The Louis Joel Arts and Community (LJAC) centre in Altona features many works from western suburbs artists in its gallery.
But now, rather than displaying the work of a local artist, LJAC has provided the inspiration for one.
“My latest work, ‘Conversation with Friends’, explores the powerful friendships and networks formed in local groups at the Louis Joel Community Centre,” said Altona-based artist Julee Latimer of her latest work.
A painter who works with textiles and goes by the motto “I break the rules of painting, one strand at a time”, Latimer held a launch party for Conversations with Friends at her home studio on Saturday, April 5.
Also present at the launch party were 27 women who Latimer met through group activities at LJAC, specifically its book club, Tai Chi classes and choir, and who helped her develop the artwork.
“I asked 27 women (nine from each group) for their two favourite colours,” said Latimer, who then set about creating the piece.
“I dried house paint into threads and wove them into a large ‘blanket.’
“My choices of orange and magenta border and intersect each section, unifying these vibrant voices into one radiant tapestry.”
Latimer joined the three groups at LJAC to help her overcome the loneliness she experienced during lockdowns caused by the pandemic.
She said Conversation with Friends is the direct result of joining those groups and meeting the 27 women.
“This piece celebrates the transformative magic of shared connection and the joy of belonging,” she said.
Unlike a lot of other artwork associated with LJAC, Latimer’s latest work isn’t going to be exhibited there.
Rather, she’s entered it in the Wangaratta Textiles Awards, a major biennial art prize.
To see more of Latimer’s art, visit: juleelatimer.com/
