Ceramics by Gerd Schmid - The Edge Art Space

They have a life philosophy that truly corresponds with mine.”

his is the defining comment from artist Gerd Schmid when I asked him if there was perhaps a hint of Japanese influence to his latest ceramic works.

The painting techniques, integral to his collections, are curiously intriguing.

Faintly familiar yet strangely different. Dishes and platters that have tiny sea nymphs swimming across an ocean of black. These are stunningly different, hard to pigeon-hole, and beautiful to view.

Gerd produces his ceramics as apparently effortlessly as he does large canvases. Despite no formal training in Japan, he has a strangely oriental flow to his brush. His techniques are not dissimilar to those of contemporary Japanese ceramics, yet this all emanates naturally from his love of everything simple and uncomplicated.

The flowing lines and coils of the sconce above are somehow neutralised by the simplicity of the glaze and colour. The delicate style counterbalances the functionality of the piece. Utilitarian sculpture – functional art – statement homeware.

Vases as beautiful as the flowers they hold. Striking yet not overpowering.

Table centrepieces that create conversation without detracting from the bigger picture.

Gerds work is available only through The Edge Art Space.

His various pieces are never repeated, merely replaced with something as new and interesting as those that went before. All are created individually.

Currently on display at The Edge Art Space, is Gerds’ set of sushi plates. Delicately painted and holding court on a table near the front doors they are divine.

Visit The Edge Art Space today at 120 Brooklyn Road, Brooklyn.

Too busy feeling honoured to notice

When I photographed the preparations being made to pull together this superb exhibition of works by Peter Zanetti, I should have noticed things like shadows and interference during the shoot, but I was so overwhelmed by the scale of what I was seeing, that my concentration lapsed long enough to do an injustice to these breath-taking works.

My only excuse for poor photography is that I was so jolly busy feeling honoured, to even notice such things as poor camera angle, and flares. Therefore you have even more reason to drop in at The Edge Art Space – Brooklyn ( uh...Sydney) to view the offerings of Peter Zanetti in person.

Frankly, despite my humble photographic skills, the detail, depth of field, proportions, and tones of Peter Zanetti’s black & white collection, are clearly unparalleled. Even I cannot spoil that for you.

In recording on canvas, that which seemed previously invisible to the rest of us, Peter Zanetti helps us all grasp the awe and beauty of his world....our world.

Currently concentrating on the wilderness of Kuringai National Park on the northern outskirts of Sydney, Peter manages to make the hills, rocky outcrops, and flora talk to us with one voice. The tiny caves formed over veritable lifetimes, the trees blown into tormented angles by prevailing winds, and the terrain so rugged that Aboriginal rock paintings are still being discovered, all add to the spiritual pull of these lands.

One can see Zanettis love of his surroundings in all his works. He has a real understanding of the world he lives in, an empathy for the bush, and an acceptance of nature with all its flaws. He can be seen in his straw hat, walking the bush trails of Sydney, lugging great armloads of his ‘tools of trade’, and returning day after day, to perfect his brilliant contributions.

Ice Man Drums up Excitement in Brooklyn

“Norwegian Ice Musician” Terje Isungset, master percussionist Tunji Beier, and Montreux jazz award winning vocalist Kristin Berardi perform together at the Edge Art Space on Sat 18th June– 7.30pm.

RSVP IMPERATIVE

Ice Charms

Ice Harp

Ice Trumpet

Terje is a pioneer in nature and ice instruments and it is his first tour of Australia. Later this year he will be performing with the London Symphonic Orchestra.   He is one of Europe's most accomplished and innovative percussionists - with over two decades of experience in jazz and ethnic Scandinavian music, he is taking these types of music far beyond their traditional boundaries. Terje has crafted his own instruments from natural elements such as arctic birch, granite, slate, sheep bells, and even ice.

Tunji Beier from the Sunshine Coast is known for his work with Linsey Pollak and interestingly, studied Indian percussion 10 hours a day, 7 days a week for 3 years in India from the age of 16.

Australian Jazz vocalist Kristin Berardi dazzled audiences with her vocal talent & compositions touring Australia with the Mothership Groove Orchestra.

This unique musical partnership will not be found anywhere else in the world.



Some of their inspiration comes from Norwegian folk music, Yoruba Classical drumming, South Indian Classical music and Traditional Middle Eastern music and vocals are inspired by jazz. Terje, Tunji and Kristin combine to deliver us from this ordinary world into a magical realm on Sat 18th June, 7.30pm. Edge Art Space 120 Brooklyn Rd. Brooklyn 2083.



