Pilbara’s stark colours inspire

Hedland art enthusiasts had the opportunity to hear from British sculptor and environmental artist Stuart Ian Frost at the Courthouse Gallery’s latest Art After Dark event.

Known best for his unique and original practices, Frost’s works lie in the metamorphosis of the organic materials.

Frost spoke to an audience of more than 30 about what inspired his works, which explore the physical character of natural objects and their specific place within their environment.

Frost’s artist talk in Port Hedland formed the last leg of his three-month artist in residency, where he was based in the Great Southern region from February to March before travelling to the Pilbara this month.

Having been his first residency in Australia, Frost said he had enjoyed exploring forgotten objects and materials found in and around Albany, which he will now craft into paradoxical works.

He said his residency provided the chance to do what he loved most, constantly wander the natural environment and explore and work with materials that could only be related to specific areas.

Frost said he was intrigued by the stark contrast of the red dirt, salt piles, and endless horizon in Port Hedland.

“You never know enough about a place because there’s always something around the corner,” he said.

“That’s what keeps you going on specifically here (Port Hedland) because there’s this endless horizon but there’s got to be something there that attracts you.

“On the surface you don’t really notice much but once you start digging underneath it you start finding out lots of things.”

He said he had been looking forward to meeting indigenous people in Hedland and hearing about their art firsthand to gain a full understanding.

The monthly Art After Dark events invite the public to engage in local art on display in the gallery, socialise, and network with experienced and emerging artists.