​PHOEBE DUFF
Shells on canvas
Lime wash paint and pigment on canvas
220 x 140 cm
$1725
 
Sediment
Limewash, limestone, lime render, hebel
190 x 23 x 23
$1925
 
‘Shells on canvas’ and ‘Sediment’ resulted from my exploration into lime. Lime is sedimentary rock that forms at the bottom of the ocean from the precipitation of calcium carbonate and the remains of marine animals and shells. If limestone is found on land, it can be assumed that the area used to be under water. There are several limestone quarries in Albany. The Nanarup quarry, for example, is believed to have formed during the middle Eocene Epoch which is 41- 38 million years ago!
(for more information see https://australian.museum/learn/australia-over-time/evolving-landscape/the-eocene-epoch/   and https://www.mindat.org/paleo_loc.php?id=36977 )
 
I became intrigued by the idea of using lime in my art practice and began experimenting with different forms including lime wash, lime render and limestone and the ways I could paint and sculpt with them to create simple contemporary artworks. 

‘Sediment’ is an experiment in the ways that the lime can be sculpted, carved, chiseled, sanded, stacked, drilled, rendered, and painted to create interesting forms.

‘Shells on canvas’ is a study in lime wash and colour. The lime wash paint is made from lime, clay, minerals and natural pigments. Once painted, it is a thin layer of limestone that dries by taking in carbon dioxide from the air. The limewash I have used has zero V.O.C (Volatile Organic Compounds). I love the consistency of the paints and its luminosity. The palette was inspired by underwater images of the Great Sothern Reef taken by Joan Costa. I was surprised by the intense pinks and creams of some seaweeds and wanted to incorporate this unexpected colour-way.

PHOTOS
Photo 1.  ‘Shells on Canvas’ and 'Sediment'. 
Photo 2.  lime wash paints
Photo 3.  limestone blocks
Photo 4.  Photograph of the Great Southern Reef by Joan Costa

BIO SUMMARY
Phoebe Duff is an emerging artist whose work is inspired by observations of the natural world; its forms, textures, colours, shapes and intricacies.  Duff creates highly detailed observational drawings, abstract colour field paintings, sculptural forms and objects. She also works part-time teaching Visual Arts. Duff holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion and Textiles, and a Graduate Diploma of Education in Visual Arts Education.