Tickets: $45 (includes hors d'oeuvres, glass of bubbly & orange juice)

RSVP:  Gerd Schmid on 0424 176 337 or edgeartspace@gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE: RSVP IMPERATIVE

Peter Zanetti and his Artistic Call of the Wild

Singers in the Wood

Bone Dancers

There is no doubt that the often harsh landscape and scenery of Australia is enthralling not just to those who view it through the eyes of a filmmakers lens, or those who have the pleasure of a flying visit, but also to those who are resident in this amazing country. Not all may completely appreciate the magnificence of the parched earth, the scraggly bush, the continental bedrock exposed by erosion, on this oldest, lowest, flattest continent on Earth, but most can still be held in awe by its breath-taking beauty.

One artist who has clearly been captivated by this unique scenery for most of his life, is Sydney artist Peter Zanetti. His skill as an artist and print-maker has meant that much of the landscape as seen through his eyes, has been recorded in his own brilliant portrayal of colour, flora, shape and scale.

Forest Relics

Blistering

Peters’ skill as a screen printer is indisputable. His prints are limited editions, individually produced by him, signed and numbered.

His knowledge of the national parks skirting Sydney has meant that his work has become a relative time-capsule of the zone, as he systematically records what he sees, in his own inimitable style. Even his titles are captivating and are a clue to his brilliant eye for interpretation.

Joy by the Lake

Rise and Fall

The Edge Art Space is rightly proud to represent Peter Zanetti, and we are honoured to have his interpretations of this amazing land and the people inhabiting it, on our walls. As Peter continues to document his world as it evolves around him, we will continue to hang his work for the pleasure of all who enter The Edge Art Space.

Here at The Edge Art Space we choose to continue evolving as often as is necessary to accommodate the brilliance and genius of the artists, sculptors and musicians who cross our doorstep on an ever increasing basis.

One of the exciting sculptors who has caused a rush of adrenalin for us of late, is the talented John Wright of Sydney.

Johns’ work has morphed over time as he has experimented with different styles and mediums, but his fabulous use of steel, wire and bronze has certainly caught our attention.  

We get enormous pleasure from his resident sculpture ‘Joy’ who graces our outdoor garden space.  ‘Joy’ enriches the lives of our patrons and always brings a smile to the faces of visitors. As the name suggests, she is a giant red kangaroo.

  

John Wright has a skilled eye for the detail that provokes such interest in his work. His fire-engine red kangaroo is at once endearing, profoundly beautiful, yet despite her size, is contained enough to sit comfortably in a residential garden. As with all our exhibits, ‘Joy’ is available for sale through The Edge Art Space (though we will hate losing her), and we would also encourage you to keep abreast of Johns’ latest works by regularly viewing this blog, emailing us or phoning the gallery curator, Gerd Schmid.

John utilizes his keen eye for detail to produce the most magnificent cast bronzes also, and his stunning “Camel Train’ cannot pass without mention. His ‘train’ of progressive camels as they stroll their rusty outback railway track, is one of the most magnificent examples of Australian art this scribe has ever seen.

This beautiful contribution has personally stolen my heart, and is worthy of placement on the wall of any of the globes grandest of homes. It is equally worthy of being included in the corporate collection of any international boardroom.

Likewise his wire camels and the brilliant flying gazelles.

John is understandably awarded and well exhibited, and it is our absolute pleasure to represent him.

Heritage building houses art space in Brooklyn

For those of you who regularly read our blog on The Edge Art Space in Brooklyn we apologize for neglecting to include images of our beautiful building in past blogs.

Today we have decided to dedicate our blog to the building that is home to us, and home to our amazing offerings to you, the public.

On the long rambling Brooklyn Road as it follows the Hawkesbury River towards the small village of Brooklyn (North of Sydney) you will eventually see The Edge Art Space on your right (120 Brooklyn Road). 

Originally the town hall, and heritage listed, this space is now dedicated to artists, artisans, and musicians. It is wonderfully curated by Gerd Schmid.

Gerd is himself an artist of note, producing originals in his unique multi-medium style.


Finally...remember to keep June 18th clear in your diary for the big night at The Edge Art Space with the Ice Man, Terje Isungset. This master percussionist will shock and amaze with his unbelievable skill. I hope our stage handles all the ice!

Nectar of the Gods produced for the Rhythm Hunters

The Rhythm Hunters extravagant and successful show at The Edge Art Space is now over (see earlier blog) but I feel a little inclined to show off the personalised wine we presented on the night.

As mentioned, tables were themed in baby blue & white, and set with hurricane candles, tiny rice boxes, chocolates and OJ. Hors d’oeuvres  were served prior to the show and interval was punctuated with Madeira cake served by waiters. The ‘piece de resistance’ was the wine. Too often we find custom labelled wine bottles hold disappointingly miserable contents, as the opportunity to serve wine without visible connection to any particular winery is milked for all it is worth. Not at The Edge Art Space. We proudly ventured forth with our hardy volunteers, diligently tasting the wines on offer until we had unanimous decisions.

Though we do not profess to be wine experts, clearly our selections passed the test as we had so many positive remarks about the wines we served. We are all hoping the same team selection process will be utilised for our next upcoming show by master percussionist Terje Isungset on June 18^th.