Featured Artist

MARILYN BARRINGTON

(more information & larger images available for some images - click on picture)

Marilyn Barrington has been a prominent figure in the West Australian art scene for many decades, particularly in the field of china painting. A long time member of the WA Guild of China Painters , Marilyn is highly respected as both an artist and teacher and much loved by the many students she has inspired over the years.

When describing her work Marilyn declared ‘my aim is to create
artworks that are original and portray an emotional connection’.

The desire to paint started at a very early age for Marilyn watching her father produce display posters for shops. Her introduction to china painting came with a TAFE (Technical and Further Education) adult education class tutored by Norma Taylor (a Life Member of the Guild). Marilyn recalls fondly that Norma allowed her to be creative and original with her painting and later encouraged her to begin teaching herself, first with a small class at home and later with larger classes run by TAFE at Tuart Hill and Carine, in Perth.

'After the Burn' - Pastel on ingres paper 'Flight to Extinction' - Acrylic on Canvas

“The content of my work often reflects the plight of our unique flora & Fauna.” - MB

When the Education Department commenced the Certificate in Onglaze Painting, Marilyn enrolled, studying under Margaret Young and in November 1980 was part of the first graduate class.

In 1984 Adelphe King, a fellow graduate (and a previous Gallery 4 Featured Artist), invited Marilyn and other innovative graduates to exhibit in a ground-breaking exhibition at the Fremantle Art Gallery called ‘Trends in Porcelain’.

During the exhibition the Art Gallery of WA acquired Marilyn’s exhibit ‘Escape 1’, from her Escape Series for their permanent collection. This acquisition was considered very significant since gaining acceptance of china painting as a fine art had been difficult. An article featuring ‘Escape 1’ appeared in the Australian Porcelain Art Decorator magazine. Conservative china painters at that time did not approve of the use of mixed media being incorporated into the art, but undeterred Marilyn commented ‘I wanted to break boundaries and go out on a limb’.

left: 'Escape 1' - Vase with leather and feather detailing

Magies at Dawn 'Maggies at Dawn' - Watercolour (750 x 380mm)

Marilyn continued her academic studies completing a Certificate in Art Studies in March 1984 and a Diploma in Art Studies in April 1986. While studying she continued to take china painting classes and also tutored the Onglaze Certificate and Art Studies at Carine TAFE.

During her career Marilyn has held many workshops, tutored for Arts Access in Narrogin, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Boddington, and Mandurah; The WA Guild of China Painters and the Albany Porcelain Art Camp. The Albany Porcelain Art Camp, a great favourite amongst Guild members, ran from 1986 to 2011 with Marilyn teaching at every camp except one.

Marilyn has exhibited her work in countless galleries in Perth and regional centres and recently exhibited with the Collage Art Group at the Wanneroo Cultural Centre. Other painting is currently on display at the Gold 'n Grape Gallery in Pemberton and also at her Gallery in Walpole.

above: 'Down South' Tile purchased by Albany City Council

Marilyn Barrington posing in front of sign featuring her painting

With awards for porcelain, watercolour and pastel painting too numerous to list here, other career highlights include commissions from:

* BHP Billiton
* Depart. of Environment & Conservation
* City of Albany
* Silver Chain.

After 40 years of living and raising her family in Trigg,
Marilyn and husband, Alan moved to Walpole on the
South Coast of Western Australia, where she
continues to expand her art career working in
Watercolour, Acrylic, Pastel and Porcelain.

Above: 'Just Looking'
Left: Cockatoos painted by Marilyn Barrington

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