Nerina Lascelles Art

11/08/2023

As part of a recent artist’s interview I was asked the question, “Where do you find beauty?”

I love this question as for me, the age-old quote, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", deeply resonates. The concept of beauty is so different for everyone.

In my understanding the definition of beauty is a subjective rather than an objective experience, a state of being ultimately internal rather than external. 

While I am most definitely inspired by the physical beauty of objects and scenic views in the natural world, for example - the morning light illuminating a tree trunk, a dew drop glistening on a gum leaf or mist settled in a valley, I also relate to the more Japanese ideal of beauty being an experience of the heart or soul. The Japanese word, "Yūgen" is defined as an 'awareness of the universe that triggers emotional responses too deep and mysterious to be described'.  Yūgen also describes a profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe. 

Whether sparked by looking at a natural scene, viewing a work of art, hearing music, peering into the depths of the night sky, or reading a Zen poem, this feeling of overwhelming beauty leaves me feeling connected to something much larger than the individual self that is me. 

Images - a series of randomly selected photos from my camera roll 😊

1) Sunrise over Lake Batur
2) Rice terracing, Tegallalang
3) Grass Strand, Kangaroo Ground
4) Sunrise from Mt Batur
5) Spider in Web, Panton Hill
6) Golden Wattle, Warrandyte
7) She Oak Falls, Lorne
8) Coastal cliffs, Aires Inlet

04/08/2023

A smaller painting fresh from the easel titled: “Solivagant” (to wander alone)

Ruminating today on the primal yearning to return to wholeness. That driving force to lift into our ‘best selves’ and to connect with an aspect of ourselves that lies beyond this time/space reality. This is an inner navigation that we as a human collective share, yet a path that we journey as individuals.

While heaving a roll of canvas from the studio storeroom today, I noticed a crumpled piece of paper on the floor. I opened what appeared to be a page torn from a notebook covered on both sides with my handwriting. The heading read, “Manifestation List November 2006”

Among other intentions, barely legible through dust and fade, the final point read, “To walk in confidence, empowerment and grace. To live in honour and sovereignty, to know and trust my connection to the universe and to live eternally in the now.”

Across 17 years, I still relate to this younger self. The calling to rise to connect with these values is still such a potent drive within. While this yearning hasn’t waned, I wish I could speak with this younger self and remind her that there is a short cut. Instead of gleaning wisdom from the highs and lows of lived experience, from external practices and maturation through time, all of these gifts were always here…. right here within.

I wonder though, would this younger self have heard this? I imagine not.

The deliciousness is found in the journey itself. The magical adventure through undulating terrain; stretching and growing through life’s Winters of adversity and pain, and basking in the earthly pleasures, creativity, love and beauty during the sunnier chapters of life.

As Basho wrote, “The journey itself is my home”

“Solivagant”
Mixed Media on Canvas
101cm x 101cm

30/07/2023

2 large commissioned works on the ‘operating table’ this weekend ☺️

Will keep you posted on the progress…..

18/07/2023

"Enwrapped in billows of white clouds, I do not see the white clouds.   Absorbed in the sounds of flowing water, I do not hear the flowing water."
 - Zenrin-Kushu

(The writings from the Rinzai school of Zen, first published in 1688)

As is the intention with zen poetry, the words of this verse invite us, as the reader, to reconnect with something larger than ourselves. 

To become so completely immersed in the vision and sound of an experience, that the senses merge and a spacious presence unfolds.

Mixed Media on Birch
120cm x 150cm

14/07/2023

Soft winter light glistening across the surface of this new piece.
It will be interesting to observe how these areas will ‘come to life’ after a layer of resin has been applied….✨✨✨

15/06/2023

‘Creation Song' is inspired by the scientific finding that ancient sound waves actually sculpted the universe. Without primal sound there would be no galaxies, stars, or planets.

