Ebb and Flow 91cm x 91 cm

“Abundance” at Gallery 503, 503 Balmain Rd Lilyfield, is my first solo painting exhibition in a commercial gallery, so I’m pretty excited!  The show runs from Thursday the 23rd of November till December 7th, with the official opening on Saturday the 25th of November from 4.00pm – 6.00pm.
For those of you who don’t know me, I attended Sydney College of the Arts and since graduating I’ve worked across a variety of creative disciplines including: Painting, Ceramic sculpture, Jewellery design and manufacture and large scale public mosaic murals. In addition to my own creative practice I have worked for more than 25 years in the not-for-profit sector. In my various roles, such  as  Team Leader of Child, Youth and Family Services and as a group facilitator for a many different organisations, I have provided support and creative/therapeutic programs to women and children escaping domestic violence, refugees, homeless youth and families, the frail aged and many more vulnerable individuals and communities. It is the gift of this work and the unique perspective it has given me on what is really of value in life, that informs my art practice and has helped me create the paintings in “Abundance”.
The collection of acrylic paintings in “Abundance” are a reminder of what is truly life sustaining and freely available to nurture hope and carry us through our lives. My paintings are a response to the insanity of our times. A layered, colourful NO! to popular culture, the media and world politics that would have us live in fear and competition with each other. The work emphatically disagrees with the popular notion that we are never enough, we never have enough and that in life, human beings either succeed or fail dependent on the amount of “stuff” they accumulate.
The abundance my exhibition celebrates is first seen in the use of vibrant colour and pattern. The pattern of the fabrics peeking through each painting are a metaphor for the fabric of the universe, building blocks uniting and connecting all things. I see all creation as divine in nature, with this energy expressing itself in endless combinations through us, the natural world and our lived moments. My paintings delight in the abundance of the natural world, expressed through lush foliage and exotic flowers symbolising the endless cycle of life. So too, we are part of this abundance, the many faces seen in my work represent the endless opportunity we offer ourselves and each other. The abundant gift of ourselves for growth, laughter, kindness, love and connection and the ability we have to give, receive and share. I hope “Abundance” is an opportunity to pause and be reminded of all we have within and around us and gently challenge the notion of not having, or being enough.
To see more of Emel’s work go to:
http://www.emeljurd.com
Instagram @emeljurd
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I hope to see you at my opening on Saturday the 25th!

Till then, keep Sharing the love!

Emel