Behind the Scenes of Distinctly Here: Connecting Through Art at The Corner Store Gallery

Art has a unique way of bringing people together, especially when different creative voices come together to share a common space. The joint exhibition Distinctly Here at The Corner Store Gallery is a perfect example of this. Featuring works by Deb Michell-Smith, Matthew Watts, and Greta Hounslow, the exhibition explores textures, forms, and familiar rhythms of Australian life. This post takes you behind the scenes of how these artists connected, selected their paintings, and created a shared experience that reflects diverse perspectives on Australian landscapes and suburban life.

Corner Store Gallery, Orange NSW

Bringing Different Artistic Visions Together

The idea of a joint exhibition often starts with a shared interest or theme. For Distinctly Here, the common thread was the exploration of Australian life through different artistic lenses. Each artist brings a distinct style and focus:

• Deb Michell-Smith captures wide regional landscapes, emphasizing the vastness and openness of Australia’s natural environment.

• Matthew Watts offers nostalgic, finely detailed works that celebrate the charm of Australian suburban life, focusing on everyday scenes with a warm, inviting touch.

• Greta Hounslow creates intuitive paintings that merge abstract forms with colours, textures, and rhythms inspired by the Australian landscape.

  
  

The challenge was to find a balance between these different approaches while maintaining a cohesive exhibition that invites viewers to experience Australian life in its many forms.

The Selection Process: More Than Just Picking Paintings

Choosing which artists and paintings to include was a collaborative and thoughtful process by Madi at The corner Store Gallery. The invited artists submitted works to The Corner Store Gallery and Madi combined their works to complement each other. She considered:

• Theme alignment: Each piece had to contribute to the overall narrative of Australian textures, forms, and rhythms.

• Visual flow: The arrangement needed to guide visitors naturally through the exhibition, moving from broad landscapes to intimate suburban scenes and abstract interpretations.

• Scale and space: Balancing large regional landscapes with smaller, detailed works ensured the gallery space felt dynamic but not overwhelming.

  
  

This process involved honest conversations about which works best represented their vision and how they could create a dialogue between the paintings. It was not just about individual expression but about connection and conversation.

Connecting Through Art: The Artists’ Perspectives

The joint exhibition became more than a display of paintings; it was a meeting point for three artists to connect over their shared love of Australian life and art.

• Deb’s perspective: She found inspiration in the vastness of regional Australia, aiming to capture the feeling of space and light that defines these areas. Her landscapes invite viewers to pause and reflect on the environment beyond city limits.

• Matthew’s approach: His nostalgic scenes evoke memories of suburban streets, gardens, and homes. His attention to detail brings out the charm in everyday moments, reminding viewers of the beauty in the familiar.

• Greta’s style: By blending abstract forms with natural colours and textures, Greta’s paintings offer a fresh, intuitive take on the landscape. Her work encourages viewers to feel the rhythm and energy of the environment rather than just see it.

  
  

Together, their works create a layered experience that celebrates both the physical and emotional landscapes of Australia.

The Role of The Corner Store Gallery

The gallery itself played a crucial role in shaping the exhibition. Its intimate space allowed for a close connection between the artworks and the audience. The team at The Corner Store Gallery worked closely with the artists to:

• Arrange the paintings in a way that enhanced their individual strengths.

• Create lighting that highlighted textures and colours.

• Provide a welcoming environment that encouraged visitors to spend time with each piece.

  
  

This collaboration between artists and gallery staff ensured that Distinctly Here was not just an exhibition but an immersive experience.

What Visitors Can Expect

Visitors to Distinctly Here can expect to see a rich variety of artworks that together tell a story about Australian life. The exhibition invites reflection on:

• The vastness and quiet beauty of regional landscapes.

• The warmth and nostalgia of suburban scenes.

• The abstract rhythms and textures that define the natural environment.

  
  

Each painting offers a different perspective, but together they form a connected narrative that feels both personal and universal.

Final Thoughts on the Power of Joint Exhibitions

Distinctly Here shows how joint exhibitions can create meaningful connections between artists and audiences. By sharing their unique visions, Deb Michell-Smith, Matthew Watts, and Greta Hounslow have built a space where different interpretations of Australian life come together. This collaboration highlights the value of dialogue in art, where diverse voices enrich the experience and deepen understanding.

For those interested in Australian art or the creative process behind exhibitions, Distinctly Here offers insight into how artists connect through their work and how a gallery can bring those connections to life.

(Photos from The Corner Store Gallery)