Artist Cathryn Coutts has dedicated her latest collection to help raise awareness of the endangered rainforests growing around Robertson.
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Coutts solo exhibition, Glimpses in a Rainforest, will explore the rich, volcanic soils of the Robertson area once supported by 2500 hectares of unique rainforest known as Yawarra Brush.
The Robertson Nature Reserve is a small remnant of Yawarra Brush, close to the village, through which visitors can wander on a marked trail.
Coutts was inspired to raise awareness about the reserve through her art after she became a member of the Robertson Environment Protection Society (REPS) where she worked with national parks and wildlife service staff.
Coutts said she was driven by two life-long passions: science and art.
“For me, both offer an authentic way of looking at the world and I am especially interested in using them together to explore our natural environment,” Coutts said.
“In an era when art and science seem so separate, we should remember that it was only through the collaborative efforts of our first artists and botanists that the old world could marvel at the unique flora and fauna of this continent.”
Coutts said she wanted to use the 19 paintings, drawings and printmaking in her exhibition as a platform to educate others.
She would like to raise public awareness of the fact the Yawarra Brush is special and endangered.
“I want to educate people about the plants and what they look like,” Coutts said.
“Similarly today, I hope that my works can assist in some small way to preserve and protect our local native flora.”
The making of Coutts’ art begins with observation drawings and photography in the field to familiarise herself with the plant in its natural habitat.
She would then take these sketches and photos back to her studio where she would spend weeks creating a masterpiece.
“In this way, I come to know the structure and character of an individual plant and from there can explore the expressive possibilities it reveals to me,” Coutts said.
Her styles range from a scientific illustration approach, through to more interpretative images which express the shape, line, texture and colour of plants.
In addition to her artistic interests, Coutts is a keen bushcare volunteer.
She currently works in three locations – Caalang Creek in Robertson, the Community Nursery at Moss Vale and as a REPS volunteer in the Robertson Nature Reserve.
Glimpses in a Rainforest will be displayed until May 19 at the Robertson CTC.
