Jamieson shows art talent

Rockhampton’s Betty Jamieson is thrilled to be part of the Art in Bloom exhibition at the Rockhampton Art Gallery.

MEGAN LEWIS Ml--

THE Rose Garden – created by Betty Jamieson in 2006 – is one of the pieces on display. MEGAN LEWIS, ml19-0310-6

BETTY Jamieson has never played by the rule book.

And as a result she distinguished herself as a unique talented artist — even as a late bloomer in the art industry.

So it’s almost fitting Betty’s work features in the latest Rockhampton Art Gallery exhibition Art in Bloom.

Betty, 81, was one of five contemporary women artists invited to explore floral themes in their chosen media.

Betty paints soft-focus flora and landscape subjects on silk, which brings to mind traditional watercolours, but she then brings her imagery into the third dimension with modern embroidery techniques.

She’s always made art in some form since she was young, but first exhibited her works in 2000.

The art’s uniqueness gained interest from embroidery magazines, art enthusiasts and many in the community.

Not even being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago has slowed her down.

Betty said some days it’s hard for her to move around, but she tries every day to push through.

She said good friends helped motivate her through the hard times when she was first diagnosed, which was unusual for her age.

Betty said she felt very honoured to be part of the Art in Bloom exhibition.

“It’s wonderful for me to be invited to do something at my age,” she said.

“There are so many young ones out there and they chose me.

“I’m a bit nervous but very excited for the launch.”

The exhibition was launched on Friday night in conjunction with In the Wake of Flinders and Westall exhibit.

The exhibition features eight of Betty’s works.

She said each piece took weeks to complete and she hoped someday they would be worth a bit of money to leave behind for her family.

Both exhibits can be viewed until May 30.