Lucy Timbrell

Bird-and-flower paintings (huaniao hua 花鸟画) were first popularised in tenth century China, and today, Lucy Timbrell puts her own spin on the genre by using linocuts to create beautiful artworks depicting flora and fauna. In our latest spotlight, we learn about her recent trip to Vienna and her admiration for Margaret Preston.

Q: Hello Lucy! Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

A: I have always loved doing creative things, so after finishing high school, it seemed natural to begin studying at Adelaide College of the Arts. After finishing my degree, I also completed a Diploma of Education and a Certificate 4 in Small Business Management, to help begin my own art business. Apart from building up my art business (this includes making artwork for exhibitions, working on commissions and selling greeting cards), I teach after school art classes at Ruth Tuck Art School, and do some relief teaching in other schools.

Cockatoo II, black and white linocut, 2016

Q: Who inspires you? What inspires your art?

A: I am inspired by the relationship between humans and nature, and often incorporate birds and cityscapes into my work. I find fascinating the artwork and stories of other cultures, and love travelling and exploring new places.

Q: Do you have a preferred medium?

A: My preferred medium is currently lino printing, but I also love other media including other forms of printmaking, oil pastels, watercolour and pen and ink.

Honeyeaters, hand coloured linocut, 2016

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is constantly changing as I experiment with different ideas, so it is difficult to say exactly. Sometimes bold and graphic and sometimes intricately detailed, I guess I’m still developing my own unique style.

Q: Can you please describe your artistic and creative process i.e.: from lingering idea to putting it into practice?

A: This changes depending on the project. Sometimes ideas will sit in my mind for many months before anything happens. Talking to others and also making notes in my journal helps the ideas take shape so I can turn them into artworks. However, sometimes time constraints mean I have to work much more quickly!

The Beginning of Memory II, watercolour, 2014

Q: Where do you see your art practice taking you in the next five years?

A: To be honest I’m not entirely sure, but I would love to have a solo exhibition at some point. I would also like to experiment with some different media. I guess I’ll just have to see what happens!

Q: If you could recommend one artist, who would it be?

A: This is a tricky question! I love many different artists and styles, but Margaret Preston is definitely somewhere up the top. Her woodcuts are especially stunning and have a wonderful raw quality.

Hand printed and coloured playing cards

Q: What is your favourite gallery?

A: Having just returned from a trip overseas, I have recently been able to visit many new galleries. I especially loved the collections in the Belvedere Palace and the Leopold Museum in Vienna for their modern Austrian works. I spent many hours poring over the Klimt and Schiele works!

Q: Where can we find more of your work?

A: Online, you can find my work on my website, my Facebook page, or Instagram. I also currently have some works at Art Images Gallery and Red Poles Gallery.

Linocut Christmas cards

Q: What would be the perfect holiday?

A: My perfect holiday would be somewhere where I could explore new cultures, and experience great food and art.

– Masya Zabidi