Details - Making History

Making History - The Hidden World of the Leviny Women of Buda, held at the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum earlier in 2015

Making History - The Hidden World of the Leviny Women, Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum

Photos from the show earlier this year

Working...

Dorothy Leviny grew up and lived at Buda for most of her life.

She was a talented artisan who had spates of self doubt.

In her younger years - in her early twenties - Dorothy is particularly 'down' in her diary. Around the time of her sister's wedding she declares she will go to England when she is about thirty.  And says she will go to study painting.  This never eventuates, but neither does the husband and family that she is perhaps allowing herself an alternative to...

Dorothy does study painting in Bendigo with Arthur Woodwood, who was a particularly respected teacher, fresh from Europe.  The Bendigo School of Mines where Arthur taught was considered one of the best Art Schools in the country at the time.  Much later, in the year that she turned sixty, (1941 I think!) Dorothy spent a year studying metalwork at RMIT.  An example of her metalwork, a tea service, is now in the National Gallery of Victoria collection.

As I read Dorothy's earlier diary she reminds me of my own self doubt, and an early awareness of a need for self discipline.  As time goes on she seems to get caught up in trying to make a living for herself - despite not enjoying working. 

Dorothy describes being unhappy, and realises that it is more than the war that is upsetting her, as she has felt this unhappiness before.  We know she then moved back to Buda after her mother died, and that she spent time looking after the Museum section of the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum.

We also know she spent time making her own work.

It is a disappointment that there are no later diaries for Dorothy.  I would dearly love to hear how she felt about her 'work' in those later years when she was no longer needing to 'make ones living' and was more free to make art.  In the recorded interviews that Hilda Leviny (one of Dorothy's sisters) made in the early 1970's Dorothy is described as having only been interested in her art.  

I hope that means Dorothy really did allow herself to be an artist in the later half of her life.  The legacy that is the work she left behind suggests she committed herself to making quality pieces.

There are as many reasons for making as there are makers, and getting to know Dorothy through her diaries is only one small window into who she was and when she lived.  I am not an historian and I find the freedom to relate to Dorothy's Diary at such a personal level empowering.  I am free to enjoy getting to know Dorothy as best I can without the pressure to 'get it right' for general historical interest.  I am able to explore Dorothy as a maker, as a woman, and as a person that wasn't sure at times. I freely admit my research reflects much about me.  Most importantly however, I thank Dorothy for an example of a commitment.  A commitment to quality making.

Mr Lewis

Many many many moons ago I was a student at Lambton High School in NSW and I had Mr Lewis for Art. I was in year 7 and it was 1980. High school was big and noisy and the buildings were brick. The central quadrangle was very... concrete. There was a fantastic big oval, and a lawn area out the front, but my friends and I hung out near a stairwell in the quadrangle. Sort of in a corner. Mr Hook was the Vice Principal and there were a whole range of fantastic teachers including Mr Wood for woodwork and Mr Steel for metalwork (not kidding!)... 

I remember drawing with Mr Lewis, with an emphasis on both exploring and building technical skill. I had no confidence in my ability despite great marks and having work in the school exhibition. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up - school was about maths and english and geography. Art was for people that were talented and that wasn't me.

Skip forward a couple of years... I have a particularly strong memory of Mr Lewis approaching me in the quadrangle. It was 1982, I was in year 9 and he was asking me why I wasn't doing Art as one of my electives. I told him I wasn't any good at it, which he argued against - but I insisted I wasn't and that he was mistaking me for Leanne. He maintained his opinion but so did I. 

I didn't think about that conversation again for a long time, but in my twenties I started to paint, and did some drawing classes. In time I wound up at Art School, and towards the end of my undergrad won a small scholarship to study in Washington DC. My USA semester was twenty years ago this year, and now with a Masters of Fine Art under my belt, and twenty years of exhibiting I almost feel like I have the right to call myself an artist.

This year I've been teaching private tutored drawing groups in the vibrant and lovely surrounds of Castlemaine. I have been reflecting on my own teachers and wishing I could tell Mr Lewis he was right!!! I am grateful for the wonderful grounding I had, even if I didn't realise at the time. So far I haven't been able to find Mr Lewis, but I will do my best to encourage others in their ability to draw!

Why Draw??

Drawing is a fundamental activity... as we learn and develop as children drawing is pre-writing.  Somewhere along the way we learn that drawing is only for those that can.

Yet drawing is a skill that we can all learn.  It is a wonderful activity that promotes understanding.  It is the ultimate 'slow' activity.  Andrew Marr, patron for the 'Campaign for Drawing' reminds us of the importance and accessibility of drawing ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEIiUs7eg7c

Enjoy!!

Buda Historic Home and Garden

Buda is a house, a garden, a place to visit and appreciate how the world has changed...  

