Queensland artist, Maureen Hansen takes her inspiration from nature.
This is particularly evident in her most recent collection of works currently on show in the University of Southern Queensland’s Arts Gallery.
Curated by David Usher, Higher Ground - Toowoomba and Recent Works by Maureen Hansen features a collection of works depicting iconic Toowoomba landscapes and places.
“When David invited me to exhibit in the Arts Gallery, I was very happy as I have always had fond memories of Toowoomba.
“My twin sister studied ceramics at USQ and I spent many a weekend in Toowoomba visiting her, playing in bands and partying.
“On the trip to Toowoomba, I remember sketching landscapes from the bus window and capturing glimpses of the city’s character.
“This time, I had time to explore the more interesting, out-of-the way locations and to take-in the brilliant skies and trees and the many different colours of green.”
Painted post-2011 floods, Maureen’s recent works talk to the verdant rebirth of life and colour and the sweetness of nature after the floods.
“There is a basin of light around Toowoomba and it is fantastically challenging to paint those magnificent landscapes.
“Toowoomba also has a kooky sense of retro Australiana like the wonderful old turnstile, the giant yellow octopus and giant rocket in the parks which I just love.”
From her childhood in Maryborough, to her time in Brisbane, Maureen has always been inspired by the beauty of her natural surroundings.
“My passion is natural colour and nature; I observe directly from life and spend hours in front of my subject.
“I interpret nature in the most honest way you can – so what comes out is not contrived or clever – it’s just the way I see it – may not be the way you see it.”
Maureen studied Arts at the Queensland University of Technology and currently works as an art curator and a freelance fine art teacher.
She has exhibited widely in Australia and London and is represented by Heiser Gallery in Brisbane.
Higher Ground - Toowoomba and Recent Works by Maureen Hansen continues until 11 April in the USQ Arts Gallery.
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