Ted Love
2014Artist Statement: This is a portrait of Ted Love, a local rural character and farmer in the Mundijong area. He was a figure in my childhood as the sole proprietor of a neighbouring dairy farm. He reflects his land, weathered, falling apart in places but well loved and respected. There is a dwindling interest in the primary producers who have sustained us, people like Ted who have pursued a career on the land. Painted directly onto Hardieflex, typically a building material, this work reflects the utilitarian approach that has defined his life. Despite over 50 years of age difference his concerns for the future were no different from mine. Ted Love is a respected elder in my rural community, in choosing him as the subject of my portrait, I wanted to celebrate him as the living embodiment of a work ethic that once defined Australia as the 'lucky country'. I admire his optimism, independent outlook and natural understanding of the land.
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