Sophie Witter, in a moment

14 February until 10 March

Hobart based artist Sophie Witter explores the classic themes around portraits, still life and landscapes in her work.

Using colour, line and pattern she depicts the ordinary and aesthetic qualities of everyday objects and places them within landscapes, domestic and imagined spaces. Sophie draws on recollections of her family home and childhood, with many pieces visually exploring memory, loss, nostalgia and the varied experiences of being a woman.

“I began painting as a means of self- preservation while raising my children. My art practice uses colour and line to look at the ordinary but aesthetic qualities of our everyday things - like jugs, vases and pots. These objects are scattered around my home and are reflective of the home I grew up in, which was always filled with pretty objects and interesting things. Many of the works draw on recollections of my family home and childhood and visually exploring memory and nostalgia.

My paintings are completed amidst a hectic schedule of looking after children, along with house work, paid work and other things. Part of my practice aims to challenge the notion that art making needs to be completed as a singular, elite pursuit away from the distractions of life. Like so many people making art, I have had to carve out space in my life to paint while doing many other things.”