But of course it also encompasses a story.  It is a story that goes all the way back to the gold rush when Ernest Leviny decided to come to Australia for about three years.  Then stayed.  

It is the story of the family that he nurtured here at Buda.  

There is, quite particularly, the story of the unmarried daughters that spent much of their time at Buda.  They were strong women who weren't extreme enough in their activities to attract a lot of attention, yet were fascinating.  Hilda travelled and worked while the others seem more 'stuck' at home.   Kate forged a life in Sydney for a while but then came home to settle at Buda and spent time developing the works on paper collection of the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum.  (Apparently she was a particularly strong woman, not to be messed with...) And Dorothy, with all her early self doubt didn't ever stay away from Buda for too long... but she worked towards making quality metalwork that is her legacy.  Apparently she was the gentler sister, picked on by the other stronger ones.  One thing I have particularly enjoyed hearing about Dorothy is that she went to RMIT in her early sixties to do further study in metalwork.

My understanding of these women is from sketchy information that allows room for interpretation.  I am not an historian.  I am not wanting to 'correctly' present this story, because I don't want to miss out on the fabulously inconsistent details that allow the story depth and complexity.  But I am interested to tease out the various elements of the story, and acknowledge the shades of grey.  

And Buda is also the story of creative and intellectual rigour.  Ernest inspired and still inspires a commitment to quality of making.  And in a contemporary community rich with 'makers' of all shapes and sizes, what a wonderful history to share.

Tutored Drawing Groups with Catherine Pilgrim Various locations including Buda

Term 2 Drawing ...

Join Catherine Pilgrim for tutored drawing groups aimed at beginners and intermediate draughtspeople looking to improve their skills in observational drawing.  Using Catherine’s light filled studio as a base, we will visit various locations to draw.  Significant time will be spent in the visually rich surrounds of Buda Historic Home and Garden, as well as visits to Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum, and other destinations to be confirmed.

Work with Catherine and a small group of fellow students on exercises to improve ‘seeing’, while also reinforcing fundamentals such as gesture, tone and proportion.  Various media will be used including graphite, and some charcoal.

Catherine Pilgrim learnt to draw in Australia and Washington DC and has been exhibiting for over twenty years.  Catherine’s approach is skill based while also aligned with the inclusive philosophy of the Campaign for Drawing, who promote drawing to learn, rather than learning to draw.  Catherine’s Masters of Fine Art research (Monash University) was based around the subjective process of making a representational drawing.

Term 2  –  8 week course

Sundays      2pm – 4.30pm                    

 4^th May  – 22^nd  June 2014

Cost  $320 includes some materials

Further information and bookings please contact Catherine 0412 550100

Arts Open 2014

It's that time again! I really do enjoy the process of meeting people, but I don't mind admitting the process of sorting out my studio is lovely when it's done!!

I actually love the excuse to organise and tidy up - even if the doing is a tad torturous.  Sometimes people have asked me not to clean up too much - but I don't think there would be anything to see ever if I didn't do what is settling in to a good annual clean up habit.

Once again Arts Open has been organised by the Artists themselves, and this year is looking bigger and better than the last time.

                                          Photo - Julie Millowick

I'll have the studio open from 10-5 each day
Saturday - Monday 8 - 10th March 2014

More information on the Arts Open website

 http://www.artsopen.com.au/artists/catherine-pilgrim/

Drawing groups going well ...

The tutored drawing groups are rocketing along, with two fantastic small groups.  We have a range of abilities, from beginners through to visually trained people, and all are enjoying the opportunity to stop and concentrate on their drawing.  Observational drawing is our fundamental focus, and amongst the drawing we have had some terrific discussions about drawing and looking generally.

Buda has provided an excellent backdrop for the groups, and plans are in the making for continuing on in second term.  (See earlier post for info on how the existing groups are working).

Sam and I in the formal garden at Buda Historic Home and Garden 

Buda Historic Home and Garden

My research at Buda is proving to be insightful and engaging.  I find it hard to stop myself searching more and more when I really need to get on with making the images now!  Just a few snaps to show you a sample of the things I'm enjoying ...  and some beginnings of things ....

Gertrude Leviny in a round frame she carved (detail)

A Bonnet worn by Bertha Leviny, possibly after Ernest died.

Beginnings of a stone lithograph, the reference is a wiglet that belonged to Bertha Leviny.

Tutored Drawing Groups at Buda Historic Home and Garden

As part of her ‘Artist in Residence’ Project at Buda, Catherine Pilgrim will be conducting tutored drawing groups aimed at beginner and intermediate drawers looking to improve their skills in observational drawing.

