Bold lines and strong colours define a series of images reimagining a childhood in Bermagui.
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Drawn entirely from his memory, the artist Joel Tarling intended to capture the feeling he gets from Bermagui, rather than a photo-perfect representation of the coastline.
Some of his recreated memories include the Murrah Hall, walking the dog on Armand's beach, Cuttagee, building stone walls at Umbi Gumbi, exploring Gulaga and the night he fell off the verandah.
The series will be displayed at a pop up exhibition at the Gelati Clinic, at the Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf from April 21 until May 21.
The official opening of the exhibition is from 3pm to 4.30pm on April 21.
Tarling has been working on the Bermagui illustrations since the beginning of the year and described the series as the the most enjoyable show he has ever done.
“I grew up in Bermagui and Barragga Bay, but moved to Sydney when I was 10 years old,” he said.
“As an adult, I returned many times to visit family and friends because it's one of the few places I've lived that feels like home.”
His illustrations hold a childlike innocence, which draws upon his appreciation for children’s books.
“Even before my daughter came into the world, I loved reading children’s books,” he said.
“My inspiration also comes from the natural world, my South Coast childhood and from the historical biographies I read.”
Tarling’s work will be available for purchase during the one month exhibition. A3 digital prints of the illustrations can be purchased for $15 each.
