Mixed media artist Carmel Sayer, of Mandurah, and chainsaw artist and sculptor Ernst Schneider, of Hillarys.
Camera IconMixed media artist Carmel Sayer, of Mandurah, and chainsaw artist and sculptor Ernst Schneider, of Hillarys. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis

Ellenbrook Arts to host exhibit on the ups and downs of art

Lucy JarvisThe Advocate

TWO artists from opposite sides of Perth are pairing up for an exhibition in Ellenbrook this month.

Hillarys sculptor Ernst Schneider and Mandurah artist Carmel Sayer are showcasing about 40 works each in the ‘Life – stages and crossroads’ exhibition at the Ellenbrook Arts gallery from May 7 to June 4.

“Just as life is like a roller coaster with its ups and downs, twists and turns and often unforeseeable destinations, it will be your choice to scream or enjoy the ride,” Schneider said.

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“This also applies to this exhibition which combines cleverly arranged, unusual and distorted sculptures with uniquely expressive, colourful and compartmentalised paintings to create both vibrancy and harmony.”

The “chainsaw artist” said the unusual style he started in 2010 created niche products.

“I’ve always loved the experience of losing myself in thought and diving into the world of art and imagination,” he said.

“This creative introspection allows me to produce a niche art that is not only aesthetically beautiful, but one-of-a-kind.

“Throughout my short career, I’ve accumulated a repertoire of artistic techniques that have allowed me to better illustrate my intentions as an artist.

“My aim is to create unforgettable works and impart a deep emotional connection between objects and human beings whenever I begin a new piece.

“Most of my work conveys the synthesis between the figurative and the abstract, and the real and imaginary.

“What is unusual about my artwork is the use of mostly rough power tools like chainsaws, woodcarvers, power files and wire brushes to create very detailed, relatively small distorted pieces of art with varying surface treatments and finishes.

“Combined with Carmel’s very strong compartmentalised and colourful paintings this will be a unique exhibition that will positively surprise the art lovers and the industry.”

Sayer uses her artwork to explore the relationship between postmodern global society and the diminishment of human spirituality.

Using mixed media, sculpture and installation work, the artist explores the adverse effects on humanity and the soul, rising from the misuse of technology and a loss of connectivity with nature and one’s self within high-density urban environments.

She has been the artist in residence at Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah for 2017, working towards the joint Ellenbrook exhibition and a solo exhibition in Melbourne in July.

Paula Silbert Art Consultancy will open the exhibition on Sunday, May 7 between 2pm and 4.30pm and both artists will be at the gallery on weekends during the exhibition.

Schneider will give a free artist talk on May 13 from 1.30-2.30pm and Sayer on May 20.

THE ESSENTIALS What: Life – stages and crossroads exhibition Who: Ernst Schneider and Carmel Sayer When: May 7-June 4 Where: Ellenbrook Arts, 34 Main Street Gallery hours: 10am-2pm weekdays, 1-5pm on weekends. RSVP for opening/artist talks: info@ellenbrookarts.com.au or 9297 9940 More: www.ernstschneidersculptures.com and www.carmelsayerart.com