04Feb08

Exhibitions at the MAD Gallery at Lancefield show an interesting contrast, as CAITLIN RYAN reports

TWO contrasting exhibitions by local artists were unveiled in Lancefield last weekend.
Carlsruhe artist Melanie Nightingale launched her collection of ink images, Getting Wise.
She will share the gallery space with Lancefield artist Kerry Scheen, who will showcase her hand-made ceramic objects in Down the Garden Path.
Ms Nightingale said she drew inspiration for her collection based on her own emotions, and found it ``challenging'' to share them with the public. ``It has been a revealing exploration into recognition of my experiences where disappointment, sadness, pain and fear have resulted from not following my own intuition,'' she said.
``It is challenging to have them in public view, to be analysed and interpreted by a viewer who only has their own experiences to base their interpretation on.''
In contrast, Ms Scheen's work is based on her alter-ego, Linogirl, and her imagination.
Original designs are individually hand-shaped, painted and glazed. ``My images (for the objects) come from whatever is in my head at the time,'' she said. Ms Scheen makes wearable objects, including rings, brooches and pendants, and also has a limited range of prints.
The exhibition is at MAD Gallery , 19 High St, Lancefield, until February 24.

ART MAD FACTS

MAD Gallery was opened in Lancefield in 2003 by John and Gemma Nightingale
It holds 12 exhibitions a year, about half by locals
The meaning of MAD is undecided; some interpretations include Mum and Dad's, Macedon and District or Make a Decision

MAD, at , 19 High St in Lancefield, is open 10am-5pm, seven days a week