John Boland with one of his amazing artworks. 80468 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By XAVIER SMERDON
FROM a distance, a Werribee artist’s work could easily fool the eye into believing they are created with a brush on a canvas.
On closer inspection however, it is clear that John Boland’s creations are a detailed combination of delicately stitched material. The method is known as counted cross-stitch which Mr Boland explains is a method of transferring a complicated pattern onto a base.
“Every single stitch there is meant to be there,” Mr Boland said.
“It’s all counted and each one has a particular spot,” he said.
Mr Boland, a retired house painter who is the proud father of 12, grandfather of 32 and great-grandfather of one, said the artworks could take up to two years to create.
“I’ve always been a patient man, my kids might beg to differ though,” he said.
“I was a house painter for 44 years so you’ve got to have patience to do that.”
Residents will be given the rare chance to view some of Mr Boland’s precious creations at the prestigious Beta Sigma Phi 42nd annual art show this week.
“A few people have asked to buy some of them in the past but I’m just not interested in selling them,” he said.
“I do it because I enjoy it, and that’s the only reason.”
The Beta Sigma Phi art show will be on from May 4 to 6 at the Werribee Primary School auditorium.
For more information call Chris on 0423 264 201 or Elizabeth on 0408 127 653.