Join Catherine and a small group of fellow students to enjoy the visually rich surrounds of Buda and work towards building your drawing skills.  Exercises to improve ‘seeing’ will be explored, while also reinforcing fundamentals such as gesture, tone and proportion.  Various media will be used including graphite, conte and some charcoal.

Catherine Pilgrim learnt to draw in Australia and Washington DC and has been exhibiting for over twenty years.  Catherine’s approach is skill based while also aligned with the inclusive philosophy of the Campaign for Drawing, who promote drawing to learn, rather than learning to draw.  Catherine’s Masters of Fine Art (Research, Monash University) was based around the subjective process of making a representational drawing.

 Term 1  –  8 week course

Wednesdays      10.30 – 1pm                    

 5^th February – 26^th March 2014

OR

Sundays             10.30  - 1pm                             

2^nd February – 30^th March 2014

(NB no class Sunday 9^th March)

Cost  $320 includes some materials

Further information and bookings please contact Catherine 0412 550100

Research

If only all research could happen under an oak tree in Winter sunshine! The photos below were taken recently when I was reading about Dorothy Leviny whilst sitting under the oak tree at Buda.  Apparently the oak tree was allowed to 'have its head' once the tennis court was removed and the space remodelled into a formal garden space in 1918. This formal garden was designed by Dorothy whose work can be seen in many aspects of the house and garden at Buda.

Looking West from the Formal Garden

The Leviny family and the legacy they have left in Buda is remarkable.  I quote from Lauretta Ziles book ...

"Hilda Leviny, the last surviving child of Ernest and Bertha, intended that the property should remain intact as a memorial to her family's artistic and horticultural endeavours and, as stated in her Deed of Gift, to promote an 'interest in art for the general benefit of the public of the State of Victoria and in particular the City of Casltmaine' and the 'Art Gallery and Historical Museum.' "

I am hoping to do an Artist in Residence style project at Buda in 2014.  The research is well under way,  and much is dependant on gaining funding ... And in the mean time I have the pleasure of getting to know this special house and garden.

Buda sits comfortably in its space.  It isn't an imposing place, but rather a very approachable piece of history that allows visitors a sort of peek into the lives of the Leviny family.  There is nothing overtly grand about Buda, even though it has elements of grandeur.  That is, while Buda is obviously a grand home, it is not self consciously so.  There is something quite enigmatic and yet approachable about the specialness of the place - and that makes the idea of making imagery about the property seem quite approachable.

The reality is that all my imagery making involves doubt at some point. There will be uncertainty, but for now I am feeling excited by the prospect of delving into the minutia of the place... drawing.  Drawing with a pencil and also hopefully drawing out something new ...

I'm very much looking forward to spending time exploring further!!

Exploring Buda

I have been spending time.  Spending time drawing, looking, reading, photographing and getting to know the place.  One of the things that continues to astound me is how I keep finding new things.  Little details, objects I see and wonder how I didn't see them before.  Like a good work of art Buda doesn't present everything at once, and the spending of time is rewarding.

Barometer in the front Hall

Hat box currently on display in the Small Sitting Room

Bookshelf in the Sitting Room

Another impressive aspect of Buda is the army of volunteers that keep the House and Garden open.  Without volunteers Buda couldn't survive for the rest of us to enjoy, but I also think it must be a very rewarding way to spend time.  If houses hold the vibe of those that live there, then the Leviny family must have been pretty lovely folk.

Local History ...

I've been doing some reading about local history, getting the historical context sorted in my mind before I launch into a new project that uses Buda as departure point.

Buda is an historical house and garden in Castlemaine that was owned by two generations of the Leviny family for nearly a hundred and twenty years (1863 -1981).   Ernest Leviny (1818-1905) was a talented Hungarian silversmith who came to Castlemaine (1853) via Paris and London.  He came, like so many others, following the discovery of gold and went on to establish a successful jewellery and watchmaking business.  Ernest's work can be seen in the National Gallery of Victoria and has inspired the Contemporary Australian Silver and Metalwork Award which has been hosted by Buda.

Ernest married Bertha Hudson, an English immigrant living in Tasmania. Their children were born and grew up at Buda in a privileged family environment surrounded by their father's interests in natural history and art.  Many of the children spent major portions of their lives at Buda, and the unmarried daughters were active in their creative pursuits.  Several of the Leviny daughters exhibited in the First exhibition of Woman's Work 1907, held at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne.  Several of the Leviny children were also actively involved in the establishment and running of the Castlemaine Art Gallery.

My interest in particular is the 'making' element of the family.  Ernest was a talented, accomplished maker, who also had a keen interest in natural history and the garden.  He painted as a leisure activity in his later years, and designed structures at Buda.  The Leviny daughters lived through some progressive and exciting years for women.  They were free of financial constraints, and those that didn't marry were free to pursue their creative interests (as well as some paid work and travel).  Buda Historic House and Garden displays a massive range of objects and fittings made by various members of the family.

