General News
18 June, 2023
Finding beauty in imperfection inspires CWA
Tricia Arber, an experienced glass painter with 22 years of expertise, has shared her skills through a class for CWA members in the RSL Hall. Before diving into the artistic techniques Ms Arber offered some important insights to the group. "Our aim...
Tricia Arber, an experienced glass painter with 22 years of expertise, has shared her skills through a class for CWA members in the RSL Hall.
Before diving into the artistic techniques Ms Arber offered some important insights to the group.
"Our aim is not perfection – we're not striving for that; we don't want perfect," she said.
"Glass painting is impressionistic.
"When you paint, let your mood guide you.
"Each glass vase or bowl should be unique and yours."
Having taught glass painting for four years at U3A in Horsham and won the best-in-show award in Horsham for three years in a row, Ms Arber emphasised that glass painting was an affordable craft accessible to most individuals.
Beginners can start with a single brush and some acrylic paint.
She also stressed the importance of enjoying the activity.
"It's not rocket science – it's meant to be fun," she said.
Nonetheless, there are specific skills to be learned.
Ms Arber guided the CWA members through exercises using round and flat brush strokes on paper, which were useful for depicting leaves and petals.
Once the group felt comfortable, she encouraged them to progress to painting on glass.
She mentioned that the finished pieces could be baked at 150°C for 30 minutes and then varnished to give sheen and protection.
The members thoroughly enjoyed the exercises, and Joy Nelson enthusiastically declared, "I'm going to do a lemon on mine. I can just see how it will be – there, on the flask."
Member Wendy gazed at her paper, which showed some resemblance to dark pansies, with a mix of wistfulness and hope.
"I know everyone has a talent," she said.
"I just haven't discovered mine yet, but there's still time."
In addition to teaching, Ms Arber, who lives in Murtoa, manages the Maker's Gallery in Horsham, which specialises in handmade craft creations.
The gallery maintains high standards of quality and not every piece is accepted.
Ms Arber said it was Rita Stewart, a member of Dimboola CWA at the time, who encouraged her to start giving classes in Dimboola a few years ago.
"I first met Rita at the Maker's Gallery and she invited me to teach at the CWA," she recalled.
"She was a wonderful lady."
As a multi-talented individual, Ms Arber will offer her next class with Dimboola CWA, scheduled for August, on aqua plants in terrariums.