PICES 2024 In Focus

Just released: PICES in Focus: Celebrating Regional Artistry Video

"PICES in Focus – A Gallery Talk and Studio visits with Regional Artists," video premiere launched on Sunday, April 28th, 2024. Held at Berninneit Cowes, the event saw PICES members, along with family and friends, eagerly gathered to witness the culmination of this exciting project.

Supported by a grant from Regional Arts Victoria, the video production, produced by filmmaker Patrick Troy and his crew, not only reinforced PICES' vision of bringing contemporary art to the community but also shone a spotlight on the artistic practices in regional Victoria.

The two-part video captures the essence of three talented artists—Mae Adams, a weaver; Andrew Kasper, a sculptor; and Mark Schaller, a painter—who featured in the highly acclaimed PICES in Focus Exhibition held in February. To view these video's simply scroll to the bottom of this page where you will find the links to each video.

With the aim of exploring how artists can thrive in regional areas, the videos showcase the experiences and insights of the featured artists in a way that is delivered with warmth, sincerity, and humour.

Thanks to the skilful production of the video, the audience were treated to an informative and engaging screening, leaving them inspired and enlightened.

PICES extends its heartfelt gratitude to Regional Arts Victoria for their generous support in funding the video, to the Bass Coast Shire Council and to Bass MP Jordan Crugnale for their contributions towards the new PICES in Focus exhibition and video launch.


About the ......PICES in Focus Exhibition

It was an absolute delight to introduce our new initiative “PICES in Focus” which ran from January 31 - February 12. The two week Exhibition in partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council featured works from 3 highly respected local and regional contemporary artists Mae Adams, Andrew Kasper and Mark Schaller. We were so thrilled to have this calibre of artists participate.

In this exhibition, Paint, Fibre and Steel were brought together in a collective body of works, with each artist contributing a unique voice and story to their works. The diverse mediums employed reflected not only technical prowess but also a profound individuality, contributing to the richness and diversity of the overall artistic dialogue. PICES in Focus emerged as a celebration of the local contemporary art scene, and offered viewers a unique opportunity to delve into the personal stories and creative journeys woven into the fabric of the artists works.

The PICES in Focus artists' talk on Sunday, February 4th, 2024, drew in an audience of more than 60 guests who enjoyed the works in the PICES in Focus, Paint, Fibre and Steel exhibition at Berninneit's art gallery as a backdrop. The event was expertly moderated by Catherine Watson, owner-editor of the Bass Coast Post. Mae Adams - weaver, Andrew Kasper - sculptor and Mark Schaller - painter, engaged the audience with insightful discussions about their artistic journeys and experiences in shaping successful art practices within the Gippsland region. The artists' generosity in sharing their creative processes and inspirations provided valuable insights for the attendees.

We'd also like to sincerely thank Bass Coast Visitor Information Centre, Alex Scott Real Estate Cowes, and Print-it-Fast for their support in promoting the event to residents & visitors to Cowes, it contributed significantly to us achieving record attendance to our six week long program


A little bit more about the artists….

Mae Adams I Weaving
Mae’s keen interest in working with plant fibres has emerged through searching for a process that complements her commitment to bush land conservation and sustainability. The plant materials Mae uses are mostly Australian indigenous species grown on her property, or gathered nearby with minimal disturbance. The process of gathering, preparing materials and slow stitching is meditative and personally satisfying for her and is both creative and ancient.

Andrew Kasper | Sculpture
In Andrew’s current studio practice, he is focused on the inflation of steel and (mainly) mirror stainless. He particularly enjoys the process of inflation as one can never really predict the outcome. The material formation, when inflated, dictates how he manipulates it to achieve a desired aesthetic outcome.

Mark Schaller | Painter
Mark's approach to his latest works is as simple as putting down his materials and going for a walk to get a feel of what he might want to create without any fixed idea. In the back of his mind the thought that what he really wants to paint is not in front of him but probably behind him. Mark paints without any preconceptions, just how he feels