It is interesting that Buda, with its time capsule house, sensational gardens and relatively unpretentious history reflects the 'making' that happened there.  And as a community laden with 'makers', Castlemaine today seems to physically embrace Buda.  The house sits amongst the residential everydayness, surrounded by domestic goingson.  Amongst the community there is a strong thread of 'making'.  And from the community of Castlemaine there also comes a small army of volunteers that keep Buda open to a curious public.

For me, there is a plethora of story in the history of the family, a massive archive of belongings to be mined for still life subjects, and a garden that has continued to evolve.  Much potential to be explored!!

Images

Above  -  An Autumnal afternoon through the Music Room window.

Immediately above  -  Detail of a sofa from the Music Room, thought to have been made in Europe and brought to Castlemaine by Ernest in 1853.



Information about the Leviny family from Buda and the Leviny Family, by Lauretta Ziles  2010.

Castlemaine State Festival 15th - 24th March 2013

Time to open the studio again!
I've been spring cleaning and reorganising my studio (and weeding the garden a little) and am now very much looking forward to having visitors.  All the details are in the Festival program, and I open to the public 11-3 on the weekdays, and 10 - 5 on the weekends.  It will be lovely to see you!!
Cheers
Catherine

Studio During Arts Open

Last weekend I had a wonderful bunch of people visit my studio during the 'Arts Open - Meet the Makers' Festival that happened in sunny Castlemaine.  It was huge success for the organisers (who did a wonderful job) as over 4o venues opened to public.

I very much enjoyed welcoming people into my space, and hearing their comments.  It is such a pleasure to see people enjoying my work.  So a big thank you to all that visited.

Most of all I want to mention that the whole event was initiated, marketed and executed by the artists.  Such a fantastic example of a community working together for the common good.  Yippeeeee!!!!

More pics below ...

Website and Roses

The website is up.
www.catherinepilgrim.com
I'd love to hear any comments you might like to share.

This image is from a lithograph I made a few years ago.   The reference for it was a rose at Heide, a garden that is part of a very special art museum complex in Melbourne.  If you don't know about them, you can read a little bit about the story of John and Sunday Reed by following this link. http://www.heide.com.au/about/the-heide-story/the-reeds/

Craft Victoria and Saffron

Craft Victoria -

I am now officially an accredited member of Craft Victoria, and am proud to be associated with such a wonderful organisation.

 http://craftvic.org.au/author/catherine-pilgrim

Thank you Craft Vic for all the wonderful work you do for so many arts professionals.



Saffron -

While I was having a lovely time at the Castlemaine Artist Market an especially wonderful couple noticed one of my cards with a garlic drawing - and we got to talking about saffron bulbs.  This is the bulb they consequently showed to me so I could have a go at drawing it.  I took quite a few photos so I had a good record of this silky bulb, then did some sketchy drawings that didn't do this wonderous little thing justice.  It is much the same size as a daffodil bulb, but the papery exterior is silky. (The photo doesn't show the texture well enough, but I reckon it would keep that Princess from the Princess and the Pea happy).  I only had the bulb for a few hours as it needed to be planted, but I am grateful for having had the opportunity to see it.  There are so many things that help maintain a sense of wonderment, which are only amplified by the generosity of complete strangers that share ...

Arts Open - Meet the Makers - Castlemaine and District, Central Victoria

This promises to be great fun!

About 40 studios will be open for the general public to visit Thursday 26th - Sunday 29th April 2012.

Check out the website www.artsopen.com.au

The brochure (which you can also view on the website) was officially launched last Friday night in Castlemaine by Martin Paten, Director of the Castlemaine Festival. As you can imagine the evening had a wonderful sense of community. I live amongst such fantastic people, and a whole damn amazing bunch of artists. I am blessed.

Meanwhile I spent some time at the Castlemaine Artist Market on Sunday with some of my purses and a few prints. It was a lovely lovely day. The weather was great and people were out and about. All in all a great time!

Some of the purses below aren't quite finished, but you get the idea ...

Teaching an Old Dog Some New Tricks

I am feeling like the old dog, but maybe that is just tiredness. It is possible to teach an old girl some new tricks - just good to keep it all in perspective and not expect too much too quickly. Regardless, it is such a fantastic ride to step sideways and learn new skills. Makes me realise that we really can do anything we set our mind to. (Note to self, think about how to best impart this information to the kids without sounding like a trite and annoying mother!!)

I have been learning how to make bags - and I'm having an absolute ball! This spider hasn't made it onto a bag yet, but it will. The ever important balance of aesthetics and functionality is foremost in my mind tonight. That and the realisation that I have so very much more to learn. And there are a multitude of images I want to put on a multitude of bags and purses ...