Wendy Slee

09-09-09 saw the opening of my first official art exhibition…
I say official lightly as it was not a publicized traditional solo exhibit, but one held in conjunction with the Cinefest Oz French Australian film festival, which is held annually in Busselton. Some amazing films were on view for the public at the local Cinema, as well as many short animated clips showing daily at the ArtGeo gallery and cultural centre (where my art was on display)

The exhibition ran for one week to coincide with the French Australian Film Festival, a busy and exciting time for the arts in this region.
I was honoured to share my exhibition space with an incredible artist by the name of Troy Bennell. Troy is an award winning artist, highly acclaimed in the indigenous arts scene not just in australia, but internationally, and a most wonderful young man as well, his work is strong and beautiful, and I must say I look forward to working on future projects with him.
I got a surprise to realize I actually had images of Troy already here on RB, taken at the beach festival in January when he was performing on the didgeridoo

Here are a few glimpses within the walls of the gallery – an old building that was originally a bank, then the Agricultural Department building before being restored and upgraded into a professional art gallery. I have to say it was overwhelming to see my work on those big white walls!!

Bill Webb of the Wardan Cultural Centre delivered a wonderful “Welcome to Country” speech for the movie premiere of Stone Bros and guests, and here he strikes a pose in front of the artwork featuring his portrait, that won an award for me at last year’s Signature Southwest Art Prize.

Hmmm….someone taking time out to play while the others are busy inside working…...

As part of Cinefest Oz, Saturday night featured the West Australian premiere of the new movie Stone Bros , followed by an after party for VIP guests, stars, producers etc, at the gallery where my art was on display. It was an amazing night and loads of fun too!

Stars of the movie Stone Bros, Luke Carroll, Sarah Lawrence and Leon Burchill party with local lady Josephine Ziino… It was great to meet these people after seeing their movie, they were all so down to earth, fun and friendly. These photos were only taken with a little handbag point and shoot, so aren’t the best but will give you a bit of an idea of the fun

Luke Carroll (Eddie), Sarah Lawrence, Leon Burchill (Charlie) and producer Ross Hutchens

A bit of fun with one of the stars from Stone Bros – Gary Cooper.

Gary Cooper, Leon Burchill, Merlin, and two lovely assistants outside the ArtGeo Gallery.

The most unlikely star of the movie, and one who stole the show, was little Merlin….shown here with owner/co-star Gary Cooper.

After playing a monster of a role in the movie Stone Bros, Merlin looks pretty humble and quite approachable…..lol

If you get the chance, you must go see this movie Stone Bros…..it was filmed between Perth and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, and is described as being an “indigenous comedy”, but that is an understatement….. it is the most hilarious movie I have ever seen, a cross between Cheech and Chong and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, with a whole lot more thrown in (including one scene that was a real take off of the Paris Hilton look ab-original style…lol…..) Very original, fresh, funny, and with a lot of smoke, a damn lot of smoke, and stones of all descriptions, I defy anyone with a pulse not to laugh out loud at this movie!

check it out

Stone Bros. Trailer from Australian Film Syndicate on Vimeo.