Kate Tucker · Viewfinder

'Dazzle Camo' by Kate Tucker, 2012, acrylic on linen, 105 x 87cm.  From Kate's show 'Viewfinder', opening this week at Helen Gory Galerie.  Artwork photographed by Jeremy Dillon.

'Paper Heart Strings' by Kate Tucker, 2012, acrylic on linen, 105 x 87cm.  From Kate's show 'Viewfinder', opening this week at Helen Gory Galerie.  Artwork photographed by Jeremy Dillon.

Kate Tucker in her Northcote studio.  Photo - Lucy Feagins.

Ok so when Melbourne artist Kate Tucker recently contributed so generously to our 'Ultimate Australian Homes Giveaway', I promised I would keep you in the loop about her upcoming projects.  So today I'm following up with some of Kate's news - and I have to say, it's been one seriously busy year for this super talented local painter! FIRSTLY, Kate's stunning portrait of Missy Higgins is a finalist in this year's Archibald Prize (massive!), which is no longer in Melbourne but is still touring regionally (dates / locations here, Kates's portrait pictured here).  Kate was also commissioned to create the album artwork for Missy's brand new album 'The Ol' Razzle Dazzle' - an inspired collaboration which has in turn resulted in a firm friendship between Kate and Missy! 'When working with Missy on the album Art, I was doing paintings that responded to her music and her journey' says Kate. 'I worked closely with her and was really inspired by her as a person, and the way she worked, deeply creative but also very thorough'. Both the Archibald portrait and album artwork are instantly recognisable if you're familiar with Kate's signature kaleidoscopic colour palette... (have you seen the tour posters around town?  I want to steal one!). Kate was also selected as a finalist for the prestigious Churchie Emerging Art Prize this year. On top of all this amazingness, Kate has been exhibiting her little heart out since the start of the year - participating in a number of group shows, including 'How the Light Gets In' at e.g.etal.  (See a pic of Kate's sweet collaboration with local jeweller Emma Grace at the bottom of this post). But the headliner for Kate this year is her first solo show with Helen Gory Galerie, an exhibition entitled 'Viewfinder', which opens this Wednesday in Melbourne.  It is a collection of such truly exquisite works I cannot even begin to describe the stunning buzzing beauty of it all!  There is such an intense energy in these works - and despite the consistent colour palette throughout, each painting has such a distinctive mood and character.  Some are very dark, with tiny pockets of neon bursting through the shadow... whilst others are bright and cheerful, and almost seem to smile at you! 'If I had to sum up what I am doing in these current paintings, it is exploring contrasts, and trying to find a balance between structure and chaos, organic and inorganic, light and dark' explains Kate.  'Each of these explorations contains many levels, paintings will go in different directions as a result of many small, spontaneous decisions. It feels like there’s a certain point where the painting takes over and I’m not the boss of it any more!' Kate is so chuffed with the incredible response to her work this year, and super grateful for all the opportunities that have come her way so far.  It's certainly been an incredible ride for an emerging artist who wasn't yet represented this time last year!  The subtext here is - if you love this work, snap one up whilst you can folks... I get the distinct impression that Kate's on bit of a roll here...! Viewfinder - new paintings by Kate Tucker Helen Gory Galerie 25 St Edmonds Road Prahran Ph. (03) 9525 0828 Exhibition opens this Wednesday August 15th until September 8th 2012

Details from the studio of Kate Tucker - painting on shelving unit is 'Rupture/Rapture', from Viewfinder, Kate's solo show at Helen Gory Galerie.  Photo - Lucy Feagins

Studio details - painting on right 'Rupture/Rapture'.  Photo - Lucy Feagins

Studio details - a new work in progress on Kate's easel.  Photo - Lucy Feagins

Necklace and earrings by Kate Tucker in collaboration with Melbourne jeweller Emma Grace for 'How the Light Gets In', an exhibition at Melbourne's e.g.etal until August 18th.