Minnie (Grand Old Dame Mechanic's Institute)

2024

Gouache on paper

94 x 68.5 x4.5 cm

“Minnie”

With an abundance of knowledge and quirk, she adopts the Minerva pose as per the statue that sits upon the ‘Grand Old Dame’, that is the Ballarat Mechanic’s Institute. Guardian of her books of wisdom, arts and trade. (Books that, in reality, grace thelibrary shelves). This portrait as an interpreted persona of the building, embraces the architectural decorative embellishments within the image, (her attire as example).

A locally trained, trade qualified jeweller by profession, I have a love of decorative arts and ornamentation created by human hands. Take a moment to acknowledge the subtleties within our architecture. The results, of human vision, the desire todesign and create beauty with skill. Every detail reflects imagination, care and proficiency, for all to be inspired by and to value. The finer details of our streetscapesthat make this city special.

“Minnie” is one of a collection “The Grand Old Dames of Ballarat” to be revealed in May, 2026.