Copyright Jenny Whiteside © 2010 All rights reserved
A warm evening for the meeting but was well attended by some new members as well as long-standing members. It was great to see some country members too. It was a very exciting, informative, and inspiring meeting.At the start of the meeting Patrick showed us some of the entries for the International Flower and Garden Show, which I think, prompted those of us who have not yet put in our entries.
When Michael Meszarros arrived he presented pieces of communication. He then explained that the new web site is looking good but we need some members to become involved with the idea that we have one person managing it and several other members knowledgeable enough to step in or access data. Michael then passed on a message from our president expressing the need for members to take over as Treasurer, Public Officer, Activities organiser and Newsletter editor.
Judy Newman agreed to distribute the postal newsletters. I will try to find another speaker for May and then stand down and Patrick is prepared to continue as Public officer.
Business part of meeting was closed with Michael stating that if we did not get members to fill the positions we may have to employ someone so that we can maintain a good, well balanced, professional association. But this would mean increasing membership fees.
Jenny then commenced her talk with a bit of background about her first piece, carved from Australian Serpentine that she has retained as a yardstick of her achievements and for sentimental reasons. Having made this first work she had a complete change of direction and has never looked back and is very passionate about what she does.
Jenny showed us the tools she uses and the stone and explained how she has sourced them from overseas, the stone from Canada and the better tools from Italy.
She told us about the different stones, their hardness, colour and workability then she explained the process from the initial cutting, sometimes with a chain saw to carving, sanding and finally waxing and polishing.
We were able to see some of the beautiful stones she has on hand as well as some finished works and photographs of sold pieces.
Jenny was most enthusiastic about the symposiums she has been on and urged members to think about taking part in one. She also holds workshops at her studio and at Bulleen Art and Gardens.
Over all it was a great evening with all members taking part in lively questioning and learning a great deal from each other as well as Jenny about sculpting in stone. Thank you Jenny for a terrific evening.
See her website at: www.jennywhiteside.com.
Gillian Govan
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