Meet IAVA member Salwa Woodroffé. We asked Salwa a few questions about her art practice.
What was your earliest memory of an interaction with Art?
I started drawing and painting at a very early age. I remember occasions when I was about 5 years old my parents admiring my paintings and showing it to visitors.
How would you describe your art practice?
I love to paint but I do not like it to dominate my life. I like to enjoy it as a hobby but not as a job. My priority is enjoying life and the company of my family (98-year-old mum, husband, children and grandchildren). I like travelling, music, gardening, reading, and keeping things around me tidy.
Things that enthuse me to paint is my regular plein air painting trips that are usually followed by continuing the paintings or enlarging it in the studio. Also, I like experimenting with different approaches to painting or trying an idea that comes to mind or inspired by something I saw.
Do you have a favourite artist/s or artwork? What is it that makes it/them your favourite?
I love the painting style of so many different artists who vary in their approach to painting from an impressionistic to a naive or contemporary- modern work. My favourite works are the ones that demonstrate spontaneity, professional application of paint and vibrancy of the colours.
Most recent adventure or achievement?
Being awarded the winner overall in the Ardency Art Competition and being finalist in the Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize.
Any current goals you’re working towards?
Using different painting approaches to express my thoughts
Enlarging some plein air paintings
Paintings figures and portraits
To see more information and examples of her work: https://www.salwawoodroffe.com/
