By ALANA MITCHELSON
WITHIN the confines of a chandelier-lit studio in the tranquil surrounds of a garden, Elaine Mitchell has explored notions of purity and innocence in a rare exhibition of her drawings.
While Mitchell has had a number of exhibitions over the years in many venues, Angels and Unicorns is a rare open studio display of her creativity.
She will open the exhibition in her Scarecrow Patch Studio, which usually serves as a performance space for Mitchell’s Theatre of the Winged Unicorn.
“I think people are always seeking truth and purity, and unicorns stand for those qualities,” Mitchell said.
“Purity is something you don’t find very often.”
Since losing husband Dennis last year, Mitchell has developed an interest in angels and other winged creatures such as unicorns and butterflies.
She draws inspiration from varied incidental fleeting observations that explode into pencilled drawings, collages with glass organza, drawings on calico or acrylic paintings.
Mitchell stressed that imaginary creatures such as unicorns were not just for the kids but for everyone, for all time.
For Mitchell, creativity isn’t a pastime, it’s a lifestyle.
“I live and breathe it. It’s an integral part of who I am.
“I look forward to people just walking in, maybe having a drink, and wandering through to have a look at the work I’ve produced.“
The exhibition will be open 10am to 4pm on 7 to 8 and 14 to 15 November at the studio in Thomas St, Ceres.
