I am sharing a chat with artist Avalyn Doyle of Avalyn Doyle Art today, and her creation of sustainable art with passion for the planet. She is a bit of a gypsy, describing her location as “Byron Bay, Narooma, Melbourne.” I recently met her at our reader event Working With Wood, as she is the talented furniture maker Michael Hayes’s Mum, and is herself a very talented artist of 35 years.
Combining a blend of painting and photography, collage and assemblage with found objects, she uses cardboard, old papers, including tissue and décor wrapping papers, old books, beach detritus including nails and even sea-worthy plastics, in some of her creations.
The Billabong – acrylic on canvas
How did you start the business and what inspired you?
I was searching at the time for safety and love and painting gave me an intimate and private resource. I was married to a violent man. Joining a student art class I suddenly found people wanted to buy my art and that felt amazing. I had drawn and painted since I was a child, but intermittently. I had instinctive skills and a sense of wonder about nature that I could share through my art. Not having a consistent space/studio to do my work when I felt inspired was hard, but this was definitely my natural way of expressing myself.
Being an artist for over 35 years I have been sustained through painting and playing with found objects in nature. At one time I did a project where I buried bundles of art-paper with photos, rusty hinges, saw-blades and fabrics etc in a very fragrant pile of wild compost. I so loved the results. I was living in a little cabin under the shadow of a huge escarpment with a waterfall, and swimming hole that I needed to abseil to. It was a totally self-sufficient, solar environment in the rainforest near Byron Bay.
Boats in the Inlet
I have been asked to be part custodian of 3 Indigenous sites in Australia, and it has been my love to paint those stories as respectful, healing expressions. Over time I have healed myself from debilitating health issues and I see my recent paintings as thriving vital expressions of wellbeing. Consequently, I deeply believe that buying original art is a sustainable activity. It’s what the heart wants. A painting can be your best friend; a heartfelt companion for times of regeneration and ease, and I am never happier than when I am surrounded by my beautiful companions
What are your thoughts on sustainability and how is this part of your business and own home?
I think the core of sustainability is a sense of self worth, and that reflects in you taking care of others and the planet. I won’t buy Chinese imports unless I have no other option. I avoid trends and trinkets. I will buy organic, local foods wherever and whenever possible.
Do you have any tips for other people wanting to create a sustainable home?
Take your time. The essence of a home that reflects your true self is about the wonder of discovering things that really touch something deeper in you. Things that reflect a special place or moment are irreplaceable.
Cross Town Traffic
Some of your favourite things you create?
I love my paintings, and that I get to visit exceptionally beautiful natural sites.
Biggest Challenge in setting up and running your business?
Change of location. I have moved over 45 times in 20 years and I have had to let go of lots of things I have cherished for art projects.
What do people say when they see your work?
Most people think it’s beautiful. Some are in awe of a spiritual presence they feel.
Do you recommend any particular materials, processes or ideas for people wanting to create a more sustainable and mindful home?
I think playing with odd things that call you and creating art-pieces that are individually you, is a way to delve into your own peaceful nature and excites new adventures.
What do you do to relax and unwind at home?
I love to read and play with my beautiful dog, or just meditate in my garden, wherever that may be at the time.
The Yellow Hills. Acrylic and Conte Canvas.
A very gentle landscape
Would you like to share a favourite upcycle?
My Readers Digest Operettas Collection which I made into a book of art and poetry.
Anything you want to add?
Gratitude.
The Coorong is a great love of mine and I felt transformed by its deep land culture. The drawings I created there include collage: recycled card of disused advertising, and found nature talismans from the Coorong. I was able to extend my love of the Coorong experience, and the concern I felt for the polluted waters flowing from the Darling Basin, when I was invited to spend 6 weeks at a disused sheep station – Ularara – on the Paroo river, west of Bourke NSW. I began to see the waters of the billabong in radiating pastel colours and began a series of 5 paintings, leaning my canvases against the superb river-gums. There was a ceremonial ground near the waterhole and I buried papers there under a dark moon, transforming the sand and earthy transmissions into paintings the next day.
Moonlight 1
Moonlight 2
Moonlight 3
I made a commitment to follow the calling I felt in my heart, to rejuvenate empty sacred sites, especially waterholes and swamps, and have spent nearly 10 years travelling to paint under the direction of Indigenous voices/muse. It has been a sublime experience; giving me a sense of belonging, though kept me from the outside world.
But now I know I have something to share of my heart and my work. There are many other chapters to this story, but for now, thank you for this opportunity to share.
Guesswork, ink, pencil and watercolor on recycled, acid-free mat board.
You can see more of her work at her website and follow Avalyn on Instagram @Avalynd
I adore Avalyn’s holistic and heartfelt approach to creating art, and the understanding of how important it is to our planet. Do you ever create your own art?
Helen
xx