Well-loved Pokolbin artists Chris and Frances Fussell have staged an exhibition at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery showcasing new and not yet exhibited works.
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‘The Two Of Us’ features works dating back to the early 1970s, making it a partly retrospective exhibition that reveals their changing styles over the years.
Frances and Chris met at the East Sydney Technical College in 1967 while they were studying for their Fine Arts Diploma.
After marrying in 1970 and purchasing land at Pokolbin, they set off for a year long trip overseas, returning in 1975 to build their home and studio on their bush block in the Hunter.
Since then they have achieved much success in the art industry. After the birth of her two daughters, Frances took up weaving and had two successful exhibitions of her rugs and wall hangings at Morpeth Gallery before returning to her painting career.
While working as a nurse at Allandale Hospital, Chris managed to continue painting and making screen prints. He and Frances won several local painting competitions whilst also gaining commissions including portraits and the designing of wine labels, business brochures and signs.
Among Chris’s work is the huge chandelier at Wandin Valley Winery and the magpie sculpture and logo at Gartelmann Winery.
The pair also regularly exhibited paintings and sculptures in Sydney, Brisbane and at the Ann Von Bertouch Gallery in Newcastle.
Chris painted three large murals at Kurri Kurri for the 'Town With Heart' project and was also commissioned to make 'The Kookaburra', a four and a half metre sculpture in Rotary Park which was a year in the making, installed in 2009.
Chris also loved doing portraits.
“There are seven billion faces on this planet and not two the same – a story in every face, variations on a theme,” he says.
He created ballpoint portraits on 'memo' pads of the patients at Allandale and recently created 'iPhone' portrait drawings while spending hours in waiting rooms.
When the children grew up, Frances was able to pursue full time painting. Frances and Chris began major biannual exhibitions at their Crowtrap Studio, sometimes including other local artists.
The Two Of Us opened at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery on Wednesday and will run until July 1. A grand opening will be held this Saturday at 5pm.
For more information call the art gallery on 4991 6619.
