A LOVE of bonsai, geishas and everything Japanese has provided the inspiration for Michelle Gilks’ new exhibition.
The Canning Vale artist is one of three women whose work will be on display at the ‘Now and Zen’ exhibition at the Earlywork Gallery in South Fremantle, running from February 22-March 4.
She will be exhibiting alongside Sue Jarrad’s modern, street-art-like pieces and Sarah Rye’s ceramic work.
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READ NOWMrs Gilks said she loved all things Japanese and her passion for the culture was reflected in her work.
“It’s really given me the opportunity to explore something I love, painting a theme I really enjoy and just immersing myself in that and I’m really looking forward to sharing that with everyone else,” she said.
“I’d met Sue and she’d approached me about exhibiting with her, because she paints geisha, I thought that was my opportunity to do a Japanese-themed exhibition.”
Mrs Gilks said a trip to Japan a couple of years ago had inspired her to immerse herself in the country’s culture.
“I would love to go and live there. When I went there, I just felt so at home and the people are just so lovely,” she said.
“I just loved it and I wanted to bring everything home with me.”
The exhibition will be feature an afternoon tea and artists talk on February 24 at 2:30pm.