At the State Library of Victoria

I recently had an email from Allison O'Connell, exhibitions curator at the State Library of Victoria, letting me know that my painting, Flemington Racecourse, has just gone on public display. What a thrill it is to have a work showing in the North Rotunda. 

There are a number of works around the rotunda by Rick Amor, Louise Forthum, Josie Petyarre, Tony Lloyd and William Mackinnon in a selection from the library's 21st Century paintings based on the theme of Melbourne cityscapes.

The State Library of Victoria is a magnificent institution and it is indeed a privilege to have had their support over the years, and especially from Madeleine Say, with eight of my paintings now in the Library's picture collection.

The caption for the painting reads - 

Shane Jones

(born 1955)

Flemington Racecourse 2012

oil on linen 

H2017.278/1

This painting brings together two enduring themes for the artist:

horse racing (Jones was an apprentice jockey in his youth) and the

vast expanses of sporting fields, such as football grounds and 

racecourses. Of the latter, Jones writes in his art blog: 'An arena is like

a void where the mind can imagine what might happen'. In this painting, 

the viewer is invited to imagine or recall their own racing scene - perhaps

prompted by the statue in the foreground of the famous Australian-trained 

mare Maybe Diva, which won a historic three consecutive Melbourne Cups 

at Flemington in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

The Rick Amor paintings next to my work are, Melbourne from Dundonald Ruins, Gelibrand Hill, 1996 and Across the City, 1995

Photo credits - Deborah Klein

Farewell

In 1989 I was given a small lawn mowing round which was two days a week and 31 years later I've officially retired from this enjoyable profession. This modest job was invaluable to me as an artist. It gave me enough money to cover expenses and a job that did not occupy my mind at the end of the day. 

Sometimes I've been asked if I would like to teach art, but having had the occasion where I've filled in for teachers, I would rather mow lawns. For me, being an artist means you think about your art most of the time, even when you're not actually in front of the easel. A teacher's job demands that you think of the work of many people and not just your own and I found that very conflicting. Some teachers can handle this very well, but I found it was a distraction. 

I love being outside in the air, especially when the sun is shining and it was always a pleasure to work in those conditions, and of course, it was a bit of exercise. Over time, I was in a position to let a few of the lawns go, to the point where I was only doing two large units every fortnight and painting the rest of the time.

The pics below show the residents of one of the lawns I did in Hampton. I got to know all the residents and would often have a quick chat from time to time. They gave me a card with their appreciation and a farewell morning tea, which was a very special occasion indeed.

Thankyou to all the residents at 18 Fewster Road Hampton.

From left right  - 

 Barry, Lorraine, Mal, Pat, Eleanor, Rick and 

Michael, the manager of the units.

 Charles, standing

Robyn and Barry