Geelong Painter Steve Singline Reveals New Exhibition Inspired by Regional Vistas
A talented Geelong artist has transformed his daily views across the region into a captivating collection of atmospheric landscapes that encourage viewers to embark on their own imaginative journeys. Steve Singline, whose artistic practice draws deeply from the local environment, has unveiled his latest exhibition titled Beyond The Secret Garden at Boom Gallery in Geelong West.
Daily Inspiration from Wandana Heights
The view from Steve Singline's Wandana Heights home serves as a constant source of inspiration for his creative work. Through the treetops, he gazes across the Geelong region, taking in vistas of Corio Bay and the surrounding landscapes that inform his artistic vision. This ongoing relationship with the local scenery forms the foundation of his new collection, which continues his exploration of atmospheric landscape painting.
"This current series continues my exploration of atmospheric landscape painting," Steve explains. "The works are full of imagining. Imagining what lays ahead of us as we venture out into the 'beyond'. There are works within the series where there is a sense of arrival in a pause place, a place to be still for a moment. There are other works where the sense of journey stretches out and calls us to continue on."
Creating Emotional Connections Through Art
Steve's work is currently displayed in the front space of Boom Gallery, strategically positioned to capture the attention of passers-by. The exhibition features a series of smaller works that the artist describes as "punctuation marks in the streetscape." While he typically paints in various sizes ranging from postcard dimensions to much larger canvases, his primary artistic goal remains consistent: to foster emotional connections between viewers and his work.
During previous exhibitions, visitors have frequently inquired about the specific locations depicted in his landscapes and seascapes. Steve embraces the mystery inherent in his work, noting that a painting might represent Corio Bay, Point Lonsdale, or simply exist as an imaginative space. He prefers that viewers form their own personal connections, perhaps seeing in his paintings memories of holidays or personal experiences.
"I also get it that with cost of living pressures not everyone can afford art, so when people find a connection with my work that for me is another confirmation that you've gone on the journey with me," he shares.
An Unconventional Artistic Journey
Painting represents a relatively recent chapter in Steve's professional life. He enrolled in a visual arts course as a mature-aged student in 2008, driven by a desire to learn painting techniques. His earlier experiences with art during high school were tempered by practical considerations about employment prospects.
Steve brings a diverse background to his artistic practice, having worked as an automotive spray painter and developed skills as a self-taught sculptor. He has also contributed to Geelong's cultural landscape through his work with Geelong City Council, managing its public art program. More recently, he has collaborated with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation, providing technical advice and support for projects that express cultural heritage through urban design and public art installations.
"These are legacy projects that celebrate culture," Steve notes about this collaborative work. "My hope is that projects that increase the visibility of culture in public places will further strengthen cultural pride for current and future generations. I feel really fortunate that I've had the opportunity to develop skills in public art management, and I can walk alongside traditional owners."
The Creative Process in a Home Studio
For his personal artistic work, Steve dedicates three to four days each week to his home studio in Wandana Heights. Music plays an essential role in his creative process, with an extensive CD collection that replaced records he once gave away during a move. The musical accompaniment varies according to his artistic needs and mood.
"I always have to have music on when painting and I find it helps," he reveals. "If I'm feeling stuck I'll put something on that is more lively to physically get me moving, other times when I'm featuring out soft clouds I need something more relaxed." His eclectic musical tastes span from ABBA to Led Zeppelin and from Paul Kelly to Missy Higgins.
A Quarter Century in Geelong
Originally from Sydney, Steve has called Geelong home for twenty-five years, describing it as an excellent place to raise a family. He recently welcomed a granddaughter into his family circle. The artist expresses particular gratitude toward Boom Gallery for providing exhibition opportunities within the local arts community.
"I'm really grateful Boom Gallery asked me back for another show. I don't take for granted that as great as place as Geelong is, without a commercial gallery like Boom there would be fewer opportunities to create work for a show," he acknowledges.
Steve Singline's exhibition Beyond The Secret Garden runs alongside Graeme Altmann's Moonah and Jen Tarry-Smith's The Sun Goes To Sleep In The Sea at Boom Gallery. The exhibition continues until February 21 at 41 Pakington Street in Geelong West, offering visitors an opportunity to experience these atmospheric landscapes that bridge the real and imagined geographies of the Geelong region.
