By Dongyun Kwon
Healesville artist and former psychologist Joan Segrave is diplaying her landscape paintings in the YAVA-curated space at Tokar Estate Cellar Door.
Tokar Estate winery is one of the ‘YAVA Out and About’ venues, which is the project of YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub (YAVA) that links food, wine and the arts in Yarra Valley.
Segrave’s paintings are a perfect match for the Tokar Estate Cellar Door which looks out over the hills and surrounding valley.
Her works are based on Australian landscapes and she likes using strong colours and bold brushstrokes in her work, which brings vitality and energy to the room.
The influence of walking along the Larapinta trail, Bay of Fires, Uluru, Blackhall and the local Warburton Trail have all found their way into her paintings.
“I enjoy exploring colour and shape, particularly through the Australian landscape as it invites both rhythm and juxtaposition reflecting life’s experiences,” she said.
“I paint with acrylics using a palette that highlights and exaggerates the often subtle colours in our landscape.”
Her past career as a psychologist has affected her paintings in terms of people’s well-being.
“I worked as a psychologist until 2016, then I have become very interested in how non-verbal aspects and colours affect well-being and I find the painting is a really strong vehicle for that,” Segrave said.
The opening night marked successfully the launch of the exhibition on 5 October.
“I was thrilled and delighted with the people who turned up, they were very supportive and interested in my works,” she said.
Segrave thanked YAVA and Tokar Estate who supported her for the exhibition.
“I just feel extremely supported and honoured to be given the opportunity,” Segrave said.
“Tokar Estate was very supportive, hospitable and served up lovely food on the opening night and people at YAVA helped to put the exhibition together for me.”
Segrave’s works are on display until December, with all her works for sale.
Tokar Estate Cellar Door is open from 10.30am to 5pm every Thursday to Sunday, located at 6 Maddens Lane Coldstream.