A number of recent paintings have been inspired by the creation of form through the vibration of sound, however this series relates more specifically to the creation of the land I call home. The hauntingly primal nature of this, the Australian landscape.

This painting offers as an invitation to contemplate a moment in ‘dreamtime’ where the rhythmic movement of the pre-eminent creative ancestral spirit, the ‘Rainbow Serpent’ formed the ancient landscape of this country.

This painting is one of several works currently available through QDOS FINE ARTS which is open by appointment during the Winter months.
For enquiries: (03) 5289 1989

‘Creation Song’
Acrylic, metallic foil and leaf, screen print and liquid chrome on canvas
122cm x 152cm

05/06/2023

It was delightful to deliver and hang this painting in its new home recently. To witness the entire process of creation - from conception through to installation in such a beautiful space brings with it a satisfying sense of completion.

“If you were to ask me why I dwell among green mountains,
I should laugh silently.
My soul is serene,
The peach blossom flowers,
The morning water,
There is another
Heaven and earth
Beyond the world of men."
- Li Po 701 - 762

Mixed Media on Canvas
152cm x 152cm, 2023

25/05/2023

"You must rise above the clouds covering the mountain top otherwise, how will you ever see the brightness" - Ryokan 1758 - 1831

While this beautiful poem can be deciphered in a number of ways, for me it acts as a gentle reminder to resist the clouds of fear and drama that can potentially obscure beauty. A reminder to return to what is important, where to spend my time and what to focus on.
This awareness is incredibly important in both my day to day life as well as my artistic practice.

Having always been super sensitive, I’m acutely aware of the impact an exposure to fear and negativity has on my mental, emotional and physical state. I have therefore consciously chosen to disengage with mainstream news, media, politics and causes aimed to separate, control, confuse or disempower.

Sure there is a whole lot of ‘ugly’ pulling for our attention in modern life and mainstream news and there’s no denying that these things are indeed true, but if we’re experiencing anxiety, fatigue and hopelessness, that’s the last thing that will help!

We now know that what we focus on grows and the ‘Law of Attraction’ is so widely embraced that it’s almost become a household concept.

Apparently In the 1990's, only 2% of adults believed in the Law of attraction, but today that percentage has grown to 73% of the world's population. To take it a step further, it’s now also widely accepted that our thoughts today are creating our tomorrow. That we are powerful creators, co-creating our future in accordance to what we’re a vibrational match to.

I think that many of us forget that we have a choice in being able to steer our lives in a more positive direction by consciously choosing more positive thoughts.

This beautiful poem is a reminder that we do have a choice. We can remain focussed on the clouds, or if we choose a higher perspective, viewing life and reality from above the clouds we’ll be able to again reconnect with the brightness, the beauty, the magic and the wholeness that is our true essence.

19/05/2023

“All in calmness, the earth with half open eyes moves into Winter”
- Dakotsu Lida

The captivating world of Nerina Lascelles
Mixed Media on Canvas
122x122cm

🔁repost

This work is part of a series of paintings currently available at the fabulous QDOS FINE ARTS
This poem is pertinent right now as we move into winter.
Qdos is now closed for ‘Winter Recess’ but the gallery is still open by appointment during the winter months.
For more information on this painting or other available works, please contact the gallery on:
+61 352 891 989

06/05/2023

A new painting to contemplate over your Sunday morning coffee….

“Stillness -
Clouds peak in the lake”
- Kobayashi Issa (1763 ~ 1828)
122cm x 122cm
SOLD

This, my most recently completed piece introduces a new horizontal element. The inclusion of horizon line, defining what could be a lake, tends to offer a calming effect and sense of stillness.

Revisiting theoretical concepts from back at art school, horizonal lines in artwork suggest a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the earth are at rest. In a landscape, horizontal lines also help give a sense of space.

From the First Nations practice of Dadirri (mindfulness) to shinrin-yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing, we can learn so much from ancient practices to keep ourselves balanced in modern life.
One of the latest mindfulness techniques to go under the scientific microscope is ‘Horizon Gazing’ … and yes - it’s a thing!

