An interview with new member Sharon Waldron-Blaschke...

We welcome new member Sharon Waldron-Blaschke to Inka Gallery!  As well as her painting skills, Sharon comes with other creative talents, which you can read about in her interview below.
To see more of her stunning works, drop into the gallery where they are currently featuring on the 'black wall' until 31st October (see previous post). 


What  made you choose to become a member of Inka Gallery?

I’ve found it an interesting and diverse co-operative of artists for a while, and like the idea of having my art at Salamanca.  It’s a cosy space and everyone gets to have their work displayed at all times and I want to learn about how to run a gallery.

What is your background and how did you get started?
I started studying Fine Art at Hunter Street when I was seventeen. I majored in printmaking and then became interested in sculpture that became kinetic. I then worked for Terrapin Puppet Theatre and then Knee High Puppeteers in Adelaide. I studied alternate theatre design in Prague at DAMU and did some international touring with Knee High. I then studied teaching at Melbourne Uni and have been an art teacher ever since. About 12 years ago I returned to my first love of oil painting, so I teach and paint.

Which other artists and areas of life inspire your artwork?

I’ve been really inspired by local artists like Elizabeth Barsham, Helen Wright, Steven Lees and Marlon Zarlins. I will always love Frida Kahlo, van Gogh, many French Impressionists and Surrealists.  I love contemporary sculpture like Alex Seton’s stone carvings. Walking along the coastline really inspires me. I hear ancient spirits in the rocks and the trees (I am clearly mad).  I have tried my best to represent them for years.

What is your favourite subject matter and medium?

I paint about the Tasmanian coast line and can’t move in no matter how I try! My favourite subject matter is allocasuarinas or she oaks.  Birds are beginning to feature strongly. I paint in oils and have just started using linen.

Do you have other creative talents besides producing artworks?
Puppet making, set and costume design. I use to specialise in wooden carved marionettes and giant puppets.

What do you hope to gain by being a part of Inka Gallery?

I am looking forward to being part of a collective and am already benefiting from conversations with other artists and art enthusiasts about the obsession we all share.

Thanks for letting me in the Inka door!

You are most welcome Sharon - thankyou for joining us!  We wish you a long and productive stay with Inka.





Our current exhibition 'The Empty Chair' continues until Wednesday, 31st October (see previous posts)