Butterfly Moon

Butterfly Moon 

Acrylic on Canvas, 610 mm x 610 mm

I have always been attracted to the night sky. As a child, I would often sit by my bedroom window late at night. Curtains open wide, lost in the silence of the night.  Magic in her mood, the moon glowed casting her light. Stars twinkling, saying goodnight.

Rest, relax and sleep well dear people.

Love in My Heart - SOLD

'Love in My Heart'

Pen and Paper Cutting - 175 mmx 225 mm (framed)

One lazy afternoon, relaxing in my comfy lazy boy chair, doodling to my heart's content. A few days later decided to get out the craft scalpel, gently cut out areas to expose another layer. Done on white cartridge paper with black cartridge underneath. 

Now I am thinking of doing maybe a purple heart with gold paper underneath. I love the way art takes me to a place, triggering inspiration, expanding my thoughts and perceptions.

Free and Easy

'Free and Easy' 

Watercolour, ink and copper leaf on paper (400 mm x 300 mm)

I believe not all art needs to be serious. A fun day of doodle art of my subjects and adding a little copper leaf to add some 'bling', life running through their veins. Splashing watercolour here and there, blowing through a straw with different levels of intensity giving a profound sense of freedom and fun. So nice to just breathe, create and let go.

Free and easy... play... walk ...run.. fun in the sun

Stay a While.... Play a While

'Stay a While' 

Acrylic on Canvas, 40 x 75 cm

Stay a while, play in my depths

Sit a while, in the shade of my tree

Breathe for a while, my salt kissed breeze

Stay a while, play, relax, breathe

                                 Dawn Evans-McLeod

If you look into my eye, you will see a deeper (or should I say) a more playful side of me, that loves to relax with friends and family. I am not necessarily the one in the sea, maybe the one under the tree.

Living here in Port Kennedy, Western Australia a hop and skip from the beach with its magical sunsets, it is easy to feel free to enjoy nature's gift she shares.

This painting is part of my latest exhibition 4 - 6 October at the Rockingham Arts Centre with Peta Heaney and Kez Wickham St George.

'My Cancer, My Journey', Dawn Farr

'My Cancer, My Journey', Dawn Farr (1997)

Small  poetry book

Today is my birthday. 21 years ago I was given the all clear from my diagnosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma, Stage IV. For someone the doctors did not believe would initially live past 3 months, progressing to 1 - 2 years after treatment, I say WELL DONE! (My actual birthday isn't for another few weeks, lol)

'My Cancer, My Journey' is a collection of poems of insights to the emotional journey I experienced.

 Here is a small excerpt of the prelogue:

"Cancer! Who would have thought a six letter word could be so powerful?

Take a look at the word again, C-A-N-C-E-R, look within it and see the word C-A-R-E. 

You need care and love from those around you, More importantly, care and love for yourself.

Find the power within you, to look inside and heal your life. It is never too late.

Find the fight to love yourself,  YOU ARE WORTH IT"

"This book gives a good insight of the emotions and feelings of a cancer patient. For all those involved with cancer; patients, families and carers, this book is a valuable resource", 

                                             Margaret Blake, Waipuna Hospice, NZ

I must acknowledge the photo on the front cover, taken by my dad Alan Freer. Also the photo of me on the back cover by Lynette Colman. Unfortunately I forgot to add it into print. Sorry, Dad and Lynette.  Better late than never.

Anyone wishing a FREE copy please email me: devansmcl@gmail.com

All I ask is that you pay it forward either by making a donation to your favourite charity or do something special for someone in need.

More than Words

'More than Words',  Handbag 17 x 17x 4 cm (Paper and Brass Fasteners)

'Through Splintered Walls' Exhibition, Rockingham Arts Centre, 2013

Kaaron Warren, author of 'Through Splintered Walls' had the misfortune of her book being misprinted. What is one to do with a mountain of unsaleable books? Inspiration came forth. Kaaron contacted the City of Rockingham with an idea of her book being recycled as artwork, to complement the 'Castaways' recycled sculpture exhibition held in May each year.   

Workshops were held for participants to learn skills and techniques with copies of the book to go forth and create. And that I did; a handbag. Of course one always needs to accessorise with bracelet and matching earrings. All ready for a long lunch.

The handbag is made from the book with brass paper fasteners as the handle and accents; includes snippets of Kaaron's story; now reading -

We stopped in the country - Been told off for a our long lunch - Their lips were red from wine - she do that? Oh, my God - I was silent - really can't remember - (on front)

I stopped once at a supermarket - cordoned off, news vans, police - She never told us about that - everything okay? - Fine. It's all fine - Just for a while (on reverse)

The readable version of Kaaron Warren's book, 'Through Splintered Walls' is published by Twelve Planets. Follow the link  http://www.twelfthplanetpress.com/store-items/through-splintered-walls

Breakthrough - SOLD

Breakthrough, Watercolour and ink (31 x 25 cm) - SOLD

Continuing with my theme of trees and patterns, this painting is included in the 'Unmasked' exhibition in October 2013.

A powerful image, I decided to accompany with a poem.

Darkness, heavy, weight, ground

Resistance, force, grit, escape

Push, breathe, release, gasp

New life, shine, grow, expand

Breakthrough!

             

                    Dawn Evans-McLeod, 2013

Natural Glow - SOLD

Natural Glow , Exhibition- 'Unmasked', Rockingham Arts Centre, WA
SOLD - (Acrylic on canvas - 75 x 40 cm)

Nature and trees in particular inspire my work. Each tree is unique and individual as it progresses through its seasons; weathering storms, harsh draughts, rejuvenating from floods and bushfires. I see this reflected in every day life as people travel through their own seasons and environmental conditions.

Gentle in her nature

Ancestral past leads to her centre

            Flowers’ essence at her heart

Skyward bound her limbs branch

            Freedom sings from above

Natural glow effervescent

                                     (Dawn Evans-McLeod, 2013)

This artwork is part of the 'Unmasked' Exhibition 4 - 6 October 2013 at the Rockingham Arts Centre as a collection with fellow artists Kez Wickham St George and Peta Heaney.

Lizard Magic - SOLD

Lizard Magic, sold at the recent Pinjarra (WA) Rotary Art Exhibition 2013

Painted in watercolour and pen (31 x 25 cm) this was created with plenty of water, splashing colour, pinch of salt and a scoop of rice to see what emerged. Lucky for me lizard magic showed its face.

According to Dr Stephen Farmer in his book Spirit Animals, lizards remind us to pay close attention to our dreams. Listen to your own intuition.

If you are the lucky person who bought this painting I hope this magic comes your way.

Connected, (pen and watercolour), 31 x 25 cm

Kings Park in Perth, WA has the most beautiful boab tree. In the Australian Bush Flower Essences by founder, Ian White he associates the boab with clearing negative family and karmic patterns. I love the bottle shape belly of the tree.

Using pen and watercolour I created my boab. Inspired, I later wrote this poem: Connected

 Side by side, strength in arms

Ancient whispers, deep inside

Party dress stripped bare, now calm

Patterns repeated, cannot hide

Wealth and abundance, to the fore

New beginnings, blossom once more

                                              Dawn Evans-McLeod