Our ancestors would have gazed at the horizon and widened their peripheral vision as much as possible in order to scan the landscape for threats. This act produces a calming effect, safe in the knowledge that no immediate action needs to be taken.

Dr Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford has been studying the impact of vision and breathing on stress and the body for over 20 years. His research has revealed that when we look at something stressful (or exciting) our field of vision narrows so that one thing is in laser sharp focus and the rest is blurrier. Our eyeballs actually rotate slightly inwards towards our nose. In contrast by expanding our visual field the body is able to switch off the stress response.

This painting is on display in my studio today - the final day in the open studio season - all welcome 💝

03/05/2023

"If you were to ask me why I dwell among green mountains,
I should laugh silently.
My soul is serene,
The peach blossom flowers,
The morning water,
There is another
Heaven and earth
Beyond the world of men."
- Li Po 701 - 762

Mixed Media on Canvas
152cm x 152cm

One repeating theme I’ve noticed as an Art Therapist is the deep yearning to escape the stress and ‘hustle-bustle’ associated with the so called ‘rat-race’ that is used to define today’s society.

When invited to represent their ‘dream life’, I’ve observed that individuals often draw themselves living in simplicity in a natural setting - perhaps watching the sunset over the sea, fishing by a stream or warming themselves by a campfire.

With the intention of restoring balance there’s an undeniable call to blend with nature, to simplify, to unplug and to become one with the whole. As this poem so beautifully describes, the desire to seek the stillness and peace of mind found “beyond the world of men”.

It is my intention to visually replicate the lure to reconnect with one’s true essence in my paintings. A yearning to return to a sense of wholeness and to connect with something larger than our individual lives and the realm of form we so often identify with.

This particular painting is a recently finished commission on display in my studio as part of Nillumbik Artists Open Studios this weekend.

30/04/2023

Deeply honoured after a wonderful weekend of visitors, conversations and connections where I was reminded again and again of the incredible value of Nillumbik Artists Open Studios

Looking forward to doing it all again next weekend!

OPEN STUDIO
Sat 6 & Sun 7 May

29/04/2023

Thrilled to hear that this painting has been selected as a finalist in the 2023 Omnia Art Prize

“No one passes by, The only ones who visit, are the drifting clouds” - Han Shan (700~800)

Mixed Media and Epoxy Resin on Birch Board
120cm x 120cm

———————————————————————

Upon completing a painting, I thoroughly enjoy the process of naming each piece. As you may have noticed, a number of my paintings have a poem, koan or haiku as the title.

On a quest to arrive at a title, I will immerse myself in the multi-sensory experience of reading and contemplating many poems. For me this is a beautiful journey into a deeper presence of life and human experience. A place where the perfect poem seems to magically show itself through a heart/body-felt knowing.

Discovering the poem with the perfect ‘fit’ for each particular work offers such a pleasing sense of completion to each creation.

_____________________________________

“Han Shan” translating as “Cold Mountain” was a Chinese Buddhist monk known for writing over 600 zen poems during the Tang dynasty.

Little is known of his work, since he was a recluse living in a remote region and his poems were written on rocks in the mountains he called home.

26/04/2023

I’d love to warmly welcome you to visit my studio between 10 & 5pm over the next two weekends as part of Nillumbik Artists Open Studios

There are over 30 artists participating in this event, so to design your tour, download the map or upload the App, please visit: www.artistsopenstudios.com

A huge thank you to Tash from Masterful Brands Agency for this photo taken in my studio during the last Open Studio event.

16/04/2023

“You must rise above the clouds
covering the mountain top otherwise,
how will you ever see the brightness?”

- Ryokan 1758 - 1831

Mixed Media on Canvas, 76cm x 152cm

A detail and title a newly finished painting on display in my studio during Nillumbik Artists Open Studios running:

29 & Sun 30th of April and Sat 6 & Sun 7th May
10am - 5pm daily.

