By Ann Marie Angebrandt
WERRIBEE artist Rosemarie Reber had somewhat of an epiphany in the Canadian Rockies about seven years ago.
After three months as an artist-in-residence at the prestigious Banff School of Fine Arts, the painter, sculptor, jewellery maker, and ceramics artist decided to forego a plan to be a full-time teacher when she returned to Australia.
“My experience in Canada changed my focus,” she said.
“I decided that instead of teaching, I wanted to concentrate completely on my art.”
Through the connections she made in Canada several of Ms Reber’s paintings – which she describes as figurative abstractions – made their way to private collections in Toronto, Montreal, Mexico, New York and London.
The former Werribee Secondary College student now works every day at her Hoppers Crossing studio, bringing her work to a more local audience.
Many of her latest projects are now on display at the Gallery at Werribee South.
“Normally I just show paintings, but this is the full range of work that I’ve done over the past few months,” she said.
As a self-described woman of action, Ms Reber always has something on the go, even when she’s at home watching TV.
“I always need something to do with my hands,” she said.
“I play and experiment in a lot of different media like clay and wood, but my primary focus now would be on painting.”
The award-winning artist has even dusted off her teaching degree, and now instructs part-time at Westbourne Grammar School, mainly to year seven students.
“It was challenging at the start, but I’m enjoying it more all the time,” she said.
Ms Reber’s works will be shown until the end of the month.
The Gallery at Werribee South is at 680 Diggers Rd and open weekends from noon until 5pm.
