After a long and successful career helping others as a psychologist, emerging artist Sally Tomkins has recently discovered her own solitude through painting.
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This Sydney-based talent only picked up a brush seven years ago, yet she has fast gained the attention of the art world.
As such she will be soon be exhibiting at The Moree Gallery, with her solo exhibition entitled Coddiwomple opening 10am Friday, March 13.
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This will be Sally's first significant exhibition, and her first visit to the Moree region, and she couldn't be more thrilled.
"I can't wait, I'm married to a farmer's son from Booroowa, so we have a strong country connection and I love rural people," Sally said.
"I find people in the bush so genuine, with no pretences, and I'm happy that my pieces are being exhibited in a rural gallery, it feels like a good fit."
Working in oils, Sally is fascinated by the texture of paint and portraying the different qualities of light in her works.
With a penchant for painting children, and trying to capture the quiet moments of pause and thought in the midst of their busy lives, her comprehensive collection also includes still life scenes and interiors.
Sally is a relative newcomer to painting, admitting she wasn't considered for art at school, and encouraged to pursue a maths and science path.
Her career in psychology followed, however Sally admits she has always loved making things and using her hands.
From a violin-making course in Cambridge, UK, to furniture restoration, Sally dabbled in the creative space before commencing an introduction into drawing, and then painting, through the community college almost seven years ago.
"As soon as I started I adored it, I loved the process of mixing colour and really enjoyed working with paint."
Sally eventually made the decision to take a year off psychology to focus on her painting, which has recently been extended to a two-year break.
"I don't think I've ever been happier, I have my dogs at my feet and often paint with friends which is nice too."
"I think it's time for a new chapter in my life and I'm keen to see where my passion for painting can take me. The more I paint the more I love painting."
Off the back of a profession that dealt with trauma, addiction and mental health problems daily, she said the lifestyle change has been meditative, giving her some much-deserved time out.
"Painting has come at a very helpful time in my life, I was ready for a change, but I never imagined a beloved hobby would become a viable profession," Sally said.
"I'm so grateful to Gig Moses of The Moree Gallery for providing such an opportunity, it really is a great privilege, and I'm looking forward to meeting some wonderful people whilst in Moree."
Sally's solo exhibition Coddiwomple - (v.) to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination - opens 10am Friday, March 13 and concludes April 10.
Catalogue is online from Friday, March 6 and drinks with the artist will be held 5.30 to 7.30pm on Friday, March 13.
For further information please see www.moreegallery.com.au or phone (02) 6752 3927