I would love to warmly welcome you into my creative space 💝💝💝

07/04/2023

Open Studios is only 3 weeks away!

Nerina Lascelles
Zone B — 05 —Painting�

Nerina’s abstracted landscapes are partially concealed by layers of waves and mist representing the stillness at our essence, beneath the layers of thought and emotion. Her artistic practice combines the influences of the artwork from the orient, Zen Buddhist philosophy and a response to the inherent beauty beneath the realm of form. Visit Nerina's open studio!

Nillumbik Artists Open Studios
April 29th & 30th — May 6th & 7th
Sat-Sun 10am-5pm

For more info on Nerina visit her website here: www.nerinalascelles.com
�or through our app: https://nos.atlas-live.com

�Nillumbik Arts Visit Nillumbik Nillumbik Shire Council Visit Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Nillumbik Tourism & Business Visit Yarra Valley �

06/04/2023

What an honour to have been interviewed as the featured artist on Masterful Brands Agency this month.

It’s so enjoyable to take time to reflect on one’s artistic practice - especially with the aid of some fabulous questions!

Thank you for the opportunity Tash! 💝

Masterful Brands Agency is delighted to share an interview with Melbourne Artist Nerina Lascelles. Discover why Nerina creates and the advice she would give to any emerging female artist (it’s a goodie!). Thank you, Nerina, for your generosity of spirit in this interview and for creating light-fil...

24/03/2023

Another new work ready for the upcoming open studios event in just over a month’s time.

It’s very clear to recognize the Japanese influence in my work.
The vertical orientation and dimensions of this work echoes that of the traditional Japanese scroll paintings or kakejiku (“hung scroll")
The inclusion of the gold leaf background and bold natural motifs in this painting has been inspired by the 17th century Rinpa style of Japanese art and the wave motif is a traditional pattern often used in both paintings and kimono.

It is actually my father’s 80th birthday today and both mum and dad are celebrating with a trip to Japan to visit the cherry blossoms.
As photos come though from their trip, I feel as though I’ve got one foot in Japan and one in Australia. Delightful place to be! 🌸🙏

29 & 30 April and 6 & 7 May

Save the date!

08/03/2023

The lovely Natasha from Masterful Brands Agency recently captured me in my studio. I don’t think anyone’s really a fan of getting in front of a camera, but Tash has that special knack of making you feel so comfortable. All in the name of getting to know the artist behind the art! Thank you Tash! 💝

05/03/2023

The sea waves under calm conditions produce sounds between 0.05 to 16 Hz. This means that we, as humans, likely vibrate in the same frequency as the sea. Since the dawn of time listening to the sound of the sea functions as a pathway reconnecting ourselves with the natural world, a sense of ‘oneness’ is experienced when this resonance is achieved. A return to life’s origins.

“Tidal Resonance”
Mixed Media and Liquid Chrome on Canvas
101cm x 101cm

#🌊

10/02/2023

View across a current work in progress

02/02/2023

“Silently, quiet, everything,
All visible things become this nothingness”
- Shinkichi Takahashi

The composition for this work initially began with a meditation and a sketch sitting at ‘Blue Tongue Bend’, one of my favourite spots along the Birrarung (Yarra River) in the bush surrounding Melbourne.

This piece (comprising of cold foil, metallic leaf, screen print, acrylic and a thick layer of epoxy resin) is one of those works you really need to see in person. Layers, texture and metallic elements come to life beneath the resin.

Available though QDOS FINE ARTS
(Dimensions 150cm x 120cm)

27/01/2023

Three golden pieces currently adorning this wall … all thanks to Benny Archer Studio and the team at Gallery 7 six 5 🙏🥰

If you’re heading out to the Yarra Valley over the weekend, the gallery is open 10am - 4pm daily.

