About Philomena

Brisbane born artist Philomena Drake is inspired by the beautiful and ever changing faces of humanity, particularly those of women. Her prolific work comprises numerous subjects and artistic mediums, from prints taken from her hand built collograph plates {which of themselves are works of art},encaustic images to artist book installations of bones and wood, relating the many textures of life. Like changing faces of time, it is not unusual to find something new upon revisiting a Philomena Drake.

“With my art I honor the many strong women who throughout history have stood their ground while heroically caring for their families and communities.I am greatly influenced by the organic shapes and moods of the countryside on my property in the Scenic Rim. My style is of a contemporary iconic discipline that helps give structure and definition without loosing the language of mystery and contemplation that the images speak.”

Philomena Drake has studied and researched art all over the world. She has representations in collections in Australia, UK, Germany and USA.

Exhibitions:

  • 2015  -  Exhibition  October   Percolator Gallery Paddingtona
  • 2015  -  June -  Impress Gallery with Studio West End "Stories in Small Spaces Miniatures Project"
  • 2013  -  Book Plates Exhibition now in collection in State Library
  • 2012  -  "By Two"  Percolator Gallery Paddington
  • 2010  -  Nona Gallery Brisbane Institute of Art “Self Portrait Exhibition”
  • 2010  -  Circle Gallery “Not so Secret Women’s Business” no.2 [encaustic images of Afghan women]
  • 2008  -  Circle Gallery "Not so Secret Womens Business" No 1. [encaustic images of "comfort women" of Pacific W.W.2]
  • 2008  -  The Studio West End “Boxed Exhibition”
  • 2005  -  Nona Gallery Brisbane Institute of Art “Strata”
  • 2004  -  The Art Factory “Six Bites”
  • 2002  -  The Studio West End “Brushed, Wiped and Boxed”
  • 2000  -  Brisbane Institute of Art "Student Exhibitions"

Education:

  • 2018- Daniel Essig 4 day workshop Making Papyrus and Wood Artist Books
  • 2014-2015 - Brisbane Institute of Art, David Paulsen Creative Portraiture
  • 2012  -  “Artist in Italy” workshop with Julian Hyzler, Tuscany, Italy - 10 Day monoprints, pleinair, Etruscan art and history.
  • 2011  -  2-day workshop with Wendy Sharp (Archibald Prize Winner).
  • 2011 - Pop-up Books Workshop with Paul Johnson, London, UK
  • 2010  -  Keith LO Bue "Stuffsmith" Sydney.  4 day Intensive Assemble workshops old and found objects
  • 2009  -  Artist Books  Workshops  Keith Smith and Scott McCarney, New York U.S.A.
  • 2009  -  Intensive training in modern methods of encaustic application with Cathy Honea, Wylie Community Arts Centre, Basalt, Colorado, USA 
  • 2008  -  Co-founded Artist Development Co-op 
  • 2006-2007  -  Art Practice Mentoring and Study of Contemporary, Visionary and Outsider art with Majena Mafe
  • 2002  -  Facial Sculpture in Clay, G. French
  • 2000  -  Icon Painting with Majena Mafe, Brisbane Institute of Art, Windsor
  • 1998-2010  -  Extended Artistic Development, with Wim de Vos and Adele Outteridge, The Studio West End
  • 1992  -  Design & Printmaking with Wim de Vos, Brisbane Institute of Art, South Brisbane
  • 1991  -  Mosaic and Tesserae Techniques with John Scott, Sydney
  • 1990  -  Numerous classes in pastels, collage and painting, T.A.F.E
  • 1985-1987  -  Various workshops in Eastern European and Russian Folk Art techniques