020 07:27:50 am

What fabulous writers we have here in our region !!!!
Combining the brilliant and intriguing art of John Mutsauers, with words and music was very inspirational.
Congratulations to everyone who entered the competition and especially our highly esteemed editor of Bass Coast Post for winning the first prize, Karen Bateman for receiving second prize and Wendy Saphin for third prize.
All the writers who entered the competition have the opportunity to submit an entry for the Bass Coast Prize for Non-fiction 2020. Closing date 4th September. Check the website: https://basscoastprizefornonfiction.weebly.com
Phyllis

Reply
John Coldebella.
14/6/2020 07:37:58 pm

Don't be sad Liane. Freedom is having the thought: 'Damn it! I can win this'!

Reply
Marg Lynn
17/6/2020 11:35:15 am

Bravo, Catherine! Wonderful writing: humorous, wise, perceptive, layered, offering such breadth of commentary on the human condition through each one of John's paintings. I loved it! Congratulations too to Karen and Wendy for their beautiful essays.

Reply
Ellen Hubble
20/7/2020 01:36:23 pm

Brilliant Catherine!
Congratulations to Karen & Wendy too.
What wonderful combinations within the arts. Thanks John Mutsaers.

Reply



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