26/01/2023

“If we study Japanese art, you see a man who is undoubtedly wise, philosophic, and intelligent, who spends his time how? ...
He studies a single blade of grass. ...
We must return to nature in spite of our education and our work in a world of convention. ...

…. I envy the Japanese, the extreme clearness that everything has in their work.
It never is wearisome, and never seems to be done too hurriedly. Their work is as simple as breathing, and they do a figure in a few sure strokes with the same ease as if it were as simple as buttoning your coat.”
- VINCENT VAN GOGH

While he never actually travelled to Japan, Vincent van Gogh had a huge love of Japan and Japanese art. He purchased his first woodblock prints in 1885 while living in Antwerp, and when later in Paris, he amassed a collection of about 600 ukiyo-e prints- many of which he studied and painted.

He admired Japanese artists for the way they lived in harmony with nature and the complete focus on their work and termed the Japanese influence in his own work, ‘Japonaiserie’

“And we wouldn’t be able to study Japanese art, it seems to me, without becoming much happier and more cheerful, and it makes us return to nature, despite our education and our work in a world of convention.” - Vincent to his brother Theo, 23 or 24 September 1888

…………………………………………………………………….

The slow pace of Summer allows time for one of my favourite pastimes - to contemplate Japanese haiku, zen poetry and leaf through books containing Japanese artworks.

Inspiration has begun to bubble up from deep within and has called me to return, with a newfound freshness, to one of my favourite topics, Japonism. (The influence of the arts of Japan on artists in the west).

22/01/2023

“The birds have vanished into the sky, and now the last cloud drains away, We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains" - Li Po 701~762

Mixed Media on Canvas
152cm x 152cm

Thank you to for these images of one the paintings currently on exhibition. Email: [email protected] for more details 💝

03/12/2022

A selection of paintings are currently on display at the stunning QDOS FINE ARTS

25/11/2022

"Time and again you too
must long for your old nest
deep in the mountain"
- Ryokan Taigu 1758 - 1831

152cm x 122cm
Cold foil, metallic leaf, tissue, screen print, and acrylic on canvas.

This painting is on display in my studio which is open both days this weekend as part of Nillumbik Artists Open Studios

10am - 5pm daily.

To obtain a catalogue of the complete works available for THIS WEEKEND ONLY, please feel free to email me on: [email protected]

For a list of participating artists in the wider program, please visit: www.nillumbikartistsopenstudios.com

18/11/2022

Just finished the big studio clean up and looking forward to welcoming you to my studio over the next two weekends! 💝

17/11/2022

A recently finished painting:

Respond like an echo
Reflect like a Mirror
Flow like water
- Chang Tzu

152cm x 152cm
Cold foil, metallic leaf, tissue, screen print, and acrylic on canvas.

Completed just in time for Nillumbik Artists Open Studios this weekend and next weekend 10am - 5pm daily.

15/11/2022

I can’t believe Nillumbik Artists Open Studios is right upon us - this coming weekend in fact!

Final preparations are being made in 30 art studios and directional signs are beginning to appear across the shire.

Here’s an article from the Warrandyte Diary featuring the 3 participating Warrandyte artists Thanks so much for your wonderful words

… and for more information in the program, each participating artist and a downloadable map to the studios, please visit: www.artistsopenstudios.com

Hope to see you on the weekend!

10/11/2022

A few ‘sneak peek’ details of a new painting just completed in time for the upcoming Nillumbik Artists Open Studios event.
There are over 35 artists in the Nillumbik Shire in the hills surrounding Melbourne opening their studio doors across last two weekends in November.
Please visit the website for information on all participating artists:

Www.artistsopenstudios.com

19 & 20 November
26 & 27 November
10am - 5pm daily

Hope to see you!! ✨

22/10/2022

A new painting to reflect on over your Sunday morning coffee 🙂

A running stream,
The cold mountain path.
Deep in the clouds,
The old temple bell.

