Self-taught Werribee artist Uma Barry will share an insight into her life when she takes part in TV4ME’s Colour in your Life on Saturday. She talks to Laura Michell about the experience.
What is your connection to Wyndham?
I’ve been a resident since 1987. The rural setting attracted us to the town. Being an artist, I appreciated scenery such as Werribee River, the You Yangs and the easy access to coasts and other landmarks.
How long have you been artist?
I’ve been a self-taught artist for close to 35 years and have never looked back. It has become an irreplaceable part of my life. I’ve been exhibiting in Australia since my arrival from Fiji in 1983.
How did you first get into painting?
I was inspired by my parents and at 15 I started getting into art seriously. Specialist art materials were rare in Fiji but that didn’t stop me. With my dad’s help, I used Dulux house paint to create paintings of prominent Indian mythological figures and folklore.
How would you describe your work?
I try to create pieces to inspire strong emotions in people. My landscapes and seascapes are done in a realist style and recently I’ve begun branching out into contemporary pieces based around close-up photographs of nature. Even though I do paint large pieces, the majority of my paintings are small, usually miniatures to postcard-size pieces. Working on these sizes teaches me patience and focus on composition.
Tell us about Colour in your Life .
It’s a 30-minute arts program on TV4Me (Channel 64 or 74). It’s designed to promote artists and expose their work to the public. It’s mostly based around Australian artists, but it’s looking to expand its business overseas.
What do you like about living in Wyndham?
It’s getting developed quite heavily so new services are emerging with its expansion. I really like public facilities such as Wyndham library and Cultural Centre. I’m actually doing a solo exhibition there in late September. The area around President’s Park and Werribee River is my favourite place. It’s been a great local painting spot for me.
What would you change about the area?
The number of traffic lights would be one thing I’d like to change. If we’d built fewer roundabouts, traffic might not be so congested. Ballan Road in particular is pretty bad, especially in peak hour.
What do you remember about Wyndham that has changed or is no longer here?
It was very much a country area when we first arrived here. A lot of historical structures that used to be around have since been demolished. I’m sentimental, so I feel national heritage is important.
