General News
4 May, 2023
Duo unveil new book
A NEW book highlighting the beauty of the Corangamite area has been produced as a collaboration between a local balladeer and a local artist.
A NEW book highlighting the beauty of the Corangamite area has been produced as a collaboration between a local balladeer and a local artist.
The book, ‘The Art of Gardens- Corangamite Portrayed’ features poetry by Joan Mahony and artworks by Isha Paasse.
Ms Paasse, illustrator of the book, said her and Ms Mahony often bounce ideas off one another, and decided to “show off” Corangamite.
“Over a 12-month period, because we love where we live, we thought; let’s talk about here,” she said.
“Joan and I are quite emotional about here; it stirs the words, and it stirs the art up.
“To me, we need to promote here; we’re not just artists being artists, our art is focusing on something the rest of the community loves too.
“We research through history; that’s how I do my art, and I need to know where it’s coming from. We’re storytellers, and it’s factual.”
Ms Mahony said her poetry tied in with some of Ms Paasse’s works, while she specifically wrote poetry for some artworks.
“We love where we live, and the next exhibition will embrace to the coast, so we’re trying to reach places such as Derrinallum,” she said.
“In the book, there’s poems about Aboriginal culture as well that ties in.
“The more you see, the more you want to see, and you just keep finding new things.
“It’s about sharing what we love.”
The book was launched at the Courthouse Camperdown on Wednesday, with copies already on sale at Camperdown Newsagency.
Ms Paasse said she hoped people would embrace the book.
“I would like to think we’ve left a lasting legacy,” she said.
“We haven’t got enough time in our life to do all Corangamite; we could go on forever and ever, there’s so much from micro to macro.
“It’s something we’ve started the ball on, and if other people want to join in, so be it.
“I’d like to think tourists will be interested in sharing what we’re all about here. I think it’s about spreading the beauty and positivity.”
Ms Mahony said the book was about connecting with other people.
“If people can feel a connection with what we’ve painted and written, then it will have achieved its purpose,” she said.
The pair encouraged others to explore their creative sides.
“Art is not about being the best; it’s about being able to express something,” Ms Paasse said.
“If art can give you happiness and a reason to express your feelings, go for it.”
Ms Mahony encouraged people to give things a go if they wanted to do something.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s good or bad, if you’re enjoying it, and it makes you happy, just go and do it,” she said.