The title of this work is a poem from ‘Zenrin-kushū (禪林句集, meaning "Anthology of Passages from the Forests of Zen"). Zenrin Kushu is a collection of writings used in the Rinzai school of Zen and was originally published in 1688.

This painting is currently showing at the stunning QDOS FINE ARTS in Lorne.
It’s tricky to get a sense of the depth to this new series of resined pieces in a photograph, however. If you’re in the area, do come in and see them in the flesh!

Cold Foil, Metallic Leaf, Screen Print Acrylic and Epoxy Resin on Birch Board
150cm x 120cm

13/10/2022

Thrilled to have been offered representation with the fabulous QDOS FINE ARTS

Here’s an install shot hanging a series of new paintings earlier in the week.

An enormous thanks to the ‘epoxy-pro’ Benny Archer for applying several coats of resin to these paintings while I was away. The result is perfection!

I am honoured to be sharing the walls with some of the country’s ‘greats’ including a solo exhibition by Asher Bilu opening this weekend.

If you’re visiting this beautiful part of the world any time soon, do pop in!

02/10/2022

Pretty safe to say that all artists share the deep love of an art supply shop!

During ‘Open Studio’ events, visitors often ask where I source the metallic foil used in my work… so I though it may be of interest to share.

Many years ago, high up in the mountains of Bali, I found this treasure-trove. Floor to ceiling packed full of paint, glues, solvents, tools, brushes, etc… It’s a ‘one stop shop’ for local woodcarvers, artists and artisans working in the villages surrounding Ubud.

26/09/2022

Thank you so very much to the lovely for this photo of a recently acquired painting hanging proudly in its new setting. To receive an update of a painting settled snuggly into its forever home somehow completes the cycle of creation. Thank you again Kerryn xx

06/09/2022

So very happy with this beautiful yet meaningful commission created and installed today by local sculptor and friend at Tread Sculptures

It’s been such a huge time after losing my darling sister that for the last six months that I’ve really had to keep it simple.
Such an immense loss changes everything…. Changes the way we perceive reality, changes our relationships, changes the narrative of who we are and changes what holds meaning in our lives. Put simply, enormous loss changes all of us.
Personally I keep looking back in time to refer to the old Nerina, but she too is no more.

Over recent weeks I’ve felt it’s time to gradually unfurl from this chrysalis of healing and open the gateway to celebrate a new chapter in life as well and the new life within me. That’s where the ‘Moon Gate’ commission began. Used as a traditional architectural element in Chinese and Japanese gardens, the moon gate symbolizes birth and renewal. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, this 200 year old pair of doors from an Indian temple are reborn after being salvaged from demolition.

Witnessing the renewed interest in positive change and new beginnings is of course a perfectly normal part of the grieving process. The yearning for rebirth and renewal isn’t a moving away from the connection with, or the loving memory of my beautiful sister however. Quite to opposite. Through creating a ritual celebrating an important passage in life, I feel Katie’s presence, enthusiasm, strength and love more than ever. 💝

Thanks so much Timbo - I just love it!

02/09/2022

“But do not ask me where I am going as I travel this limitless world where every step I take is my home” - Dogen 1200~1253

Cold foil, metallic leaf, tissue, screen print, acrylic and epoxy resin on board.
100 x 100cm

This smaller work is available for sale at The Eltham Art Show 2022 - open this weekend only!

02/09/2022

What a wonderful Gala Opening at the The Eltham Art Show 2022 last night! So many people. So much quality work… and so many fabulous conversations with fellow artists and art lovers.

Pictured here with the incredible powerhouse Brenda Ibels who had the vision for this, the first of what promises to be an ongoing show representing artists from the Nillumbik Shire.

The Eltham Art Show runs tomorrow, Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday 10-3pm at the Eltham Community and Reception Centre. Well worth a visit! ✨🥂

Photo thanks to Mrs Fox Jewellery